WILD WHAT-IF: Did BYU’s Stacked QB Room Under LaVell Edwards Force the G.O.A.T. to Land at Michigan? | Kevin Young's Stunningly Patient Roster-Building Process Playing Out

What if Tom Brady had become the BYU football program’s starting quarterback under LaVell Edwards? The conversation focused on that tantalizing hypothetical after reports surfaced that BYU passed on the future NFL legend, who sent his tapes to Provo in 1994–95 only to be overlooked amid a crowded quarterback room that included Steve Sarkisian and Paul Shoemaker, among others. One concept discussed was BYU’s long legacy at “QBU,” where tough decisions have led to both college and professional greatness—and a few what-if stories like Brady and Detroit Tigers Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, another standout BYU missed. Listeners are prompted to consider other athletes who nearly joined the Cougars and their parallel paths to stardom. A key theme that emerged was the ongoing saga of BYU Basketball’s search for a big man under head coach Kevin Young. The discussion explored BYU’s runner-up finishes for top frontcourt recruits, with Caleb Ourigou’s commitment to Arkansas prompting questions about how long BYU can afford to wait for the right fit at center. Several points were raised, including Young’s apparent willingness to exercise patience until fall or even October if necessary, the complex NCAA eligibility for prospective transfers like David Okwera, Shawn Phillips Jr., and Caden Powell, as well as international targets such as Xu Xin and Pavle Backo. The effects of ongoing lawsuits and recent courts granting extra eligibility to college hoops players add further uncertainty to roster construction. Offensively, optimism remains high. The conversation highlighted the arrival of impact players like Rob Wright, Bruce Branch III, Collin Chandler, and sharpshooter Tyler Betsey, all poised to elevate BYU’s attack. Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology was addressed, projecting BYU as a 6-seed in Omaha—reminiscent of last season—bolstering the perception that this revamped roster could be as strong, or stronger, than the one that took the court last year. This leads to the question: will offensive firepower outweigh concerns about size and defense in a stacked Big 12? Rounding out the episode, the discussion covered BYU’s upcoming exhibition schedule, including high-profile clashes at the Delta Center against Nebraska and a regional showdown with UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center. Fan engagement, regional rivalries, and strong local support promise electric preseason matchups—will these tests set the tone for BYU’s campaign? Don’t miss this deep dive into BYU’s near-mythical recruiting stories, critical basketball roster questions, and the high expectations facing Cougar athletics.