Provo • BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua will enter the NFL draft, the Timpview product announced Wednesday.
Nacua, who started his collegiate career at Washington before coming home to Provo, had another year of eligibility remaining. He will play in the Senior Bowl, the top college showcase before the NFL Combine, in February.
“I am excited to start this new journey and fulfill this dream of mine,” Nacua wrote in a message to fans he posted on social media.
Nacua transferred to BYU in 2021 and since became a team captain and the program’s best player. In two years, he finished with 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his career, including his time at Washington, he totaled more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 19 scores.
He is projected a third-day draft pick by several experts, including the Draft Network.
“I think he can [make an impact immediately],” offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said. “That is a tough league and you are going up against grown men. I think he will be a successful player in that league for sure. I believe in him.”
A Provo native, Nacua became BYU’s do-it-all weapon as the Cougars struggled at times this season. He lined up everywhere on the field, including in the backfield as a running back. He was often tasked with being the main generator of offense.
Against Boise State, BYU targeted Nacua 19 times and asked him to almost single-handedly save its season. It led to one of the more indelible performances of the year, with Nacua totaling 157 total yards, two touchdowns and the go-ahead, spinning touchdown in the end zone to deliver a win.
“He’s one of the best players in college football,” head coach Kalani Sitake said that night.
Nacua struggled this season to stay healthy. He sprained his ankle early in the year, causing him to miss several games. He also missed BYU’s bowl game. He ended up appearing nine times, but still led the team in targets (73) and catches (48).
Kyle Crabbs, an analyst for the Draft Network, projects Nacua as a potential NFL contributor.
“Nacua is a tone-setter on the perimeter and offers tremendous contested-catch ability along with surprising run-after-catch production,” he wrote. “A high ceiling as an NFL starter on the perimeter with continued development.”
Nacua transferred to BYU with his brother, former Utah receiver Samson Nacua. They both came to Provo in an effort to spend more time with their grandmother, who was diagnosed with and has since died of cancer.
Samson Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent last year and played in the preseason.
“I am grateful to have been able to see my brothers go through this stage and I am ready for my time,” Nacua said.
Related reading:
Eye on the Y: What Puka Nacua has done for BYU football should not be soon forgotten
