College football's transfer portal is a whirlwind of possibilities, and for BYU fans, it's a time filled with hope and speculation. But hold on tight, because the portal officially slammed shut on Friday for incoming entries...that means no new names can pop up until next year. However, players already in the portal are still free to commit to new schools even after the deadline. So, who might the Cougars be eyeing to bolster their roster? This week, three specific players have been buzzing around social media, all linked to a potential future in Provo. Let's dive in!
1. CJ Tiller - Quarterback: The Backup Plan?
Utah State transfer quarterback CJ Tiller entered the portal with a solid two to three years of eligibility remaining. Almost immediately, rumors swirled, and an offer from BYU was reportedly on the table. Now, why is BYU so interested in another quarterback? Well, it's no secret they're actively seeking a reliable backup. Remember Jadyn Davis, the Michigan transfer quarterback who visited BYU last week? He's still mulling over his options. And this is the part most people miss: a strong quarterback room requires depth, and BYU's coaching staff isn't putting all their eggs in one basket.
Tiller, originally a Boise State commit before heading to Utah State, presents an intriguing alternative. With McCae Hillstead's transfer, BYU now has an open scholarship spot at the quarterback position if they choose to use it. This could be a strategic move to secure a talented understudy and future potential starter. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans might argue that BYU should focus on developing existing talent rather than bringing in another transfer. What do you think? Is adding Tiller a smart play, or should BYU prioritize internal growth?
2. Roger Saleapaga - Tight End: A Legacy in the Making?
Roger Saleapaga, a former Orem High School standout, was a highly sought-after four-star recruit coming out of high school. Adding to the intrigue, he's the younger brother of Keanu Saleapaga, an offensive lineman who played for BYU from 2017 to 2020. Talk about a legacy! Saleapaga initially committed to the Oregon Ducks, where he spent the first two years of his college career.
After entering the portal earlier this week, he sent BYU fans into a frenzy by posting an Instagram story from Provo featuring the iconic "Y" mountain. Now, BYU recently secured Walker Lyons, a potential replacement for Carsen Ryan. And this is the part most people miss... Saleapaga possesses too much talent to simply overlook. While at Oregon, he was behind two future NFL tight ends, yet still managed to play 165 offensive snaps in 2025. That speaks volumes about his potential. Is he worth adding even with Lyons on board? Absolutely. Having multiple talented tight ends can create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
3. Johntay Cook - Wide Receiver: A Five-Star Talent?
Syracuse wide receiver transfer Johntay Cook was a five-star recruit coming out of high school when he signed with Texas. After transferring to Syracuse, Cook had a career-high 549 receiving yards for the Orange in 2025. But that's not the whole story. Cook has been in contact with a long list of schools since entering the portal, including BYU. According to College Football Edits, Auburn, North Carolina, Michigan, BYU, and Florida State are all vying for his attention.
Cook's stats speak for themselves: 45 receptions, 549 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns last season. And this is the part most people miss... If Cook were to choose BYU, he'd likely slide straight into the starting lineup. This could instantly elevate BYU's passing game and provide a much-needed boost to their offensive firepower. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might question whether a player who transferred twice is worth the risk. Will he find his footing at BYU, or will he be looking for another school in a year?
So, what do you think, BYU fans? Are these three players the missing pieces the Cougars need to take their team to the next level? Which player would you most like to see in a BYU uniform, and why? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
