Who Will Send More Players to the NFL Playoffs: BYU or Utah?
As the NFL playoffs approach, the question of which college program will have a greater representation on the playoff rosters this season—BYU or Utah—has sparked conversation among fans and analysts. Both universities, based in the state of Utah, have produced talented players who have made significant impacts in the league. With multiple players from both teams currently active in the NFL, the debate centers around who will send the most talent to compete in the postseason. To answer this, we need to consider the overall presence of BYU and Utah alumni in the NFL, the current playoff contenders with former players, and how the performance of these players could influence their teams’ playoff hopes.
Brigham Young University (BYU) has a rich history of sending players to the NFL, including several standout athletes who have etched their names in football history. The program has notably produced numerous NFL quarterbacks, including legendary names such as Steve Young, Ty Detmer, and more recently, Zach Wilson, though Wilson’s journey has been a bit more tumultuous in recent seasons.
This year, BYU has seen several former players involved in the NFL playoffs, though the number is not as high as Utah’s. Some of the prominent BYU alumni making their mark in the league include:
- Zach Wilson (Quarterback) – Though Wilson’s tenure with the New York Jets has been rocky, the team has a solid defense and may still have playoff hopes depending on future results.
- Jaren Hall (Quarterback) – Another BYU product, Hall was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, although his involvement may be more limited as a backup.
The Cougars also have talented offensive and defensive players currently in the league, such as:
- Kyle Van Noy (Linebacker) – A veteran linebacker who has contributed to several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, and now the Los Angeles Chargers, Van Noy has the chance to make a postseason appearance with the Chargers this year. His leadership and experience are invaluable to any team he plays for.
- Isaiah Kaufusi (Linebacker) – Kaufusi has had a solid career on special teams and could contribute to a playoff team if his roster continues to play well.
Overall, BYU’s representation in the NFL playoffs will depend heavily on whether the few former players currently on playoff-contending teams can keep their squads in the hunt, as well as whether players like Van Noy continue to make a significant impact for the Chargers or other contenders.
The University of Utah has experienced significant growth in terms of NFL talent over the last decade. Utah players have played key roles in the NFL across multiple positions. The university’s pipeline to the NFL has grown stronger, and the state of Utah has become synonymous with high-level talent. While BYU may boast a historical advantage in terms of the total number of players sent to the NFL, Utah’s recent track record of sending players to postseason teams has been impressive.
Utah’s most notable contributors to NFL teams in the playoffs this season include:
- Mika Tafua (Defensive End) – Tafua’s hard-hitting style has earned him recognition in the NFL. His physical presence as a pass rusher could play a crucial role for any team in need of depth on defense during the playoff run.
- Devin Lloyd (Linebacker) – Lloyd has been one of the most impactful defensive rookies in the NFL, drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are primed for a deep playoff run, and Lloyd’s ability to impact games with his playmaking skills will be crucial. As one of Utah’s top prospects in recent years, Lloyd’s playoff experience could be vital for a Jaguars defense aiming to make noise in the postseason.
The Utah Utes are also well-represented by players like:
- Britain Covey (Wide Receiver / Return Specialist) – Covey has been solid on special teams and is a great asset for teams looking to capitalize on field-position advantages in the playoffs. He has been contributing to the Philadelphia Eagles’ success, a team which is a strong contender this season.
- John Penicini (Defensive Tackle) – A solid defensive presence who is also playing for a playoff-bound team, Penicini has been a key figure in anchoring the defense for the Detroit Lions.
Given the current NFL landscape and performance of the respective players from both schools, Utah seems to have an edge when it comes to sending more players into the NFL playoffs this season. The team has a significantly higher number of impactful players who are central to their playoff-bound teams. While BYU still boasts notable players, Utah’s players like Devin Lloyd, Brittain Covey, and Mika Tafua are all expected to play pivotal roles for their playoff teams, such as the Jaguars and Eagles, both of which are looking at deep postseason runs.
Moreover, Utah’s recent success in producing highly NFL-ready players is proving to be more favorable, and as the program continues to strengthen its recruiting and development, the number of players contributing to playoff teams could continue to rise in future seasons.
While BYU has a storied history of producing NFL talent, Utah has built a more consistent presence in the league in recent years, with several key players currently playing for playoff-bound teams. The edge this season goes to Utah, as the program’s rising stock in the NFL has helped send more players into the postseason. However, as both universities continue to churn out talented professionals, the competition for producing more NFL playoff players is sure to remain fierce for years to come.