BYU's football team is staring down a massive question mark at wide receiver, with their top two pass catchers from last year, Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston, totally gone. And if that wasn't enough, rising junior Cody Hagen is out too, taking a medical retirement due to lingering injuries. This leaves the Cougars with a seriously inexperienced group heading into the season opener on September 5 against Utah Tech. But here's the wild part: Head coach Kalani Sitake and quarterback Bear Bachmeier aren't sweating it.
The Receiver Room Got Gutted, But Sitake's Not Worried?
Last year, the big worry for BYU was quarterback after Jake Retzlaff transferred. True freshman Bear Bachmeier stepped up and saved the season, for real. This year, the spotlight is on the receivers, with Roberts (54 catches, 802 yards) heading to the Las Vegas Raiders' training camp as a free agent, and Kingston (67 catches, 928 yards) in "limbo" after a felony rape charge was dismissed without prejudice. That dismissal means prosecutors could refile it, leaving Kingston's return to the university and football program a "university decision" with athletic director Brian Santiago saying they are "allowing the university processes to take place." When asked if he was worried about the wide receiver position, Coach Sitake's response was blunt: "Not really." He backed it up, saying, "If we didn't have any talent there, I would be really concerned, but I have seen the guys play." It's a bold claim when two of your biggest playmakers just vanished.Who's Stepping Up For Bear Bachmeier This Season?
So, if Sitake isn't worried, who's he banking on? The returning stat-getters are redshirt junior Jojo Phillips (14 catches, 161 yards), senior Tiger Bachmeier (seven catches, 59 yards), and redshirt sophomore Reggie Frischknecht (one catch, 7 yards). Redshirt sophomore Tei Nacua, whose brother Puka is a superstar for the Rams, was on the team but didn't record a catch last year. The Cougars did bring in 6-foot-6 Kyler Kasper from Oregon via the transfer portal to try and replace some of Roberts' production, with Sitake relying on Phillips as the lone deep threat with experience. They are also pinning hopes on a standout freshman class, including Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula, and Terrance Saryon. Plus, returned missionary Jett Nelson could add depth. It's a whole lot of new faces and unproven talent, which means Bear Bachmeier is going to have to work some serious magic. The season kicks off September 5 against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium. That's when we'll see if Sitake's confidence is justified or if this unproven receiver group becomes the team's Achilles' heel. All eyes will be on Bachmeier to see if he can make these new guys shine.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.