At this point, keeping track of all the BYU Cougars making an impact in the NFL is becoming a difficult job. That’s a fantastic problem to have and a testament to the program Kalani Sitake has built. From established veterans to young players carving out significant roles, the BYU pipeline to the NFL is stronger than ever. With so many Cougars to keep an eye on each Sunday, it’s impossible to give everyone the attention they deserve, so we’re going to highlight some of the biggest standouts and take a look at the former BYU stars who are making their presence felt in the NFL.
Fred Warner vs. Puka Nacua
After the season kicked off Wednesday night in Seattle, the Rams and 49ers did battle in Australia. Arguably the two best BYU alums currently in the NFL squared off in linebacker Fred Warner for San Francisco and receiver Puka Nacua for the Rams. Both of these players ranked inside the NFL’s Top 100 Players list, with Warner at No. 54 and Nacua checks in at No. 7.
The 49ers ended up smacking the Rams 27-7 Down Under. Warner led both teams with 11 tackles, flying all over the field. Nacua had a workmanlike five catches for 74 yards on nine targets. Warner even batted a pass down that was intended for Nacua in a BYU versus BYU crime. Warner was the sixth-highest graded defender via Pro Football Focus in the entire NFL in Week 1.
Tyler Allgeier Shares Carries with No. 3 Pick Jeremiyah Love
Allgeier switched teams over the offseason. After fours solid seasons in Atlanta, he moved to a different bird team in Arizona. Then the team drafted star running back Jeremiyah Love with their third overall pick. However, due to a preseason injury to Love and the team wanting to ease him back, Allgeier led both teams between the Cardinals and Chargers with 17 carries on Sunday. He tallied 61 yards on the group and caught two passes for nine yards. That was the most carries Allgeier has had since October 2024. He likely will move to more of a true share in the backfield once Love gets his sea legs.
Zayne Anderson Flies Around For Miami
Anderson is becoming something of the “Dan Sorensen” of this era of BYU alums. An undrafted safety coming out in 2021, he stuck with the Chiefs for two seasons before bouncing around to the Packers and now the Dolphins. Given all the turnover in Miami this offseason, Anderson is listed as the Dolphins’ starting strong safety this season. He notched five tackles, including one for loss, and a pass deflected in Miami’s loss in Las Vegas. He should get plenty of snaps moving forward for the Dolphins.
