BYU Lands Former UCLA and Utah TE Carsen Ryan
The BYU Cougars had been feeling the sting of roster shifts during the 2024 transfer portal window, but as the dust settled, a familiar name emerged to fill the void: Carsen Ryan. After a brief, winding journey through UCLA and Utah, Ryan, a tight end with undeniable potential, committed to BYU, bolstering the Cougar offense with his experience and athleticism.
Ryan’s story isn’t one of instant success but rather of gradual growth, perseverance, and seizing opportunities. A four-star recruit out of high school, Ryan was widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country. His raw talent was apparent from the start, yet his journey took unexpected turns when he chose UCLA, a program with high expectations but a deep and competitive roster. The transition wasn’t as smooth as Ryan had hoped. He spent his freshman season primarily as a backup, watching seasoned veterans earn the bulk of the playing time. It was a frustrating year, but Ryan kept his head down, knowing the importance of the long-term vision.
By his sophomore year, Ryan was ready to make a bigger impact, but circumstances would soon force him to reconsider his future. A coaching change at UCLA created uncertainty, leading Ryan to seek out a fresh start. The door opened with an offer from Utah, an in-state program with a rising reputation and a strong offensive system that utilized tight ends more prominently. He transferred to the Utes, eager for a new challenge, yet his stint in Salt Lake City, while promising, was marred by injuries and inconsistency in the offensive scheme. The flashes of brilliance were there, but Ryan never seemed to find his full rhythm.
As the 2024 transfer portal window opened, Ryan knew it was time to make a final decision. His football journey had been filled with stops and starts, but the dream of playing in a system that valued his skill set remained. BYU, a program on the rise with a rich tradition of developing tight ends, was the ideal landing spot. The Cougars had recently lost a tight end to the portal, creating an immediate need at the position. Ryan, having already established himself as a physical and dynamic player, saw the opportunity to be the centerpiece of BYU’s offense.
The decision to commit to BYU was more than just football—it was about finding a home, a place where he could shine. BYU’s offense, under the leadership of a coaching staff that had developed standout tight ends in recent years, presented the perfect environment for Ryan to reach his potential. The Cougars, known for their balance between running and passing attacks, needed a weapon who could stretch the field, create mismatches in the red zone, and be a reliable target across the middle. Ryan fit that mold perfectly.
Now, as Ryan prepares to wear the blue and white of BYU, expectations are high. His journey through UCLA, Utah, and now BYU, though unconventional, has given him a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level. The lessons learned in those previous stops—resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seizing opportunities—will be invaluable as he looks to leave his mark on BYU’s offense.
For Cougar fans, Ryan represents more than just a new recruit; he is the next in line of talented tight ends to make an impact on the national stage. His size, hands, and football IQ make him a versatile weapon, whether lined up in the slot, tight on the line, or out wide. As BYU looks to compete at a high level in 2024 and beyond, Carsen Ryan’s arrival is a signal that the Cougars are serious about their aspirations and ready to make noise in the competitive world of college football.
In Ryan, BYU doesn’t just gain a player—they gain a piece of experience and talent that could define the next chapter in Cougar football.