Predicting the Highest-Rated BYU Players in the New College Football Video Game

The first step to predicting the future is to look back at the past. In 2014, these were the 10 highest-rated BYU players in the game:

1. Cody Hoffman - 91
2. Kyle Van Noy - 89
3. Brock Stringham - 87
4. Ross Apo - 84
5. Eathyn Maunmaleuna - 84
6. Justin Sorensen - 84
7. Daniel Sorensen - 83
8. Ryker Mathews - 82
9. Jamaal Williams - 81
10. Paul Lasike, J.D. Falslev, Spencer Hadley, Jordan Johnson - 80

The rating system for the old NCAA Football games was fairly harsh. For example, Kyle Van Noy received an 89 rating as a Senior before becoming a second-round NFL draft pick. That rating is too low for a player that was dominant in college and became the 40th overall pick in the NFL draft. Cody Hoffman received a 91 rating which was the highest rating of anyone on BYU's roster that season.

It appears the ratings are based on four categories:

1. Experience - Eight of the top 10 players were upperclassmen - no freshmen were in the top 10.
2. Production - Based on career production with the prior year production weighted the most.
3. Athleticism - Athleticism relative to the need of the position.
4. Size - Based on prototypical size for the player's position.

Given the advancement of the star system over the last decade, the star ratings will probably be a decent predictor of future ratings as well. Using that criteria, here are the 10 players we believe will be the highest-rated players in the NCAA video game.

1. Ben Bywater - Linebacker

In terms of production, Ben Bywater will be the most decorated player on BYU's roster next season. Bywater, tallied 200 tackles from 2021-2022. He was arguably the best player on BYU's defense before he suffered a season-ending injury against Kansas. BYU's defense never really returned to form after he was out of the lineup.

In just four games, Bywater tallied 32 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 PBU. He will likely be a team captain once again in 2024.

2. Tyler Batty - Defensive End

Tyler Batty was the Cougars' best pass rusher by a wide margin. According to Pro Football Focus, Batty finished the season with 34 total pressure (more than double the next highest player), 6 sacks, and 24 stops. He accounted for 26% of BYU's quarterback pressures by himself.

He was also named to the second team All-Big 12 at the conclusion of the regular season. Given his performance in 2023, Batty could be a preseason All-Big 12 selection next year.

As a defense, BYU didn't get after the quarterback enough in 2023. It was a major weakness for this BYU football team - the Cougars ranked 129th in team sacks out of 133 FBS teams. Tyler Batty, however, was the lone bright spot from the BYU pass rush.

3. Connor Pay - Offensive Line

Connor Pay will be BYU's leader along the offensive line in 2024. Pay. He has played nearly 2,300 snaps in BYU's offense.

4. Jakob Robinson - Cornerback

Jakob Robinson made some of the biggest plays of the season at cornerback. He had four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and he was one of BYU's leading tacklers with 59 tackles.

5. Chase Roberts - Wide Receiver

Chase Roberts led BYU in receiving in 2023 with 42 receptions for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has 930 yards over the last two seasons.

6. LJ Martin - Running Back

LJ Martin emerged as BYU's most productive running back in 2023 and he will go into 2024 as the starter. Martin had 518 rushing yards in 10 games played.

7. Weylin Lapuaho - Offensive Line

When healthy, Weylin Lapuaho has started every game of his college career. As one of the few returning starters up front, he will take on an important role for BYU in 2024.

8. Darius Lassiter - Wide Receiver

Darius Lassiter missed a few games due to injury in 2023. When healthy, he was one of BYU's top wide receivers. He was second in receiving with 365 yards.

9. Micah Harper - Safety

Micah Harper was arguably BYU's best defender in 2022. He suffered a season-ending injury that sidelined him for the 2023 season.

10. Jack Kelly - Linebacker

The lone newcomer on our list. Jack Kelly was extremely productive at Weber State. As a sophomore at Weber State last season, Kelly led the Wildcats with 8.5 sacks. He was tied for second for the most sacks in the Big Sky conference. He also had 57 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 5 pass break-ups, and 1 interceptions. He was named to the All-Conference Big Sky first team after the season.

Also considered: Kody Epps, Brayden Keim, Danny Saili, Faletau Satuala, Ryner Swanson, Gerry Bohanon, Jake Retzlaff, Jackson Bowers, Isaiah Bagnah, John Nelson