BYU Extends an Offer to Texas Quarterback Noah Lugo

Recruiting quarterbacks will always be a critical ingredient to BYU's long-term success. Quarterback recruiting, especially over the last few weeks, has been a top storyline in BYU circles as the Cougars have been waiting out a decision from coveted quarterback Maealiuaki Smith. Smith, who officially visited BYU back in June, is expected to make his college decision in July.

Meanwhile, the Cougars have started exploring other 2024 options at quarterback. On Sunday, BYU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Aaron Roderick extended a scholarship offer to Texas quarterback Noah Lugo. Lugo committed to UTSA a few weeks ago over competing offers from Indiana, Tulane, Bowling Green, and a host of small schools.

Lugo preps at Eaton High School in Haslet, Texas. As a junior last season, Lugo racked up 30 total touchdowns and nearly 2,700 yards of total offense. Listed at 6'2, Lugo is a true dual-threat quarterback. He has a strong arm that can make throws at all levels of the field, and he has the running ability to punish defenses that allow him to get outside of the pocket.

BYU has had success with dual-threat quarterbacks under Aaron Roderick, meaning Lugo wouldn't have to rewrite the script of successful quarterback play in Roderick's offense. Instead, he could follow the path that's been laid out before him. Most recently, dual-threat quarterback Jaren Hall totaled nearly 7,000 yards of total offense and 61 total touchdowns including 800 yards on the ground. Hall was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2023 NFL Draft.

What does this mean for Maealiuaki Smith?

The question on the minds of all BYU fans: what does this offer mean for BYU's chances with Maealiuaki Smith?

Let's answer that question by looking at this situation from two different perspectives. First, the BYU perspective. The Cougars haven't been shy about their desire to bring Smith on board. They've done everything in their power to get Smith to commit, and now it's up to Maealiuaki and his family to decide where they want to go. Smith wrapped up his visits several weeks ago and he hasn't made his college decision. At a certain point, BYU has to plan for a scenario where Smith goes elsewhere. It appears that the Cougars are doing just that. If Smith ends up at a school not named BYU, the staff is prepared to push for other quarterbacks like Noah Lugo.

Let's think abot Maealiuaki Smith's perspective. Quarterback recruiting is unlike any other position group. Quarterback spots fill up early. At this point in the recruiting cycle, most of the P5 quarterback spots have already been taken. BYU and Oklahoma State, who appear to be the top two teams competing for Smith's services, have a quarterback scholarship available in the 2024 class. If BYU is starting to evaluate other options at quarterback, Smith might be forced to make his decision or one of his available opportunities could be taken by another player. That's why a lot of quarterbacks commit early - there is risk in dragging out a decision.

Is it possible that Smith could feel like BYU is moving on? That's certainly a risk, but it was one that BYU was willing to take. The Cougars want to be prepared if Smith goes elsewhere, and they are also signaling that they can't wait forever for Smith to make his college decision.

Recruiting is never black and white - there are multiple motivations and perspectives for every situation. From one perspective, BYU would be lucky to get Maealiuaki Smith. He's a special player that could be a multi-year starter for the Cougars. From another perspective, Smith would be lucky to sign with BYU. The Cougars have a proven track record of quarterback success under Aaron Roderick and the last two BYU quarterbacks have been drafted. BYU is heading into the Big 12 and there is an opportunity to be the quarterback of the future after Kedon Slovis graduates. The Cougars have a lot to offer to Smith or another quarterback in this class, and they gave Smith an opportunity to take that spot. He hasn't taken that spot, at least not yet, so BYU has started to evaluate other options.

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