April 19, 2025 | Provo, Utah — A storm is brewing within the BYU Cougars football program after a controversial decision by head coach Kalani Sitake has sparked a player-led revolt ahead of the team’s spring scrimmage this weekend.
The internal unrest was triggered by the sudden dismissal of junior quarterback Jalen Matthews from the first-team reps—just weeks after he was widely believed to be the favorite for the starting job heading into the 2025 season.
According to multiple team sources, Matthews was informed late Wednesday night that he would be moved to the scout team indefinitely, with no clear path back to the top unit. The decision stunned players and staff alike, particularly given Matthews’ strong performances in winter workouts and early spring camp.
“It came out of nowhere,” one teammate told The Salt Lake Tribune. “Jalen’s been a leader, a playmaker, and someone we’ve rallied around. To see him dropped like that—it felt like a punch to the gut for all of us.”
Coach Sitake cited “a need to evaluate other options” when pressed about the move during Thursday’s press conference but avoided elaborating on specifics. Insiders believe redshirt freshman Tanner Reeves, a recent four-star recruit, is being fast-tracked into the starting role under pressure from boosters and athletic department officials eager for a “fresh face.”
That possibility has only deepened the frustration within the locker room. Several offensive players reportedly challenged the coaching staff during team meetings Thursday morning, demanding answers and expressing concern over what they saw as an unfair and politically motivated decision.
“The vibe is off right now,” said a senior offensive lineman. “Guys are upset. This wasn’t just about Jalen—it’s about loyalty, trust, and how we’re treated when we’ve put everything into this program.”
Sources close to the team say at least five veteran players, including two offensive starters, have privately considered entering the transfer portal if the current situation doesn’t stabilize. Team unity, once a point of pride in Provo, is now under significant strain.
On Friday morning, a players-only meeting was held at the student-athlete center, where leadership figures reportedly urged the group to “stick together” while also confronting the reality of a fractured locker room. Tensions ran high, but no official decisions—like transfers or formal protests—were made.
Meanwhile, fans have caught wind of the drama. BYU’s online community has erupted with debate, with many voicing support for Matthews and accusing the coaching staff of losing touch with the team’s culture. The hashtag #StandWithJalen has trended locally on X (formerly Twitter) since Thursday night.
Jalen Matthews himself has yet to speak publicly, though he posted a cryptic message to his Instagram story on Thursday evening: “Loyalty ain’t always returned.”
Despite the controversy, Coach Sitake and his staff are moving forward with their current depth chart as planned for Saturday’s Blue-White Spring Game. Reeves will reportedly take the majority of first-team reps, while Matthews is not expected to play at all.
With expectations high entering the 2025 season—BYU’s third as a full Big 12 member—the timing of this internal shake-up couldn’t be worse. The coaching staff now faces a delicate balancing act: managing team morale while staying true to their long-term vision.
For a program built on unity, discipline, and faith-based values, this unexpected fracture could pose a serious threat to their trajectory if not handled swiftly and thoughtfully.
As one former player put it: “It’s one thing to lose a game. It’s another to lose your locker room. Right now, BYU is dangerously close to the latter.”
