The latest study of player movement out of Brigham Young University reveals a stark pattern: of the 81 athletes who left the program since 2020, only one in five emerged with a measurable boost in on‑field production.
The findings, which combine film analysis with statistical tracking, show that the majority of transfers either maintain their previous output or see it erode once they land elsewhere, especially when they move to lower‑tier conferences or fail to secure a spot on another FBS roster.
The Numbers Behind the Movement
Among the departures, 28 percent dropped down to the FCS level and another 20 percent never caught on at a collegiate program. A further 45 percent landed at another Football Bowl Subdivision school but did not see a statistically significant rise in yards, tackles or receptions. In contrast, just 20 percent of the group posted improved numbers, and most of those gains came against weaker opposition.
Specific case studies illustrate the broader trend. Harrison Taggart, who transferred to California, saw his playing time and production cut in half, while Crew Wakley’s snap count fell dramatically at Purdue. Gabe Jeudy‑Lally’s output was virtually unchanged after moving to Tennessee, and Clark Barrington’s numbers at Baylor either plateaued or slipped slightly. Jake Retzlaff’s statistics remained static at Tulane, underscoring how the jump in competition often neutralizes prior success.
Not every story follows the downward trajectory. Dallin Holker’s ascent at Colorado State earned him All‑American honors, and Keelan Marion’s 746‑yard campaign at Miami set a personal best. Miles Davis enjoyed a career‑high workload at Utah State, and John Henry Daley topped the nation in sacks before a season‑ending injury. These outliers, however, remain the exception rather than the rule.
The data also highlights a geographic pattern. Transfers who do improve tend to land in conferences that are perceived as less competitive, suggesting that the level of play at the new destination can be a decisive factor. This observation aligns with the broader narrative that leaving a program with a strong developmental pipeline may not automatically translate into a more productive career.
Implications for Future Roster Management
For coaching staff, the evidence serves as a cautionary tale. Investing resources in retaining projected starters, as BYU did in January, may be more effective than chasing talent through the transfer portal. The numbers indicate that the odds favor stability over volatility, especially when the alternative destinations are unlikely to provide a platform for exponential growth.
Ultimately, the research paints a clear picture: while a minority of former Cougars manage to buck the trend and flourish elsewhere, the overwhelming majority experience stagnation or decline. The takeaway for players, analysts and fans alike is that a move away from BYU is statistically more likely to result in a less productive career.