Jack Kelly announces decision to return to BYU in 2025
The BYU football team is getting back a big piece of its defense in 2025.
Redshirt junior Jack Kelly announced via social media that he will be returning to BYU next season and forgoing the NFL draft.
The linebacker from Kearns, Utah, will look to lead the Cougars again after they finished No. 1 in the Big 12 in total defense and scoring defense. BYU also led the FBS with 22 interceptions in 2024.
Kelly, a transfer from Weber State, made his impact on the field felt by becoming the BYU record-holder for most quarterback hurries in a single season with 14. Kelly led the Cougars in sacks (five) and forced fumbles (two) this season, while also tallying 50 total tackles.
A co-captain in 2024, Kelly was named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Transfer of the Year (College Football Network). He was also an All-Big 12 First Team selection (College Football Network, 2024).
Kelly will be returning alongside fellow linebackers and underclassmen Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart. The trio remains one of BYU’s strongest position units and it will look to replicate the success of this past season in 2025 as the Cougars look to claim the Big 12 championship.
