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BYU Football's Crew Wakley Joins NCAA Transfer Portal

2024-12-09

PROVO, Utah – In a significant development for BYU football, starting safety Crew Wakley has made his way into the NCAA Transfer Portal. This comes after he transferred in as a walk-on from Utah State and spent the past two seasons with the BYU program. The former star QB at Jordan High School quickly emerged as one of BYU’s top safeties during week three at Wyoming and remained the starter for the rest of the team’s 10-2 season.

Not Expected to Be with BYU for Alamo Bowl

On3 was the first to report Wakley’s entry into the transfer portal, and KSL Sports has since confirmed it. During the 2024 season, Wakley had an impressive stat line, with 44 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions. One of his interceptions was a game-winner as he picked off Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson to give BYU a 34-28 victory over the Bears. It is important to note that he is not expected to be with the BYU football team while preparing for the Alamo Bowl against Colorado later this month.During his two seasons with the BYU program, the 6-foot, 200-pound Wakley totaled 103 tackles, seven pass deflections, one sack, and three interceptions. He had 16 starts and played at both free and strong safety positions with the Cougars. He still has one year of eligibility remaining in his collegiate career.The NCAA Transfer Portal opened on Monday, December 9, and will remain open until December 28. This provides an opportunity for other teams to potentially acquire Wakley’s services.Here’s a breakdown of BYU football’s transfer portal activity in the 2025 cycle.Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. It allows you to stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.Follow @Mitch_Harper.

Wakley's Impact on BYU's Defense

Crew Wakley’s presence in the BYU defense was felt throughout the 2024 season. His ability to make key tackles and intercept passes was crucial in helping the team achieve a 10-2 record. His game-winning interception against Baylor showcased his clutch nature and added to his reputation as a top safety. His experience and leadership on the field were evident, and his absence will be felt by the BYU football team in the upcoming Alamo Bowl.

Looking Ahead for Crew Wakley

With Wakley in the transfer portal, his future remains uncertain. Other teams will likely be interested in his services, given his impressive stats and experience. He has one year of eligibility left, and he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills at a new program. This decision will likely have an impact on BYU’s defense moving forward, as they will need to find a suitable replacement for their starting safety. Fans will be watching closely to see where Wakley ends up and how it will affect the team.

Welcome to the thrilling world of the Fantasy Playoffs! In this week's edition of the Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 15, we're here to guide you through the crucial decisions that can make or break your playoff run. If you've made it to the playoffs, congratulations! Now it's time to go all out and secure that championship.

Unlock the Potential of the Fantasy Playoffs with Our Waiver Wire Picks

Quarterback:

This week, the quarterback options are somewhat limited. However, Aidan O’Connell (@ATL) and Bryce Young (vs. DAL) emerge as great choices if they're available. The 3-10 Jets have been eliminated, and Aaron Rodgers might face some mysterious injury that could push him to the sidelines. Assuming he starts, he could be a decent play this week (@JAC), especially after his 300-yard passing day. In a Superflex league, Jameis Winston has a tough matchup this week (vs. KC), but an easier one in Week 16 (@CIN). If you're looking for a wild card, Michael Penix, Jr. could be a stash option. Kirk Cousins has struggled recently with a 0-8 TD/INT ratio in the last four games. The Falcons' upcoming schedule against the Raiders, Giants, and Commanders holds some potential, but Cousins might not be the most reliable choice right now.

Maye (@ARI) and Nix (vs. IND) are also excellent quarterback options if they're on the waiver wire. The Jets' season is over, but these quarterbacks could provide a spark for your team.

Running Back:

Sincere McCormick had a great week and was scooped up in many leagues. If he's available in your league, he's definitely worth adding. He handled most of the running back touches for the Raiders and looked good in limited action. Even if Alexander Mattison and/or Zamir White return, the Raiders might continue to give McCormick a longer look.

Patrick Taylor is the next man up for the 49ers. Isaac Guerendo was the star last week but got hurt. If Guerendo can't play due to his foot injury, Taylor could see significant playing time. He scored a rushing TD in Sunday's game.

Tank Bigsby got a lot of carries against the Titans in Week 14 and found the end zone. The Jets' performance this week will be crucial, but Bigsby is a worthy roster addition.

Isaiah Davis got about 50% of the work when Breece Hall was out. If Hall misses this week's game (@JAC), Davis could be a Flex consideration. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez should be rostered through the playoffs as Austin Ekeler is on IR.

Here's an updated weekly list of RBs to grab if you need depth with upside: Tyler Allgeier, Jaleel McLaughlin, Ray Davis, Jr., Blake Corum, Kendre Miller, Tyjae Spears, Jaylen Wright, and Trey Benson. Bucky Irving is expected to return this week, and Sean Tucker is also worth considering.

Wide Receiver:

Adam Thielen has been on fire with 20 catches for 258 yards and 1 touchdown in the last three weeks. Bryce Young's improved play has also helped. Xavier Legette, who dropped a potential game-winning touchdown, is also a viable option if you can't get Thielen.

Quentin Johnston has been inconsistent this season but caught five passes and scored against the Chargers. The Chargers have a good matchup this week (vs. TB), and Johnston could be a decent dart throw as your WR3 or Flex.

Tim Patrick is a tough lineup plug-in with the Lions' offense having many weapons. He scored twice this week and is worth having on your roster. Jalen McMillan also scored twice and is a hard player to trust in the playoffs but might be worth rostering.

Other wide receivers to consider include Brandin Cooks, Demario Douglas, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, Devaughn Vele, Noah Brown, Romeo Doubs, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, and Keon Coleman.

Tight End:

Hunter Henry is a borderline Top-10 tight end this season. If he was dropped in your league, he's worth considering.

Grant Calcaterra scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday and should see more opportunities with Dallas Goedert on IR.

Zach Ertz is a borderline TE1 with steady production. Noah Gray and Juwan Johnson are also options, but it would be better if Derek Carr didn't get hurt again.

PK and D/ST Streamers, Week 15 (ranked outside the Top-12 for the season):

PK: W. Lutz (vs. IND), J. Myers (vs. GB), N. Folk (vs. CIN), E. Pineiro (vs. DAL).

D/ST: BAL (@NYG), WAS (@NOS), NYJ (@JAC).

That's all for this week! Good luck with your waiver claims and in the first round of your fantasy playoffs!

Georgia's quarterback situation heading into the College Football Playoffs is a crucial aspect. Carson Beck, the team's star, suffered an "upper extremity injury" during the SEC Championship Game. This incident led to him exiting the contest and only returning to hand off the ball on the final play in overtime after backup quarterback Gunner Stockton lost his helmet and was forced to the sideline for one play.

Latest on Carson Beck and Brett Thorson

On Monday, Coach Kirby Smart provided an update on Carson Beck. It was revealed that Beck apparently suffered an elbow injury and there is no set timetable for his return. Additionally, punter Brett Thorson is out for the season with a knee injury. Smart expressed confidence in both players, stating, "Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers. I'm confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way."

Beck's Season Performance

Throughout the season, Carson Beck has had a significant impact on the Bulldogs. Despite some ups and downs, he has helped lead the team to a College Football Playoff berth with some outstanding plays in key victories. One notable performance came in an eight-overtime game against rival Georgia Tech. In this intense battle where Georgia's season was on the line, Beck threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. This display of skill and determination was crucial in helping the Bulldogs outlast the Yellow Jackets.On the season as a whole, Beck has thrown for 3,485 yards with a 64.7% completion percentage. He has thrown 28 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and has also run for 71 yards and a score. The trust placed in Beck is evident, as he was the one to take the final snap against Texas in overtime instead of third-stringer Ryan Puglisi. Coach Smart explained the decision after the game, saying, "I can't remember what game it was this year. We had a targeting situation where the helmet came off and the officials came over and told us that the kid could stay in if it was confirmed targeting and he had to come out if it wasn't. And so it immediately came to my mind, when it happened with Gunner, I just assumed he'd be able to stay in because I thought it was gonna be targeting, and then I saw the replay and realized he led with his shoulder and we were gonna have to take a snap with another quarterback, which we were prepared to put Ryan Puglisi in, and he knows the system. He knows what to do. But we felt like, once the offensive coach called and said, Carson can take a snap, it's not an issue."