Prayers Pour in as BYU’s Josiah Phillips Announces Health Update After Surgery

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The BYU Cougars couldn’t have asked for a better start to their season, standing tall with a 2-0 record after a 27-3 victory over Stanford and a 69-0 blowout against Portland State. However, as the team heads into its bye week, head coach Kalani Sitake has plenty to figure out. Key injuries are stacking up, and while senior left guard Weylin Lapuaho is nearing a return, the recovery timeline for other players looks less promising.

For wideout Jojo Phillips, who was injured in the first half of the last game, a recent update suggests Cougar Nation may have to wait longer than hoped for his return.

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BYU’s Jojo Phillips Breaks Silence After Surgery as Fans Rally for a ‘Speedy Recovery’

When Josiah “Jojo” Phillips left the Stanford game with his right arm in a sling, BYU fans knew it wasn’t a good sign. He had already caught three passes for 30 yards and was starting to show why coaches had hyped him up during the offseason.

Now, there is finally an update on his injury. Not long ago, Phillips took to X and wrote, “Out of surgery, everything went great. Thank you for all the love and support, Coug nation. I’ll be back soon!!!” The news left fans relieved but also bracing for the weeks ahead without him. The fandom was quick to react to the update.

“Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery!” one fan posted, summing up the collective hope of Cougar Nation. Meanwhile, another fan added, “Get well soon, amigo. Need you back on the field ASAP. 😁” That sense of urgency isn’t an exaggeration, as BYU’s offense truly needs him.

The timing couldn’t be tougher for the Cougars’ offense. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier was sacked three times against Stanford, going 17-of-27 for 175 yards. While he showed flashes of talent, he struggled under heavy pressure. “We need to go watch the film, we don’t like the quarterback getting hit,” said Sitake after the last match. Losing Phillips, one of the team’s top three starting receivers, only adds to that challenge. As one fan said, “Hope you recover quick and get back to being you, Jojo!”

Phillips was expected to be a breakout weapon this season. The 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore from Sierra Canyon entered 2025 as one of BYU’s most trusted targets after posting 211 yards in 2024.

With Keelan Marion transferring to Miami and Darius Lassiter turning pro, the coaching staff had tabbed Phillips as a primary option alongside Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston. Receivers coach Fesi Sitake said before the season, “He’s been really vocal, more than he’s ever been … I’m really excited for Jojo. I think this is going to be a huge year for him.” That anticipation has only heightened the disappointment surrounding his injury.

As another fan summed it up, “I just watched the play that did this. Man, I’m so sad you got injured. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.” Phillips, who has deep ties to Sierra Canyon alumni like Bronny James, worked all offseason on his strength, route running, and physicality. Fans have made it clear they’re behind him through this setback. “So sorry, man! 🫶 I hope you have a miraculous recovery,” one message read.

The hope now is that his rehab keeps pace with BYU’s growing needs on offense, because when Phillips returns, the Cougars will need him at full speed.

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