Fifth-year senior Bodie Schoonover ready to lead BYU’s experienced defensive line

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier (4) passes the ball just before BYU linebacker Bodie Schoonover (48) gets to him as they play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News When Bodie Schoonover signed to play football for BYU in 2020, prior to a church mission in Texas and South Africa, the tight end and linebacker out of nearby American Fork High was widely viewed as the gem of that year’s recruiting class.

Schoonover, who was 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds at the time, returned from his two years of service somewhat heavier than that, and has never really found a permanent place in the starting lineup. Still, his loyalty to the program he grew up cheering for has never wavered. Heading into the 2026 season, Schoonover might just get his opportunity to be an every-down player for the Cougars on a defensive line that is as experienced as almost any in the country .

Last year, while checking in at 270 pounds, Schoonover played in all 14 games, starting in 10 of them. This year, he’s penciled in as the co-starter at the bigger defensive end position, along with junior Viliami Po’uha, although Schoonover will also play on the interior as well. “Yeah, I never thought I’d be where I’m at right now, but the way my body has grown and the way that things have happened, I’m where I am, and I love it now,” he said during spring workouts.

“I’m super comfortable with everything, and with the new coaches. They believe in me a lot, so I love it. ” Schoonover said playing a lot the latter half of last season, after he appeared in all 13 games in 2024 but started in none, gave him a much-needed boost of confidence .