Brigham Young University’s football program has long been intertwined with the church’s missionary culture, a relationship that continues to shape its roster year after year.
In the 2024 squad, more than 60 players have served missions, and currently 25 former signees or athletes are either on missions, planning to go, or have recently returned, underscoring the program’s unique pipeline.
Among them, nine are former four‑star prospects, and three of BYU’s top ten historical signings are currently on missions, highlighting the caliber of talent that pauses for service before returning to the field.
The Return of Key Playmakers
Ryner Swanson, a former four‑star recruit, made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2024 before departing for his mission; he is slated to come back after the 2026 season. Devoux Tuataga and Brody Laga, both members of the 2024 class, have completed their missions and are expected to join fall camp, with Laga battling for the starting kicker role. Emerson Geilman, a quarterback who entered as a true freshman in 2025, will serve his mission after that season and is projected to return in 2028, potentially adding depth to the quarterback rotation.
The 2026 recruiting class stands as the strongest in recent history, boasting six four‑star signees, including Alai Kalaniuvalu, who flipped from Oregon, McKay Madsen, a running back who chose BYU over Oregon and UCLA, and Austin Pay, the younger brother of former NFL players Connor and Trevor Pay. These newcomers, alongside returning missionaries, signal a promising outlook for the Cougars as they await the homecoming of several key players in the 2027 season.