BYU FOOTBALL
Dec 26, 2024, 9:20 PM | Updated: 9:49 pm
BYU football wide receiver Darius Lassiter spoke with the media after December 26 practice at Trinity University in San Antonio. (Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo)
(Jaren Wilkey/BYU Photo)
BY
KSL Sports
SAN ANTONIO – Could BYU wide receiver Darius Lassiter make a return in 2025?
A week ago, that would have sounded like a crazy idea, as Lassiter was going through this year with the mindset of it being his last.
He needed a waiver last winter to officially be able to play this season, stemming from a dispute over a redshirt year at a junior college stop early in his career.
BYU WR Darius Lassiter shared his thoughts on the waiver granted to former JUCO athletes and the idea of possible return in 2025. pic.twitter.com/fqjjjn0Sl3
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 27, 2024
But that stop in the JUCO ranks at Butler Community College could possibly give Lassiter a chance to return to BYU in 2025.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia opened the door for this possibility to Darius Lassiter and other ex-JUCO athletes to get one more year of eligibility next season.
Pavia sued the NCAA, claiming their rule of counting years in junior college football toward NCAA eligibility violates an antitrust law. Being a JUCO athlete limited Pavia’s NIL opportunities.
Like most cases against the NCAA these days, Pavia won and was granted an injunction to play in 2025.
The lawsuit was initially an isolated case for Pavia.
However, since Pavia’s injunction, the NCAA is planning to give athletes who previously competed in the JUCO ranks and have expiring eligibility in the 2024-25 academic year an extra year in 2025-26 to avoid further lawsuits.
So that means Lassiter could return to team up with Chase Roberts again in next year’s wide receiver unit.
Lassiter was asked his thoughts on the JUCO waiver and if he’s considered returning to BYU for next season after BYU’s final practice of the 2024 season in preparation for the Alamo Bowl.
“We talked about it a little bit, but [the coaches’] main focus was for me to be ready for the bowl game,” Lassiter said. “We’ll talk about that after the bowl game, and if that’s something I’d like to do, then we’ll see fit and keep it going.”
Lassiter, who is 24 years old, was asked if he would want to come back to BYU.
He replied, “It’s a possibility.”
Lassiter is gearing up for Saturday’s bowl matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes. He will miss the first half of the game due to an unsportsmanlike penalty he was called for in the Houston game on November 30.
But he will be available to play in the second half against the Buffs.
Lassiter is one of a handful of BYU players who suddenly could have an extra year of eligibility due to their time at various JUCOs.
Along with Lassiter, First Team All-Big 12 offensive tackle Caleb Etienne, cornerback Mory Bamba, running back Hinckley Ropati, and tight end Ray Paulo fall under the waiver to give ex-JUCO players another year of eligibility.
“Well, I think that there’s still a lot out there to be decided on exactly what that ruling is,” said BYU defensive coordinator/associate head coach Jay Hill on Thursday. “But we do have a few really good players that fall into that on both sides of the ball, and we would be very excited to get those guys back if we can.”
2024 Alamo Bowl
Date: Saturday, December 28th, 2024
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. (MST)
TV: ABC
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM — Extended pregame begins at Noon)
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.
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
Mitch Harper
BYU coach Kalani Sitake and defensive end Tyler Batty spoke to fans at the Alamo Bowl pep rally.
2 hours ago
Mitch Harper
Last practice of the season for BYU football.
4 hours ago
RAUL DOMINGUEZ Associated Press
Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter
6 hours ago
Brian Preece
After spending Christmas Day seeing the sights and having fun around San Antonio, Kalani Sitake’s team focuses on Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and the Colorado Buffaloes.
7 hours ago
Mitch Harper
Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry signs with BYU football.
2 days ago
Mitch Harper
The Alamo Bowl: It’s in the game!
3 days ago
SALT LAKE CITY – The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Salt Lake County. Presented by Hercules First Federal Credit Union, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our co-winners this week were Esun Tafa and Cooper Kingston from […]
SALT LAKE CITY – The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep football players in Utah County. Sponsored by Mr. Mac, it honors athletes for their performances on the gridiron and exceptional play. Our co-winners this week were Aaron Dunn from Spanish Fork High School and […]
Crimson Cliffs needed the largest comeback in Utah state history to knock off the Spanish Fork Dons 57-55 in triple overtime.
The Corner Canyon Chargers fell behind early but didn’t panic, scoring 23 straight points to beat Lone Peak 30-27.
Title Thursday started on a high note with a fireworks-filled offensive show as Bountiful held on to beat Roy 42-35.
SALT LAKE CITY – The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school football player in Northern Utah. Presented by John Watson Chevrolet in Ogden, each week we honor athletes for their exceptional performance on the gridiron. Our co-winners of the week were Beck Sheffield from Morgan High School […]
