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Brigham Young University (BYU) is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and hundreds of its athletes have voluntarily served missions for the Church. This has led to the question of whether BYU basketball players redshirt for missions. While there is no clear answer, there are a few insights that can be drawn from the experiences of some BYU athletes. For instance, Seleti Fevaleaki, a football player, had a redshirt season after returning from a mission. Additionally, Brody, a basketball player, is expected to receive a medical redshirt and become a redshirt freshman. Furthermore, BYU has taken advantage of the NCAA redshirt rule, which allows players to participate in any four games in a season without losing a season of eligibility. This has benefited returned Mormon missionaries, allowing them to ease back into play without burning their redshirt year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sport | Football, Basketball |
| Institution | Brigham Young University |
| Religion | Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
| Mission Duration | 18-24 months |
| NCAA Rule | Players can participate in any four games in a season without losing a season of eligibility |
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What You'll Learn
- The NCAA's redshirt rule allows athletes to play four games without losing eligibility
- Returned Mormon missionaries can now be eased back into play
- BYU has more returned missionaries than any other FBS school
- BYU basketball players Brody and Mboup are expected to return as redshirt freshmen
- BYU athletes voluntarily serve 18-24 month missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
The NCAA's redshirt rule allows athletes to play four games without losing eligibility
The NCAA's redshirt rule allows athletes to play up to four games in a season without losing a season of eligibility. This rule was passed by the NCAA Division I Council in June 2018 and applies specifically to Division I football players. It is intended to provide flexibility for athletes who haven't yet used their redshirt season, allowing them to gain experience without sacrificing a year of eligibility.
Prior to the implementation of this rule, any participation in a game, regardless of the duration, was considered to "burn" a redshirt, resulting in the loss of a season of eligibility. The new rule enables athletes to maintain their eligibility while still being able to participate in a limited capacity.
This change is particularly beneficial for BYU, which has a high number of returned Mormon missionaries on its roster each year. The rule allows BYU to ease these players back into competition without compromising their eligibility status. It provides a valuable opportunity for players to reintegrate and get back into competitive shape without the concern of losing a season.
The redshirt rule has been well-received by coaches, who view it as a positive development that can be used as a motivational and developmental tool. It offers coaches more strategic options and helps to protect athletes from losing eligibility due to brief appearances caused by injuries or other exceptional circumstances.
Overall, the NCAA's redshirt rule empowers athletes to make calculated decisions about their participation, ensuring they can balance their athletic pursuits with their academic and personal goals effectively.
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Returned Mormon missionaries can now be eased back into play
This change is especially beneficial for BYU, which has more returned missionaries on its roster than any other school in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The new rule allows coaches to gradually bring returned missionaries back into game shape without burning their redshirt year. It also helps players stay engaged and involved in the game plan, keeping them ready to play.
The redshirt rule has been well-received by BYU coaches, who have been advocating for such a change since they began their coaching careers. It provides flexibility in player development and management, allowing newcomers to redshirt and physically develop while also giving returned missionaries the time they need to readjust.
While the rule primarily focuses on football, it is reasonable to assume that it could be applied to other sports, such as basketball, to ease returned Mormon missionaries back into competition. This would be particularly relevant for BYU, which has a significant number of returned missionaries across various sports teams.
The impact of the new redshirt rule extends beyond sports. It addresses the challenges faced by early-returning Mormon missionaries, who often experience feelings of shame and failure due to Mormon culture. By easing their transition back into regular life, the rule can help alleviate some of the mental health struggles associated with early returns, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
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BYU has more returned missionaries than any other FBS school
Brigham Young University (BYU), a private research university in Provo, Utah, was founded in 1875 by religious leader Brigham Young. It is the flagship university of the Church Educational System, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Almost all BYU students are members of the LDS Church and are required to follow an honour code that mandates behaviour in line with the church's teachings. This includes academic honesty, adherence to dress and grooming standards, abstinence from extramarital sex, same-sex romantic relationships, and the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Due to the church's emphasis on missionary service, nearly 50% of BYU students have lived outside the United States, with 45% having served as Latter-day Saint missionaries. This percentage is even higher for male graduates, with 97% having served as missionaries. BYU annually has more returned missionaries than any other school in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). For example, in 2018, BYU had 73 returned missionaries on its roster, roughly 65% of the team.
BYU's athletic teams, known as the BYU Cougars, compete in Division I of the NCAA. The new redshirt rule passed by the NCAA Division I Council in 2018 allows BYU to ease returned Mormon missionaries back into play without burning their eligibility. This rule change is considered a "huge benefit" by BYU coaches, as it allows players to participate in any four games in a season without losing a season of eligibility. It provides flexibility for missionaries returning in the summer or late July, giving them time to get back into shape before fully participating in the season.
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BYU basketball players Brody and Mboup are expected to return as redshirt freshmen
BYU basketball players Brody Kozlowski and Khadim Mboup are expected to return to the team as redshirt freshmen. The BYU Cougars are looking to make a Final Four push in the 2025-26 season, and both Brody and Mboup could play a significant role in achieving that goal.
Brody is a talented player who chose to stay in Provo rather than transfer to another school. At 6-foot-8, he is an excellent rebounder and a good 3-point shooter. He is expected to receive a medical redshirt for the 2024-25 season and return as a redshirt freshman the following year. During that time, he could develop further and work on cracking the rotation to get consistent playing time.
Mboup, a 6-foot-9 player, joined the BYU program mid-year and is expected to return as well. While he is still raw offensively, he has the potential to provide a spark off the bench, especially on the defensive end.
The return of these players bodes well for BYU, as the team has experienced significant roster turnover. With their talent and potential, Brody and Mboup can contribute to the Cougars' success in the upcoming seasons.
The redshirt rule has been advantageous for BYU, allowing them to ease returned Mormon missionaries back into play without burning their eligibility. This rule enables players to participate in up to four games in a season without losing a full year of eligibility, which is particularly beneficial for BYU due to its high number of returned missionaries.
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BYU athletes voluntarily serve 18-24 month missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Hundreds of BYU athletes have voluntarily served 18-24 month missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These athletes have chosen to put their athletic careers on hold to answer a higher calling. This unique and compelling narrative extends far beyond the boundaries of sport, showcasing the dedication and sacrifice of these individuals.
BYU athletes who have served missions often return with profound life lessons and invaluable advice to share with their teammates and fellow athletes. They navigate challenges upon their return, such as reintegrating into their sport and team dynamics. BYU coaches and staff play a crucial role in supporting these athletes and helping them ease back into their athletic routines.
The NCAA redshirt rule has been a game-changer for BYU, allowing returned missionaries to gradually resume their athletic careers without burning their eligibility. This rule enables athletes to participate in up to four games in a season without losing a season of eligibility. It provides the flexibility needed for BYU athletes to balance their athletic pursuits and their commitment to serving others.
Notable BYU athletes who have served missions include Olivia Katoa, a midfielder on the women's soccer team, and James Corrigan, a track star. Katoa left for an 18-month mission to Houston, Texas, prioritizing her faith and trusting that everything else would fall into place. Corrigan served in Tempe, Arizona, finding solace in his faith after experiencing several deaths in his family. He returned with a deeper understanding of his identity and a desire to share his hope with other families.
The decision to voluntarily serve missions reflects the values and priorities of BYU athletes, who are willing to step away from the spotlight and pause their athletic journeys to fulfill their spiritual calling. This dedication to service, alongside their athletic prowess, shapes their unique stories and contributes to the diverse narrative of BYU's athletic community.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, BYU has a history of athletes serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the university redshirts these athletes to ease them back into play without burning their eligibility.
Redshirting is a practice where a player does not compete for a season but remains an active part of the team, allowing them to develop physically and stay engaged in the game plan.
Redshirting allows BYU basketball players returning from missions to gradually regain their athletic form and get accustomed to the team's playing style without worrying about losing a season of eligibility.
