Checking in on former Bruin transfer Carsen Ryan

Carsen Ryan spent two seasons at UCLA in 2022 and 2023. Not receiving many opportunities in the past game. Following the 2023 season, he decided to hit the transfer portal. Choosing Utah as his next destination for more of an opportunity. Faced with another decision, he entered the portal again following the 2024 season. Choosing BYU as his third team in three years. This past season he made the most of it for the No. 12 Cougars and proved to be a valuable offensive weapon. Catching 37 passes for 500 yards and three touchdowns.

Ryan was a good security option for Bear Bachmeier this season. When plays unfolded very quickly, he knew that he had Ryan to check down to knowing that he would get open majority of the time. They seemed to create good chemistry with each other right off the bat. As Ryan had a good start to the season, adjusting to his new team. BYU had not had consistent play form their tight ends over the years, so it was refreshing to see Ryan rejuvenate the position for them.

Ryan was a similar story to Braden Pegan at UCLA. Stuck around for a few years and didn’t get an opportunity. But they went elsewhere and other offensive coordinators were able to use the talent. Two players that UCLA could’ve used this past season for their offense. But every team is going to lose players that will shine somewhere else. You just hope you bring in more than you let go to weigh out in the end. Let’s hope the Bob Chesney era will be the start of that. As more talent has gone out then has come in over recent years.

Ryan is the prototypical tight end. He has good speed and runs crisp routes. Then he is a very capable blocker to help open up the run game. Something in any team looks for in a tight end. It will be interesting to see what his future looks like. But he could definitely latch on to an NFL roster with his skill set. He has another player that UCLA let get away and not give the opportunities. But he made a good decision for himself latching onto BYU.