Bryan Kehl, a former BYU linebacker who later spent six seasons in the NFL, recently sat down to reflect on a career that has been defined as much by intense rivalries as by personal ambition.
The Utah Rivalry That Shaped a Career
Growing up in Utah, Kehl’s early college years were marked by two standout performances against the state’s other major program. In 2006 he recorded ten tackles and a sack in a 24‑17 victory at Rice Eccles Stadium, and a year later he helped the Cougars rally from behind to win in Provo.
Those matchups, he says, remain the most vivid memories of his football journey, not just because of the scorelines but because of the atmosphere that seemed to charge every snap.
From College Gridiron to NFL Demands
Moving to the professional ranks brought a new set of challenges. Kehl notes that the physicality, speed and stakes in the NFL dwarf those of college play, a reality that was underscored during a 2012 game against the Dallas Cowboys where he felt the weight of every decision.
He also points out that today’s top BYU prospects are securing contracts that surpass the earnings he enjoyed in his sixth NFL year, a sign of the program’s rising financial profile.
A Program Poised for a Breakthrough
Under head coach Kalani Sitake, BYU has posted a 23‑4 record over the past two seasons and is projected to contend for the Big 12 Championship. A recent report suggests the 2026 roster could feature up to ten players who will be eligible for the next NFL draft, a depth that excites both fans and analysts.
Kehl, who was the only BYU player drafted in 2008 when the Giants selected him in the fourth round, believes the current talent pool could finally deliver the national championship the school has chased for decades.
“The combination of elite coaching, recruiting and the growing platform of the Big 12 gives us a real shot,” he says, expressing optimism that the Cougars can translate their recent momentum into a title run.