The 2025 NFL Draft was a tough pill to swallow for BYU fans—zero Cougars selected across seven rounds. But the program bounced back in a big way last week, with linebacker Jack Kelly (New York Giants) and tight end Carsen Ryan (Cleveland Browns) hearing their names called. That's a solid rebound for a team that's gone 23-4 over the past two seasons.
Beyond the draft picks, eight other former BYU players landed NFL opportunities. Wide receiver Chase Roberts, safety Tanner Wall, and offensive lineman Isaiah Jatta inked free-agent deals with the Las Vegas Raiders. Cornerback Mory Bamba, kicker Will Ferrin, and long snapper Garrison Grimes signed with the New York Jets. Defensive lineman John Taumoepeau (Kansas City Chiefs) and offensive lineman Austin Leausa (Raiders) will get looks at rookie minicamps, though they face longer odds to make a roster.
It's remarkable that BYU has only produced two draft picks despite being one of the winningest programs in the country. That's a testament to head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff's work since joining the Big 12. Even more impressive: they did it with a true freshman quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, after projected starter Jake Retzlaff left the program last July due to a seven-game honor code suspension.
Getting two players drafted among 257 selections isn't bad—especially when you consider that at least 10 Power Four programs were shut out entirely, including Colorado, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, North Carolina, Purdue, Syracuse, Virginia, UCLA, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin. In 2025, BYU was one of six Power Five schools without a draft pick, alongside Duke, Wake Forest, Baylor, Houston, and Mississippi State. That Cougars team went 11-2 and finished ranked No. 13 nationally.
The draft is a crapshoot, especially in the later rounds. So what about the 2027 NFL Draft, set for Washington, D.C., on the National Mall? Two names to watch: running back LJ Martin and linebacker Cade Uluave. Both are key pieces of a BYU squad that's reloading for another big season in 2026. If they can build on the program's recent success, don't be surprised to see them among the prospects making the trip to the nation's capital.