Four Must-See BYU Football Stats That Will Surprise You – Including How Carsen Ryan Is Quietly Redefining the Tight End Role and Making a Big Impact on Offense
BYU football has always been a program rooted in tradition, toughness, and tactical brilliance—but 2025 is showing us something new. With an exciting mix of emerging talent, sharp coaching decisions, and players stepping into big-time roles, the Cougars are rewriting expectations. Among the highlights? Tight end Carsen Ryan, whose under-the-radar rise is turning heads and transforming how the position is viewed in Provo.
Let’s dive into four eye-opening stats that showcase just how much things are shifting for BYU football—and why Cougar fans should be fired up about what’s ahead.
1. Carsen Ryan: 78% Catch Rate – The Silent Assassin at Tight End
Tight ends are often the unsung heroes—doing the dirty work in the trenches and occasionally catching a few passes. But Carsen Ryan is changing that narrative fast. With a stunning 78% catch rate, Ryan has become one of BYU’s most reliable targets in the passing game. Whether it’s converting on third down or finding space in the red zone, he’s showing off hands, route-running, and field awareness that rival top-tier receivers.
Ryan’s blend of size, speed, and finesse is forcing defensive coordinators to account for him on every down—and it’s opening up the field for everyone else.
2. 65% Red Zone Efficiency – BYU Making Every Trip Count
One area where BYU has leveled up significantly this season is red zone efficiency. The Cougars are scoring touchdowns on 65% of their red zone trips, a leap from last season’s struggles. This improvement is largely thanks to more creative play-calling—and yes, you guessed it—tight end involvement.
Ryan has become a trusted target in tight spaces, using his 6’4” frame to shield defenders and win jump balls. His presence has added a new dimension to BYU’s red zone playbook, giving quarterbacks a reliable safety valve in high-pressure moments.
3. 3rd Down Conversion Rate: Up to 51% – Sustaining Drives Like Never Before
BYU’s offense has found a rhythm this year, and it shows in the 51% third-down conversion rate—one of the best in the Big 12. Sustaining drives has been a key factor in keeping the defense fresh and giving the Cougars a chance to control the tempo of games.
Ryan’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and move the chains has been instrumental. Time and again, he’s made clutch catches on 3rd-and-medium situations, proving his value as a go-to option when the team needs it most.
4. 8.4 Yards Per Play on Play-Action Passes – A Sign of Offensive Balance
Another stat that reveals the team’s evolution: BYU is averaging 8.4 yards per play on play-action passes. This shows how the run game is complementing the passing attack and vice versa. Defenders are biting on fakes—and Ryan is often the beneficiary, slipping past linebackers into open space.
With Ryan’s ability to block effectively, then release into the route tree, defenses are forced to guess. And in football, when defenders are guessing, the offense is winning.
Final Thoughts
These four stats aren’t just numbers—they’re signs of a maturing offense and a rising star in Carsen Ryan. He’s redefining what it means to play tight end at BYU, combining old-school physicality with modern playmaking flair. Cougar Nation, take notice: the TE position isn’t just back—it’s evolving. And Carsen Ryan is leading the charge.
#GoCougs 🐾 | #BYUFootball | #TightEndTakeover
