5 Key Takeaways From BYU Baseball's Big 12 Transition And The 2025 Redemption Arc

The Brigham Young University (BYU) baseball program is currently navigating one of the most significant periods in its history, having completed its inaugural season in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference and now setting its sights on a major redemption in the 2025 season. As of today, December 10, 2025, the focus for Head Coach Trent Pratt and the Cougars is on leveraging the hard-earned experience from their first Big 12 campaign to make a significant leap up the conference standings and establish a new era of dominance in Provo.

The 2024 season, while marked by growing pains inherent in a Power Five conference transition, culminated in a crucial achievement: a berth in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship tournament. This success, combined with a strong, experienced core of returning players and an infusion of top-tier talent from the 2026 signing class, positions BYU baseball for a dramatic showcase of their potential in the upcoming schedule.

BYU Baseball Key Personnel & Biographical Profiles

The success of the BYU baseball program hinges on its leadership and core talent. Here is a look at the key figures shaping the Cougars' future in the Big 12 Conference:

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• Trent Pratt (Head Baseball Coach)
  • Born: August 25, 1979 (Age 46 as of late 2025).
  • Hometown: Tooele, Utah.
  • BYU Tenure: Has been with the BYU program since 2013, initially as an assistant coach, and was officially promoted to Head Baseball Coach after serving as interim.
  • Coaching Highlights: Guided BYU into its inaugural Big 12 season in 2024, securing a Big 12 Championship tournament berth. As an assistant, he helped the Cougars win conference championships in 2016, 2017, and 2019, including an NCAA Tournament berth in 2017.
• Stone Cushing (Closer/Pitcher)
  • Role: Key returning pitcher, specifically noted as the team's closer.
  • Impact: Cushing was a headline member of the 2024 pitching staff and is expected to be a major factor in the team's pursuit of redemption in 2025, providing a veteran edge to the bullpen.
• Bryker Hurdsman (Hitter/Infielder)
  • Role: Standout offensive player.
  • Impact: One of the team's top hitters in the 2024 season, Hurdsman's consistent offensive production is vital for the Cougars' run-scoring capabilities in the Big 12.
• Brock Watkins (Hitter/Infielder)
  • Role: Experienced infielder and consistent offensive threat.
  • Impact: Watkins was among the statistical leaders for BYU in 2024, providing power and reliability in the middle of the batting order.

The Big 12 Challenge: Lessons Learned from the 2024 Season

BYU's move to the Big 12 Conference for the 2024 NCAA Division I Baseball Season was a baptism by fire, forcing the Cougars to immediately adapt to a higher level of competition and a demanding travel schedule. The team’s performance was a mix of significant breakouts and expected growing pains, but the overall experience has been invaluable for the program’s long-term trajectory.

The 2024 campaign saw the Cougars combine a strong offensive approach with solid fielding and timely pitching, which was enough to earn them a spot in the conference tournament. This achievement was a major step, proving the team could compete with the established Big 12 baseball powers.

Offensively, players like Tu'alau Wolfgramm, Chipper Beck, Tate Gambill, and Parker Goff all showed flashes of Big 12-level hitting, with Bryker Hurdsman and Brock Watkins providing consistent leadership at the plate. On the mound, the starting rotation was anchored by Bryce Robison and Ben Hansen, while Mason Olson provided crucial innings out of the bullpen alongside closer Stone Cushing.

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The primary takeaway from the inaugural Big 12 season is the need for depth and consistency, particularly in pitching, to sustain success through a grueling conference schedule. Coach Pratt has openly stated that the team has made the necessary improvements and is determined to build dramatically upon their 2024 showcase, seeking redemption in the 2025 season.

A Look Ahead: The 2025 Season and the Future of BYU Baseball

The 2025 schedule is set to be another rigorous test for the Cougars, featuring a demanding slate of Big 12 opponents. The team’s determination to succeed is palpable, with a clear focus on transforming the lessons of 2024 into victories. The home-field advantage at Miller Park will be a crucial factor in conference play.

The most exciting development for the program’s long-term topical authority is the announcement of the 2026 Signing Class, which promises to inject elite talent into the roster for future seasons. This class is a clear signal of BYU’s commitment to competing at the highest level of college baseball.

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Key Newcomers and Future Stars

The 2026 Signing Class features several high-potential recruits who are expected to become foundational players for the Cougars:

• Trevor Ainsworth: A 6-foot-5, 240-pound Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP) who brings significant size and power to the pitching staff.
• Maddox Burnett: A versatile RHP and Infielder (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) who offers two-way potential and depth across the diamond.
• Kohl Kilcrease: A promising Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP) who will be essential for balancing the starting rotation and bullpen.

These additions, combined with the returning experience of players like Ryker Schow and Luke Anderson, ensure the team has a pipeline of talent ready to step up in the Big 12.

The Path to the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship

For BYU baseball, the goal for the 2025 season is not just to qualify for the conference tournament, but to make a deep run in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship. This requires a strong performance in key conference series and a consistent non-conference record.

The team’s success will rely heavily on the performance of the pitching staff. The return of Stone Cushing gives Coach Pratt a reliable, experienced closer, but the starting rotation will need to find a new level of consistency against the Big 12’s potent offenses. The coaching staff, including Assistant Coach Adam Law, is focused on developing the mental skills and game-day edge required to win close games against top-25 teams.

The narrative for BYU baseball is clear: a young, talented team with a veteran coach is leveraging a challenging inaugural season to fuel a significant push for redemption. The program is building a sustainable foundation for success in the Big 12, making the Cougars a team to watch closely in the collegiate baseball landscape.