PROVO, Utah — As fall camp rolls into high gear, the BYU Cougars concluded week two of preparations with a spirited scrimmage inside LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday. With just weeks to go before the 2025 season opener, the team took the opportunity to simulate game-day conditions, test depth, and evaluate key position battles in front of a small crowd of family, media, and alumni.
The scrimmage, which lasted just under two hours, showcased a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed satisfaction with the energy and intensity his team brought, but emphasized that there is still work to be done.
“There were a lot of positives out there,” Sitake said following the scrimmage. “You could see the effort and physicality. We still have some fine-tuning to do, especially with communication and execution, but overall I’m pleased with where we are after two weeks.”
Quarterback Competition Heats Up
One of the most-watched aspects of Saturday’s scrimmage was the ongoing quarterback competition. Returning junior Ryder Burton and redshirt sophomore Jake Retzlaff both took significant reps with the first-team offense. Burton opened strong with a 65-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Parker Kingston on the second series, while Retzlaff showed off his mobility and poise under pressure during a long scoring drive in the second half.
Freshman signal-caller Elijah Sanders also saw action late in the scrimmage, offering a glimpse of the future with a pair of sharp completions and a well-executed read-option keeper.
Sitake declined to name a front-runner but praised the quarterback room’s depth and competitiveness.
“It’s a good problem to have when all your quarterbacks are playing at a high level,” Sitake said. “We’ll keep evaluating and let the process play out.”
Defense Brings the Pressure
On the other side of the ball, the defense came to play. Linebacker Ben Bywater, back after an injury-shortened 2024 season, led a swarming unit that forced three sacks and one interception. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s group showed increased aggression and communication, with several young defensive backs making their case for increased playing time.
“Our front seven was disruptive, and I liked how the secondary responded,” Hill said. “Still some things to clean up, but we’re trending in the right direction.”
Special Teams Sharpen Up
Kicker Will Ferrin drilled two field goals, including a 48-yarder, while punter Ryan Rehkow continued to show why he’s among the best in the nation with several booming kicks that pinned the offense deep.
Looking Ahead
With two weeks remaining before BYU’s season opener against Arizona on August 31 in Las Vegas, the coaching staff will shift focus toward solidifying the depth chart and installing the final phases of the game plan. Injuries have been minimal, a welcome sign for a team hoping to improve on last season’s 6-7 finish.
“Our goal is to keep building every day,” Sitake said. “This team has high expectations, and they’re working like it.”
As the countdown to kickoff continues, Saturday’s scrimmage offered a clear sign: the Cougars are making progress — and the 2025 season is just around the corner.
