The college football transfer portal has really turned into a wild, unpredictable scene. High-profile moves steal the spotlight, but there’s a lot happening underneath—plenty of talent that can change a team’s entire season.
Paki Finau is one of those underrated transfers. He’s an offensive lineman who moved from Washington to BYU, and honestly, it’s a move that could end up being huge for the Cougars.
Finau’s versatility and the way he’s jumped in right away have plugged a big hole for BYU. He’s shaping up to be a player to keep an eye on when the season kicks off.
The Transfer Portal: A Game of Constant Movement
The portal has upended college football, making it almost normal for players to bounce from one program to another. Sure, the big names—like Darian Mensah heading from Duke to Miami or Cam Coleman leaving Auburn for Texas—get all the buzz.
But let’s be real, there’s a ton of solid talent that doesn’t make the front page. Sometimes those less flashy moves end up mattering just as much, if not more.
Underrated Talent: Paki Finau’s Journey
Paki Finau is a great example. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon even singled him out as one of the most important offensive line transfers this offseason.
At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Finau didn’t waste any time filling a huge need for BYU. That’s not something you see every day.
Finau’s Versatility and Efficiency
While at Washington, Finau showed he could do a bit of everything. He appeared in 12 out of 13 games in 2025, starting four at left guard and even taking some snaps at right tackle.
He logged 426 offensive snaps, allowed just 10 pressures, no sacks, and only one quarterback hit. That kind of efficiency is rare—coaches obsess over every snap, especially with linemen.
Challenges at Washington
Still, Finau’s path at Washington wasn’t exactly clear. Coach Jedd Fisch had most of his starting line coming back and brought in five-star recruit Kodi Greene.
With all that competition, it was tough for Finau to see a way forward there.
A Perfect Fit at BYU
BYU, meanwhile, had a glaring need. Losing left tackle Isaiah Jatta to graduation left a big hole in their offensive line.
Finau’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. Spring practices saw him slotted in at tackle—the position BYU originally wanted him for.
Immediate Impact
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick made it clear right away: “Paki is playing with the first team right now.”
Roderick even admitted they’d tried to get Finau out of high school and were thrilled to finally have him. That’s got to feel good for everyone involved.
Finau grabbed most of the first-team reps at left tackle, which, funny enough, he never started at for Washington. By late March, he was the obvious frontrunner for the job heading into fall camp.
Andrew Gentry, BYU’s veteran right tackle, didn’t hesitate to say, “Paki is a really good player.” That kind of endorsement carries weight.
Strengthening the Offensive Line
Finau’s presence has really shored up BYU’s offensive line. With returning starters like Bruce Mitchell, Kyle Sfarcioc, and Gentry, the Cougars suddenly have one of the most experienced lines in the Big 12.
That’s huge for quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who now has a bit more peace of mind on his blind side. You can’t put a price on that kind of security.
Solving a Critical Problem
It’s rare to see an offseason move check so many boxes for a team. Finau didn’t just fill a gap—he brought depth and experience that BYU needed badly.
Sometimes, it’s the less-hyped transfers who end up making the biggest difference. Finau just might be one of those guys.
Looking Ahead
The college football season’s almost here, and people are curious about how Paki Finau might shake things up for BYU. There’s a lot riding on his ability to settle in and thrive in this new spot.
Honestly, if you look at what he’s done before, it’s hard not to expect him to make waves. The Cougars could really use that kind of boost.
For more details on Paki Finau’s transfer and what it might mean, you can check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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