Could BYU possibly win the Big 12? Riley Nelson thinks, maybe, and here’s what they have to do...

In this in-depth interview on Y’s Guys, former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson discusses the Cougars’ exciting 5-0 start and their journey into the Big 12. Nelson, who played for BYU from 2009 to 2012, reflects on the significance of the team being ranked 17th and surpassing Utah, ranked 18th, in both the Big 12 standings and national rankings. He notes that, for the first time in years, BYU and Utah are competing in the same conference, which removes many of the debates over independent schedules and comparisons, allowing the teams to settle everything on the field.
Nelson emphasizes BYU’s vastly improved defense under coordinator Jay Hill, praising the new pass-rush approach and aggressive mindset that reminds him of the "Salt Lake City" defenses he faced as a player. He describes his frustrations with past BYU defensive philosophies that seemed passive, but now sees a defense that is taking control of games by attacking opposing offenses. Nelson credits Hill’s ability to bring in key players, develop existing talent, and shift the defense’s mentality to one that takes the fight to the opponent. He also draws a comparison to the aggressive defensive strategies of Bronco Mendenhall, under whom Nelson played, noting that BYU’s defense is now becoming an offensive weapon in its own right.
On the offensive side, Nelson assesses quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s progress. While praising Retzlaff’s toughness and growth, particularly in red-zone efficiency, Nelson points out areas for improvement, such as developing more touch on shorter passes. He also encourages Retzlaff to trust offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, noting that every BYU quarterback who has trusted Roderick’s system has thrived. Nelson is confident that if Retzlaff continues to develop and refine his game, BYU’s offense will become even more formidable.
Looking ahead, Nelson is optimistic about BYU’s chances in the Big 12, recognizing that the conference is wide open after Texas and Oklahoma left. He highlights how BYU controls its own destiny and could realistically make a run at the Big 12 championship. Nelson is particularly impressed by the team’s ability to remain focused and resilient, recalling how a promising 2022 season fell apart after a strong start. He hopes that the leadership within the team, many of whom experienced the disappointing 2022 season, will help them avoid a similar collapse this year. Nelson concludes by noting that BYU is strong in all three phases of the game and believes the team has the toughness and depth to compete with anyone in the Big 12.
Throughout the interview, Nelson’s enthusiasm for BYU’s potential is clear, and he believes this season could be something special for Cougar Nation.
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