Cody Hagen, a 6‑foot‑1, 185‑pound wide receiver from Draper, Utah, announced his medical retirement from football on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt close to a promising college career. The decision follows a knee injury sustained near the end of the 2025 season, which limited his participation in spring practices and left him unable to meet the physical demands of the game.
During his two seasons with the Cougars, Hagen recorded 15 receptions for 126 yards and served as BYU’s primary kick returner, amassing 409 yards on 18 returns. His contributions helped the team maintain competitiveness despite a depleted roster, and his reputation as a reliable playmaker was evident in key moments throughout the previous campaign.
Hagen’s high school pedigree added to the excitement surrounding his college trajectory. At Corner Canyon High School, he earned four‑star status, was named Utah Gatorade Player of the Year, and helped lead his team to a dominant season before committing to Brigham Young University.
A New Look for the Cougars' Receiving Corps
With Hagen’s departure, BYU will field a completely new set of receivers in 2026. Senior Tiger Bachmeier, a former Stanford transfer, returns to provide experience, while rising sophomore Jojo Phillips emerged as the No. 1 receiver during spring ball. The unit also welcomes fresh talent such as Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston, both of whom will look to fill the void left by Hagen’s versatile skill set.
Coach Kalani Sitake expressed confidence in the group’s depth, noting that the team has assembled a balanced mix of size, speed, and route‑running ability. The coaching staff believes the new combinations will keep the offense dynamic and competitive as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Cougars open the 2026 campaign on September 5 against Utah Tech, a matchup that will serve as the first test for the revamped receiving corps. Fans will be eager to see how the new talent integrates with the offense and whether the team can maintain its momentum from the previous season.