Even if BYU and Utah may not be playing each other every year on the football field, they will be battling each year off the field with LDS and in-state recruits. Who is winning this battle?
An analysis of recruiting data shows that BYU and Utah signed 80 recruits over the last 10 years, where they had both offered the recruit a scholarship. So, there are about 8 head-to-head recruiting battles on average each year.
Utah holds the head-to-head recruiting edge 55% to 45%, and has held the lead every year since 2008. It is not likely a coincidence that Utah also holds the head-to-head record on the field since 2008, winning 4 of the last 5 games.
Breaking down the battles by star ratings:
- 4 star (8 kids): BYU has signed 63%
- 3 star (47 kids): Utah has signed 58%
- 2 star (23 kids): BYU has signed 52%
Breaking down the battle by in-state vs. out-of-state:
- In-state (43 kids): Utah has signed 63%
- Out-of-state (37 kids): BYU has signed 54%
It is clear that Utah has the edge in in-state recruiting, but top-rated LDS recruits are still trending toward BYU.
If this trend continues, it bodes well for Utah and puts pressure on BYU to land more out of state recruits.
Tell us what you think in the comments below, or on twitter @CougarFanDotCom
View all BYU sports news at http://www.CougarFan.com
