Keanu Tanuvasa to Face Former Friends in BYU-Utah Rivalry This October

Keanu Tanuvasa was a key player on the Utah Utes’ defensive line, but for his final college football season, he’ll take on the same role for BYU. Though the BYU-Utah rivalry matchup is months away, Tanuvasa, who transferred from Utah, is focused on his current team, BYU, and not yet thinking about the upcoming game on October 18 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

“I’m not thinking too much about it because I’m focused on what I can do here,” said the 6-foot-4, 301-pound junior. “I’m concentrating on myself, our team, and making sure we’re the best version of ourselves, instead of worrying about what’s coming next.”

Tanuvasa is not the only player to switch sides in this intense rivalry. Tight end Carsen Ryan transferred from Utah to BYU earlier this year, and before them, receiver Samson Nacua made a similar move in 2022. Nacua even caught a touchdown in BYU’s 26-17 victory over Utah in 2023.

Other notable players who have competed for both teams include linebacker/running back Harvey Langi, who started at Utah before finishing at BYU, and linebackers Francis Bernard and defensive end Devin Kaufusi, who both played for BYU and later joined Utah.

Shared Connections

Beyond the players, many coaching ties exist between the two teams. BYU’s Kalani Sitake, Jay Hill, Aaron Roderick, Justin Ena, and Sione Po’uha all previously coached at Utah, while Utah’s staff includes former Cougars Kyle Whittingham, Jason Beck, Freddie Whittingham, Micah Simon, and Mark Atuaia.

“I liken it to brothers growing up together,” Tanuvasa said. “When you line up against your brother in a game, you want to beat him badly, but at the end of the day, you’re still family. That’s how it is with BYU and Utah.”

Tanuvasa is fully committed to his new teammates in Provo, but he hasn’t forgotten how last year’s game ended in Salt Lake. As part of Utah’s defense, he watched as BYU led a game-winning drive.

The Final Drive

On second and 10 from their 19-yard line, BYU’s Jake Retzlaff completed a 30-yard pass to Chase Roberts, and with 1:19 left, Tanuvasa jumped to nearly deflect another pass that landed in Darius Lassiter’s hands. Tanuvasa pushed forward again, trying to stop a pitch to Hinckley Ropati, who gained 14 yards, but later tackled Ropati for no gain.

With 50 seconds remaining, BYU set up for a 44-yard field goal attempt. As the lines collided, Tanuvasa stretched his arm high, but the ball sailed over him, splitting the uprights to give BYU a 22-21 victory.

“Oh, I was frustrated. I was exhausted. I gave everything,” Tanuvasa recalled. “When that field goal went in, I was angry. But now, I see that kicker all the time, and I tell him, ‘I still love you even though you beat me.’”

The Reunion

After playing 24 games and starting 19 for Utah, Tanuvasa is looking forward to the October reunion. “It’ll feel surreal because I know everyone on that team, I’ve been through a lot with them,” he said. “But now I’m doing the same with my BYU teammates, and I have a chance to lead them.”

Despite the rivalry, Tanuvasa holds no ill will toward his former teammates. “I’ll still stay in touch with them. We’re family, but when it’s time to play, I want to win.”

Rivalry Beyond the Field

Though the competition on the field can be fierce, Tanuvasa wants fans to understand that the rivalry isn’t personal. “We get gritty on the field, but we don’t need to hate each other,” he said. “It’s all about competing, but we stay connected as people.”

On game day, when Tanuvasa runs out of the locker room, he’ll glance over at his old teammates, but his focus will be on the game. “I’ll definitely be looking at them, saying ‘I see you!’ but once the game starts, I’ll be playing hard.”

Though Tanuvasa focuses on taking things one game at a time, the October 18th matchup against his former team will be a special moment. “I’ll be motivated to give it my all for my new brothers, and when we face Utah, it’ll be a battle,” he said. “It’s all about us being the best version of ourselves and not losing sight of who we are.”