In a matter of days, two major contributors for Kalani Sitake’s program entered the transfer portal without warning, raising eyebrows across Cougar Nation. Marion’s departure especially sent shockwaves—he had just begun to find his rhythm at BYU, and fans were left wondering why he would suddenly opt out.
Taggart’s transfer only added fuel to the fire, reinforcing the notion that something might be off behind the scenes in Provo.
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This all comes after a banner year for BYU, where the Cougars finished 11-2 with signature wins over Utah, Kansas State, and a statement blowout of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. The prevailing narrative was clear: BYU football was trending upward, with expectations high heading into next season.
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Now, some are questioning that momentum. What’s really going on?
Let’s explore a few possible explanations—none confirmed, all speculative. These are theories, not facts, and the truth may lie somewhere in the middle—or involve factors no one sees coming.
Theory 1: Reduced Roles May Have Been Looming
It’s possible that both players saw their roles diminishing in 2025. In spring ball, younger players often emerge and challenge for starting jobs. If coaches were leaning toward making changes, veterans might’ve sensed their playing time was at risk.
This seems more plausible for Taggart, whose solid contributions could be replaced by rising talent. Marion, on the other hand, was an elite return man and a growing offensive weapon, making this theory a bit harder to apply in his case—unless the depth chart is far deeper than outsiders realize.
Theory 2: Bigger Programs Came Calling
This one’s pretty straightforward: both players may be looking to level up. BYU is improving, but it still doesn’t sit at the top table of college football alongside schools like Alabama, Ohio State, or Texas.
For Marion, this theory fits well—he’s already drawn serious interest from programs such as Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arizona State, and Arkansas, all within a day of entering the portal. He’s a hot commodity.
Taggart’s next destination is unclear for now, but both he and Marion might simply be testing their market value. And like Kody Epps last year, they could return after seeing what’s out there—unless one of those big-name programs presents an irresistible offer.
Theory 3: Unfulfilled Promises Behind the Scenes
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This one veers into speculation, but it’s possible the players felt that promises weren’t being kept—whether related to NIL money, playing time, or position-specific expectations.
While BYU has been at the forefront of NIL in basketball, the same can’t necessarily be said for football—at least publicly. There’s no direct evidence of broken promises, but if players feel undervalued or overlooked, especially in an era where mobility is easier than ever, they won’t hesitate to explore new options.
So, Is BYU Football in Trouble?
Right now, it’s unclear if this is a sign of deeper issues or just a brief disruption. Time will tell whether this is part of a larger trend or simply a few players making career moves. One thing is certain: fans will be hoping the bleeding stops here.
