Built for Sundays: Carsen Ryan’s Draft Stock Soars After Impressive BYU Pro Day
Built for Sundays: Carsen Ryan’s Draft Stock Soars After Impressive BYU Pro Day
The phrase “built for Sundays” is often thrown around loosely in college football, but for BYU tight end Carsen Ryan, it has become a defining label. Following a standout Pro Day in Provo this March, NFL scouts have increasingly identified Ryan as one of the most pro-ready tight ends in the 2026 class. Standing 6’4” and weighing 255 pounds, Ryan showcased a combination of physicality and soft hands that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most reliable chain-movers.
Ryan’s journey to the draft has been a testament to his adaptability. After starting his career at UCLA and Utah, he found his stride in Provo during the 2025 season. As a primary target for freshman sensation Bear Bachmeier, Ryan became a safety valve for the BYU offense, particularly in high-leverage situations. His ability to navigate the middle of the field and serve as an elite blocker in the run game has made him a favorite among evaluators looking for a “complete” tight end rather than just a glorified wide receiver.
Draft Profile: The Total Package
Scouting reports on Ryan highlight his exceptional “RAC” (Run After Catch) ability and contact balance. During the 2026 combine and subsequent Pro Day, he posted a vertical jump of 33.5 inches and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.22 seconds, confirming the athleticism that was evident on his game tape. Coaches in Provo have praised his “unselfishness,” noting that he was just as likely to deliver a crushing block to spring a running back as he was to haul in a touchdown pass.
His statistical impact in the 2025 season was a driving force behind BYU’s historic 12-2 record. Ryan was a reliable red-zone threat and a consistent presence on third downs, helping the Cougars maintain one of the most efficient offensive units in the Big 12. His performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech—where he recorded a team-high 120 receiving yards—served as a fitting exclamation point to his collegiate career, proving he could shine on the brightest stages.
A Landmark Season for the Cougars
The 2025 season will go down as one of the best in BYU history, as the team reached 12 wins for the first time since 2001. Under head coach Kalani Sitake, the Cougars finished No. 11 in the final AP poll and made their first-ever appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game. Although they were defeated by Texas Tech in the title bout, BYU’s resilience was on full display in their bowl victory, rallying from an 11-point deficit to defeat Georgia Tech 25-21.
The Cougars’ defense, led by coordinator Jay Hill, was equally impressive, but it was the offensive synergy between Ryan and Bachmeier that often stole the headlines. Ryan’s departure leaves a significant void in the roster, one that many expect USC transfer Walker Lyons to fill. However, Ryan’s legacy in Provo is secure, having helped elevate the program to national relevance during its transition into a Power Four powerhouse.
The NFL Outlook
As the draft approaches, Ryan is projected to be selected in the mid-round range, with several teams viewing him as a potential day-one starter on special teams and a situational offensive contributor. His “football intelligence” and “physical toughness” are cited as his best traits, qualities that NFL front offices prioritize when looking for long-term stability at the position. For Carsen Ryan, the road from Provo to the pros is nearly complete, and all signs point to a successful transition to the next level.
