As BYU gears up for its annual “Holy War” clash against No. 12 Utah, senior safety Trey Stewart has transformed from an overlooked reserve to a defensive cornerstone for the Cougars. The 6’1″, 205-pound Stewart, a former junior college transfer who battled injuries and depth chart obscurity, has erupted onto the scene in 2023 with 42 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a reputation for clutch plays. His resurgence couldn’t come at a better time for a BYU squad (5-2) seeking its first win over the Utes since 2018. “It’s never too late to leave your mark,” Stewart said. “This game is why I came to Provo.”
Player Background:
Stewart’s path to BYU was anything but linear. A two-star recruit out of Mesa, Arizona, he began his career at Snow College, a JUCO powerhouse in Utah, where he tallied 67 tackles and 5 interceptions in 2020. Despite his production, Power 5 programs hesitated due to his lean frame (then 185 pounds) and raw technique. BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill, then at Utah, had initially recruited Stewart before losing contact. When Hill joined BYU’s staff in 2022, he reignited Stewart’s recruitment, offering him a scholarship after a standout workout. “His film jumped out—he played angry,” Hill recalled.
Journey to BYU:
Stewart’s first year in Provo was marred by a torn labrum in spring camp, limiting him to special teams in 2022. Behind All-Big 12 safety Malik Moore on the depth chart, he considered transferring. But Hill’s belief in him never wavered. “Coach Hill told me, ‘Your time’s coming. Just trust the process,’” Stewart said. That patience paid off this fall when Moore’s midseason injury thrust Stewart into a starting role. In his first start against Kansas, he logged 9 tackles and a game-sealing interception, earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Why BYU?
Stewart credits BYU’s culture and developmental focus for his breakthrough. “They don’t just build athletes; they build men,” he said, referencing the program’s emphasis on character and academic rigor (he’s on track to graduate in sociology). The coaching staff’s NFL pedigree—Hill coached seven draft picks at Utah—also appealed to him. “I wanted mentors who’d push me to my ceiling,” Stewart added. His physical transformation (gaining 20 pounds of muscle since 2022) and film-study habits (“He’s the first in the building and last out,” Hill noted) have solidified his role.
Analyst Take:
“Stewart’s a classic late-bloomer with pro potential,” said ESPN analyst Rod Gilmore. “His range and ball skills are elite. He needs to improve tackling in space, but his instincts remind me of Budda Baker.” Pro Football Focus grades Stewart as the Big 12’s No. 4 safety in coverage (87.3), a key asset against Utah’s dynamic passing attack.
Impact on BYU’s Defense:
Stewart’s emergence has reshaped a BYU secondary that ranked 98th nationally in pass defense in 2022. His versatility allows Hill to deploy him as a nickelback or deep safety, masking blitzes and confusing quarterbacks. In BYU’s upset over Arkansas, Stewart’s fourth-quarter interception of KJ Jefferson swung momentum. “Trey’s our eraser,” said linebacker Max Tooley. “When he’s flying around, everyone else plays faster.”
Rivalry Game Implications:
Facing Utah’s Cameron Rising—a Heisman dark horse—Stewart’s ability to limit big plays will be critical. The Utes average 34.1 points per game, but Stewart’s coverage skills could neutralize tight end Brant Kuithe, Rising’s safety valve. “Trey’s film study on Kuithe’s releases is next-level,” Hill said. “He’s ready for the moment.”
Broader Trends:
Stewart’s rise mirrors BYU’s strategic shift under Hill: targeting undervalued JUCO and transfer portal gems to bolster depth. The Cougars’ 2023 class includes four junior college transfers, a nod to Hill’s Utah blueprint that produced stars like Julian Blackmon. Stewart’s success also highlights BYU’s NIL collective, “The Royal Blue,” which secured him a local car dealership deal. “It’s not just about money,” Stewart said. “It’s about building your brand for life after football.”
The “Holy War” Context:
BYU hasn’t beaten Utah since joining the Big 12, adding urgency to this rivalry. A win would validate the program’s Power 5 transition and boost recruiting. Stewart, who grew up watching the rivalry, called it “a legacy game.” “Utah’s had the bragging rights,” he said. “We’re here to flip the script.”
Trey Stewart’s journey from JUCO afterthought to BYU’s defensive heartbeat epitomizes resilience. As the Cougars brace for a sold-out Lavell Edwards Stadium clash, his story underscores a program ethos: trust, grind, and seizing opportunity. Whether Stewart’s late-career surge culminates in a rivalry upset or not, his impact resonates beyond stats. “I’m proof that it’s never too late,” he said. For BYU, Stewart’s timing—and theirs—might just be perfect
