BYU football: A bunch of national pundits are talking about Zach Wilson. Here’s what they’re saying

As the 14th-ranked BYU Cougars head into their Friday night matchup against the Houston Cougars on the road, quarterback Zach Wilson has remained a popular topic of national conversation.

In just the past few days, a couple of major outlets have written in-depth stories on the junior who prepped at Corner Canyon High School. Here’s a rundown.

• Associated Press college football reporter Ralph Russo wrote that “Wilson’s rise brings back memories of BYU’s time as QB U,” noting the great success numerous Cougar quarterbacks had under legendary head coach LaVell Edwards. In featuring Wilson’s path to this point, Russo wrote, “For the first time in a long time, BYU has that kind of quarterback again. With the help of a former Cougars QB (John Beck), Zach Wilson is conjuring up memories of Jim McMahon and Steve Young in Provo, Utah.”
• The Athletic’s Chris Vannini examined BYU’s offensive success to this point generally, noting the huge, “violent” offensive line and good receivers. Then he took a deep dive into Wilson’s game, discussing the quarterback’s ability to make different throws, his accuracy and his confidence, writing, “In the end, as with most teams, it comes down to the quarterback’s ability to make plays, any way he can.”

• Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner put Wilson atop a list of college football’s “biggest breakout draft prospects” thus far in 2020. Renner wrote that while Wilson hasn’t faced great competition, he’s been dominant, and his “blend of mobility, arm strength and accuracy — especially on the move — is special.”
• ESPN’s Chris Low wrote that “Zach Wilson and BYU football keep on winning. Is anyone paying attention?” Low detailed how the Cougars’ previously strong schedule crumbled but laid out a path for how they might at least reach a New Year’s Six Bowl if they go undefeated. He quoted Wilson as saying, “Everyone would say that your schedule isn’t nearly as good this year, and I’m like, ‘Hey, we’re playing football. We can’t complain.’ It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We’re going to show that we’re a good team no matter what.”