BYU Football will be getting an infusion of talent via transfers in 2018

2017 was a season to forget for BYU fans, but 2018 presents some optimism with a group of transfers that will be eligible. BYU will be getting transfers from multiple P5 and G5 schools that have either played at other universities or signed at another university before their missions. This list doesn’t include potential grad transfer additions Dylan Collie and Tre Watson, who would provide immediate playmaking ability on offense.

There may be a few more additions to this list before the 2018 season starts, but here are the transfers that will play for BYU this upcoming season. Star rankings are from Rivals and 247 Sports.

Tristen Hoge (OL) 4 stars, Notre Dame

Hoge is the most decorated recruit on BYU’s roster. Coming out of high school in 2015, he was the number one rated center in the country by both Rivals and 247 Sports. He had offers from virtually everywhere, and chose Notre Dame. After being a backup center in South Bend for a couple seasons and sitting out last season at BYU, Hoge will be a sophomore in 2018 for BYU and be a starter at likely guard or center on BYU’s offensive line.

Christian Folau (LB) 4 stars, Oregon State

Folau has a great relationship with Kalani, which was a big reason for his signing with the Beavers before his mission. He was also committed to Stanford and Wisconsin at different points during the recruiting process. After redshirting in 2017, he’ll look to make a impact at linebacker this season upcoming season.

Wayne Tei-Kirby (DT) 3 stars, Oregon

Kirby played in 9 games for Oregon as a true freshman in 2016. Kirby really started to come on strong late in the season, and will be expected to be one of the starters along the interior line for BYU’s defense.

James Empey (OL) 3 stars, Utah

A Utah commit before his mission, Empey redshirted this past season for BYU. Empey also turned down the likes of Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Boise State, and a host of others when he initially signed with Utah. He’ll likely play in the interior of the OL, and he’ll have a good shot to replace Tejan Koroma as BYU’s starting center.

Baylor Romney (QB) 3 stars, Nevada

The older brother of 4-star WR signee Gunner, Baylor was a Nevada signee before his mission. Baylor is a walk on and will compete at QB during spring ball.

Zachary Katoa (RB) 3 stars, Oregon State

An Oregon State signee before his mission, Katoa redshirted and participated on the scout team in 2017. Katoa reportedly was a standout in practices, but with a crowded backfield, Katoa may be hard pressed to find playing time in 2018.

Amone Finau (RB) 3 Stars, Utah

Finau signed with Utah way back in 2014 before his mission, and just inked his NLI with BYU last week. Finau could play multiple positions on either side of the ball, but he’ll get a crack at RB first.

Joe Tukuafu (TE) 2 stars, Utah State

Tukuafu signed with Utah State before his mission, and was forced to redshirt in 2017 due to transfer rules. Tukuafu looks like he’ll start out at TE, but he could be big and nimble enough to play OT.

Harris LaChance (OL) 2 Stars, Utah State

LaChance signed with BYU as part of the 2018 class, and has bulked up significantly since returning home from his mission. He’ll compete to be on the two-deep depth chart.

Nate Heaps (TE) 2 Stars, Weber State

A productive high school tight end at American Fork High School, Heaps redshirted last year after returning home from his LDS mission.

AJ Lolohea (DL) 2 Stars, Weber State

Lolohea redshirted in 2017 after returning home from his LDS mission. He has bulked up quite a bit since his high school days, and could be a contributor along the defensive line.