Five BYU Spring Game Storylines

BYU football is back in the form of a Spring scrimmage. On Friday, BYU fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2023 team in action. The Spring game, which Kalani Sitake noted might look more like a practice than a game, is the first open practice/scrimmage since 2019. Below is a preview of the top storylines heading into the Spring game.

1. All Eyes on the Quarterbacks

As expected, Kedon Slovis has been taking the starting quarterback reps this Spring. All eyes will be on Slovis on Friday as he plays in front of BYU fans for the first time as a BYU quarterback. Slovis comes to BYU as a decorated college quarterback, and players and coaches around the program have noted his ability to lead BYU's offense like Jaren Hall and Zach Wilson. Slovis will have his first chance to show the fans.

After Slovis, the backup quarterback job is up for grabs. JUCO transfer Jake Retzlaff is competing with Cade Fennegan for that spot. It's also the first opportunity for 2023 signee Ryder Burton to play in front of BYU fans in Lavell Edwards Stadium.

2. New-Look Defense

BYU hired former Weber State head coach Jay Hill as its new defensive coordinator. Hill has used the last few weeks to install his defensive scheme, a scheme that is modeled after the defense he and Kalani ran at Utah. BYU fans will have their first opportunity to watch BYU's new defense in action. Aggressive has been the theme surrounding the new defense.

Given what we've seen from BYU's defense over the last several years, the defense is expected to be a completely new-look defense in 2023.

3. First Look at the Newcomers

BYU added more transfers this offseason than any other season in program history. Between transfers and prior signees, there are nearly 40 newcomers on BYU's Spring roster. Some transfers like Kedon Slovis, Aidan Robbins, Eddie Heckard, Paul Maile, Isaiah Bagnah, and Jackson Cravens are expected to contribute immediately. Other former signees are fighting for early playing time. Friday is the first opportunity for these newcomers to play in front of BYU fans.

There's a fairly probable scenario where 30%-40% of BYU's 22 starters will be transfers in 2023.

4. Position Battles

A large chunk of the starting spots are up for grabs, you can read our full preview of the upcoming position battles here. The Spring game will be a first glimpse at the status of those position battles.

5. Highly-Rated Recruits in Attendance

As part of the Spring game, BYU will host its annual junior day. Junior day is a big recruiting event where dozens of recruits are invited to campus for unofficial visits. Many highly-rated recruits will be in attendance including four-star tight end Ryner Swanson, four-star linebacker Weston Port, Kash Dillon, Brock Harris, and Nikko Klemm to name a few.

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