Brigham Young University’s football team has long been intertwined with the school’s missionary culture, a connection that now defines a sizable portion of its 2024 roster.
The Current Missionary Cohort
As of spring camp, 25 players who were either serving missions, preparing to serve, or have recently returned are slated to join the squad, representing a blend of experience and high‑profile talent.
Among them, nine carry the designation of four‑star prospects, and three rank among the program’s top ten historical signees, underscoring the recruiting caliber that the missionary pathway can attract.
Ryner Swanson, a former four‑star recruit, made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2024 before departing for his mission, while Devoux Tuataga and Brody Laga, both members of the 2024 signing class, have completed their assignments and are expected to report for fall camp.
Brody Laga is slated to battle for the starting kicker position, adding a special‑teams dimension to the returning talent pool.
Swanson’s return is projected for the 2026 season, while quarterback Emerson Geilman, who entered as a true freshman in 2025, will serve a mission and not be eligible again until 2028.
The 2026 recruiting class, hailed as the strongest since modern rankings began, includes six four‑star athletes who have deferred enrollment to fulfill missionary obligations, and quarterback Ryder Lyons is slated to come back in time for the 2027 campaign.
Beyond sheer numbers, the missionary experience infuses the locker room with a distinctive work ethic and perspective, shaping team dynamics and influencing how coaches approach player development.