BYU transfer portal losses: 3 impact players Kalani Sitake lost during winter window ft. Crew Wakley

BYU's 11-2 season was impressive, but even the Cougars lost a few players to the transfer portal. The Cougars finished the season with a 36-14 beatdown of Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. In fact, BYU's season was nearly even more amazing. The Cougars' two losses were by four and five points, respectively. BYU was two plays from a perfect regular season.

Kalani Sitake had an impressive season and should have most of his important players from his surprising squad back for 2025. But a few of the Cougars have chosen to move on, and here's a quick guide to the three most significant portal defections.

BYU transfer portal losses: Top 3 players who have left in winter window

LB Aisea Moa, here forcing a fumble, has left BYU for Michigan State in the portal. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

3. Aisea Moa, LB

Moa was a four-star in-state recruit who is transferring along with his brother, Sione, also a linebacker. Moa hasn't seen a ton of time at BYU. In three seasons, he totaled 17 tackles, with 16 of those coming in 2024. But his size, experience and talent made him a highly-regarded transfer.

Moa chose Michigan State for his portal destination. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining. His brother is still in the portal, so it'll be interesting to see if Sione returns to BYU, follows his brother, or choses his own destination.

2. Kody Epps, WR

A 2020 recruit from California, Epps has had a tough run at BYU. He missed 2021 due to injury and has been otherwise limited in other seasons, never playing more than eight games. In 2022, Epps seemingly took off, catching 39 passes for 459 yards and six scores. But his career has taken a step back, with 21 catches in 2023 and just eight in 2024.

Epps has a single season of elgiibility left and has chosen pass-happy Western Kentucky for his final season. Considering the Hilltoppers' penchant for throwing the ball, he might eclipse his career totals in a single year in Bowling Green.

1.Crew Wakley, S

Wakley has played significant snaps at safety for the Cougars in the last two seasons. He started his college career at Utah State, but played in only four games there, so retained his full eligibility. In two season at BYU, Wakley had 103 tackles and three interceptions.

Wakley, who is from Utah, has made a big move with his remaining two seasons of eligibility. He's headed to Purdue, where new coach Barry Odom has a history of excellent defense. Considering that Odom inherits a 1-11 Purdue team with massive portal losses, Wakley should have no problem getting plenty of playing time.

What do you think of BYU's portal losses? Share your take below in our comments section!