Breaking News: BYU Cougars Football Star Dubbed ‘Disappointment’ This Season, ‘Has Not Been Living Up to Expectations’
In what has been a turbulent season for the BYU Cougars football program, one player stands out — not for his achievements, but for his struggles. BYU’s highly anticipated star, quarterback Jake Smith, has come under heavy criticism this season, with many calling his performance a “disappointment” after such high expectations heading into 2025. What was supposed to be a breakout year for Smith has instead left fans, analysts, and coaches scratching their heads in disbelief.
High Expectations, Low Performance
Jake Smith arrived at BYU with all the promise of a future star. As a five-star recruit from a renowned high school football program, Smith was heralded as the player who could lead the Cougars back to national prominence. His strong arm, mobility, and leadership qualities were seen as the perfect fit for BYU’s offensive system. The whispers of NFL scouts began even before the first snap of the season. With his physical tools, many considered him one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
However, as the season has unfolded, Smith’s performance on the field has failed to meet those lofty expectations. His statistics have been underwhelming, with inconsistency plaguing his game in nearly every outing. What was once a promising campaign has turned into a season full of frustration for both the player and the program.
Smith’s passing accuracy, which was one of his most impressive attributes during his high school years, has been erratic. He is completing just 56% of his passes this season, a far cry from the 70% range that many experts predicted he would reach. His decision-making has also come into question, with Smith throwing 12 interceptions in the first seven games of the season. That number is more than the combined total of his picks during his entire high school career, raising questions about his development and whether the pressure of college football is too much for him to handle.
Off-the-Field Factors
While Smith’s on-field struggles are undeniable, several off-the-field factors have contributed to his inability to perform up to expectations. BYU’s offensive line has been less than stellar, struggling with injuries and lackluster play. This has forced Smith into more scramble situations and has impacted his ability to get comfortable in the pocket.
Moreover, the Cougars have been dealing with a host of injuries at the wide receiver position, leaving Smith with limited options when trying to make plays. The lack of a reliable receiving corps has forced him to be more hesitant, often leading to inaccurate throws and missed opportunities. These factors have played a role in the overall underperformance of the offense, but many feel that Smith should be able to overcome these challenges, given his touted potential.
Head coach Kalani Sitake has remained supportive of his quarterback, emphasizing that he believes Smith has the tools to succeed. However, even Sitake’s patience seems to be running thin, as he has publicly acknowledged the need for Smith to “take ownership of his development” and begin to show the level of play that was expected from him when he first arrived at BYU.
Comparison to Previous Seasons
To understand the depth of the disappointment surrounding Smith, it’s essential to look at the quarterback history at BYU. In previous seasons, players like Zach Wilson, who went on to be the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, set a high bar for what the Cougars expect from their quarterbacks. Wilson’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and perform under pressure made him a household name in college football and a symbol of the high standard that Smith was expected to meet.
Smith’s early performances have failed to live up to the legacy set by Wilson and other former BYU quarterbacks. The stark contrast between their performances has fueled much of the criticism surrounding Smith. Where Wilson would often make plays under duress, showing his poise and composure, Smith has repeatedly faltered when the pressure mounts.
It’s not just the stats that are worrisome; it’s the lack of visible improvement over the course of the season. While players like Wilson showed rapid development in their first seasons, Smith has been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency. His decision-making has been erratic, his footwork unpolished, and his ability to read defenses seems to be regressing rather than improving.
The Mental Side of the Game
In addition to his physical limitations this season, Smith’s mental game has been called into question. At times, he appears hesitant and unsure of himself, particularly when facing high-pressure situations. His body language on the sideline has been scrutinized, with some claiming he looks defeated, which is a concerning sign for a player expected to lead the offense.
The mental aspect of football is often the hardest to overcome, especially for young players. It’s clear that Smith has struggled with the weight of the expectations placed on him. The pressure of living up to the hype, combined with his struggles on the field, may have taken a toll on his confidence. This mental block has prevented him from executing plays in critical moments, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of execution.
The Road Ahead
With the Cougars sitting at a disappointing 3-4 record midway through the season, Smith’s future at BYU is now uncertain. While it’s too early to say definitively whether his struggles will cost him his starting job, the pressure on him to turn things around has never been greater.
Smith is facing a critical juncture in his career. If he cannot find a way to rediscover his form and lead the Cougars to a strong finish, his time as the starting quarterback could come to a premature end. There is also the looming question of whether his development is a result of his own shortcomings or whether the BYU coaching staff has failed to provide the right tools and guidance to nurture his potential.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can rebound and live up to the immense expectations that were placed on him. If he does not, the Cougars will likely look elsewhere for a solution — whether that’s through a change at quarterback or a different approach to their offensive game plan.
Final Thoughts
Jake Smith entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, but as the season progresses, those hopes have dimmed. His struggles have led many to label him a “disappointment,” and with each passing game, the sense of urgency grows. Whether the Cougars can salvage their season and whether Smith can reclaim his potential is a story still in the making. However, if things don’t improve quickly, the once-promising future of this young quarterback could fade into a missed opportunity, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
As the season continues, one thing remains certain: Jake Smith has not been the player anyone expected him to be this year. The question now is whether he can find a way to turn it around, or whether the 2025 season will be remembered as the one that saw his star fade before it ever truly had a chance to shine.
