The Spring Ball is in the rearview mirror, which means we have a few months until fall camps begin across the country in late July and August.
The end of the Spring Ball also means many national outlets are updating their “way too early” Top 25 polls. BYU ended the 2021 season No. 19 in the AP survey and is among the nation’s leaders in returning to production, meaning they appear in the majority of rankings.
We summarize some of the rankings from different media below.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach ranked BYU #19 in his Updated Way-Too-Early Top 25.
Spring update: The Cougars, emerging with 10 wins from back-to-back seasons and entering their final season as independents, are bringing back almost everyone who made a big contribution in 2021. In fact, according to ESPN’s bill, BYU will return 88% of its production to Connelly, and that’s second place on the FBS. If the Cougars can keep quarterback Jaren Hall healthy and find a capable replacement for Allgeier, who has gone to the NFL, they’ll be ready for another 10-win season or more. One concern: BYU’s schedule for next season includes home games against Baylor and Arkansas, road games against Oregon, Boise State and Stanford, and a contest with Notre Dame in Las Vegas.
Eric Smith from United States today ranks BYU number 9.
The Cougars have won 21 games in the last two seasons, returning quarterback Jaren Hall, who should lead a dynamic offense with California transfer Christopher Brooks to fill a running back need. The defense is bringing back almost their entire unit and getting back several players lost to injury. When those pieces come together, it should take a big step forward. Even with recurring production, BYU doesn’t get much affection nationally, but this has what it takes for a team that can handle a tough schedule (Baylor, Oregon, Notre Dame, Arkansas) and make it to the playoffs or New Year’s Six Game if they avoid major injuries.
CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd puts BYU at 22.
The Cougars certainly deserve an invite to the Big 12. Kalani Sitake has the program on a balanced course with 21 combined wins over the past two seasons. Versatile RB Tyler Allgeier has left for the NFL, but Cal transfer Christopher Brooks is hoping to step in.
Stewart Mandel from the athlete sneaks in BYU at 25.
QB Jaren Hall is back. Buzzy WRs Chase Roberts and Kody Epps should see bigger roles, and Cal-Transfer RB Chris Brooks will help fill in Tyler Allgeier’s shoes. Defense will benefit from the return of injured LBs Payton Wilgar and Keenan Pili, who join leading returning tackler Ben Bywater in a deep position group. Vanderbilt transfer CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally gives the Cougars a nice third option at cornerback.
Brad Crawford from 247 sports Rank BYU 14.
If you’re making a difference as a quarterback after a 10-win season, the hype is justified. But now BYU is welcoming top wideout gunner Romney — who skipped an NFL opportunity — and landed Cal, running back Christopher Brooks and Stanford fullback Houston Heimuli from the portal to complete what will be next fall’s one feared crime should be. In the first seven weeks, BYU plays Baylor, Oregon, Notre Dame and Arkansas, four teams included in our early-season rankings. If there’s a Dark Horse playoff team for 2022, you could look at it based on the schedule options.
Jon Wilner from The Merkur News sets BYU to 18.
The Cougars only have two chances to beat the Pac-12, not five, but with a loaded defense and an experienced quarterback (Jaren Hall), they should do well as an independent last year. Opener: September 3 at USF
