Taysom Hill credits his return to BYU to one special night

The week after Taysom Hill went down with a Lisfranc injury at Nebraska, BYU fans were still riding the emotional roller coaster of backup quarterback Tanner Mangum’s Miracle at Memorial and the news that Hill had suffered the third season-ending injury of his career.

Although immersed in the elation and national attention that came along with the last-second Hail Mary pass that broke the Cornhusker’s 29-year home opener win streak, BYU fans wanted to find a way to let Taysom to know they had not forgotten him. Thankfully, the ROC, BYU’s faithful student section, made a plan—and that plan paid off.

Hope springs eternal at most college football home openers around the country, but the feeling in LaVell Edwards Stadium at kickoff against recent rival Boise State was especially electric. All eyes were on Tanner Mangum. The freshman had just pulled off one of the most memorable wins in BYU history—could he do it again?

Somewhere, away from the noise and excitement at LES, Taysom Hill sat on a couch with his wife Emily, recovering from surgery and watching what should have been his moment.

But down 24-14 at the end of the third quarter, it looked like maybe the magic was running out. Suddenly, signs that read “4 Taysom” flooded the student section, along with chants of “Taysom, Taysom!”

It was a small gesture, but one that showed the respect and appreciation that all of Cougar Nation felt for their senior quarterback. It also created a spark for the players on the field to get the win for Taysom as they scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, including another Hail Mary pass and a thrilling pick six.

But with Hill’s radio silence after his injury, no one quite knew how that tribute affected him or his decision to return to BYU. Until now.

On the heels of Tuesday’s announcement that Taysom Hill will be the starting quarterback, BYU released a video in which Hill explains why he chose to return for his final season—and it has a lot to do with the loyal, passionate fans who fill LaVell Edwards Stadium each week. Hear Taysom explain what it was like for him to see the sea of number 4 during the Boise State game, and how it ultimately played a big role in his decision to return to BYU.

On September 17, Taysom Hill will get his moment when he leads his team onto their home field in front of 60,000 loyal, hopeful fans. Wearing a new number 7 in support of his late brother, and with the support of Cougar Nation behind him, it should be a night to remember. As Taysom will tell you, there’s no place like home.