BYU Football: Zach Wilson’s Stellar Performance Sets Records Against Hawaii.
Under the bright lights of LaVell Edwards Stadium, freshman Zach Wilson made history as the youngest quarterback ever to start for BYU. And he certainly made his debut memorable.
Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Wilson, known for his dual-threat abilities, put on an impressive display in his inaugural start. He completed 16 of 24 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Cougars to a decisive 49-23 victory over Hawaii.
Wilson also showcased his athleticism by scoring on a 23-yard run, evading multiple defenders with agile moves reminiscent of Taysom Hill. His performance earned praise across BYU fandom, prompting the BYU Football Twitter account to temporarily rename itself the “Zach Wilson Fan Account” at halftime.
Making his mark in BYU history, Wilson’s three touchdown passes were the most by a true freshman quarterback in his debut start. He connected with Dallin Holker, Aleva Hifo, and Gunner Romney for scoring strikes, while also recording the most touchdowns (four) by a freshman QB in his first career start.
With a pass efficiency rating of 167.5, another program record, Wilson’s accuracy and mobility kept the Hawaii defense on edge throughout the game. The victory extended BYU’s dominance over Hawaii in Provo to a perfect 10-0 record, continuing a five-game winning streak in their series.
Wilson’s performance not only solidified BYU’s lead in the overall series at 23-8 but also boosted their prospects for a bowl game appearance that season. Supported by a strong rushing attack that totaled 280 yards, Wilson’s command of short, intermediate, and deep passes highlighted his versatility and potential for future success with the Cougars.
