BYU Cougars Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas Longhorns

The BYU Cougars defense is led by a dynamic linebacker, Max Tooley.

Last season, the BYU Cougars allowed 407 yards and 29.5 points per game, which both were slightly worse than the Big 12 averages.

Defensive coordinator Jay Hill was hired in December after Ilaisa Tuiaki stepped down from his position, and he brings with him a new defensive scheme that will look to overhaul BYU's defense for its move to the Big 12.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, things have not gone the way they'd hoped defensively, with the unit ranking 61st in scoring defense, 80th in rush defense, 101st in pass defense, and 98th in total defense. 

To make things worse, they lost arguably their best defender, Ben Bywater, for the season with a shoulder injury after four games. 

Still, there is some talent on the Cougars defense.

Here are three players the Texas Longhorns will need to keep their eyes on for their matchup against the Cougars on Oct. 28.

LB Max Tooley

Linebacker Max Tooley was putting together a career year until he suffered a season-ending injury against Liberty last year. 

In seven games last season, Tooley recorded 57 tackles — which still ranked fourth on the Cougars last season— two tackles for loss, one sack, and three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

Now in 2023, Tooley's work has paid off, with the senior leading the team with 50 total tackles, to go along with two tackles for loss, an interception, and a sack.

Cincinnati Bearcats running back Corey Kiner (21) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Max Tooley (31) in the third quarter during a college football game between the Brigham Young Cougars and Cincinnati Bearcats :: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

DL Tyler Batty

Defensive lineman Tyler Batty was projected to be a breakout player in 2023.

And he has done just that, sitting with 3.5 sacks through seven games and leading the team in that category. 

Batty also has 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four QB hurries and two forced fumbles. 

CB Jakob Robinson

One thing the Cougars defense has been able to do well through the air this season is force turnovers, with the team securing 11 interceptions through seven games. 

Cornerback Jakob Robinson has been a major factor in that, with four interceptions of his own. 

Two of those interceptions came in the season opener vs. Sam Houston State, but he also has two over the last three weeks against Texas Tech and Cincinnati. 

And with a new quarterback under center for the Longhorns, Robinson could take advantage.