Keanu Tanuvasa Is ‘Complete Package’ For BYU Football Defensive Line
Aug 25, 2025, 10:33 AM | Updated: 10:56 am
Former Utah defensive tackle Keanu Tanuavasa makes an appearance on the 2025 KSL Sports Zone Hans & Scotty G 60 in 60 watchlist. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa heads into the 2025 season seeking to solidify himself as one of the top defenders in the country.
Tanuvasa is next on the 2025 KSL Sports Zone Hans & Scotty G. 60 in 60 watchlist.
“Keanu Tanuvasa, one of the best D tackles in the country,” Cougar head coach Kalani Sitake began when asked about the transfer from Utah. “You look at his ability to just, explosiveness. Ability to find ways to pop through a line to get in the backfield.”
RELATED: Hans & Scotty’s 2025 60 In 60 List
The ability to penetrate offensive lines and impact an opponent’s running game has become a calling card for the redshirt junior.
“He’s a disruptor,” Sitake continued. “He’s probably one of the best disruptors I’ve seen. Combine that with his leadership ability and the fact that the team has rallied around him because he’s a team guy… I’m so thankful he’s on our team.”
About BYU’s Keanu Tanuvasa
Tanuvasa was a two-time all-league pick while prepping at Mission Viejo High School in California.
He finished with 40 tackles as a senior, including 12 tackles for a loss and five sacks.
Keanu Tanuvasa is a freaking menace in these BYU scrimmage highlights! LOL!!
Leader, pure bred pit bull.
Watch him split the double, wrap the ball carrier and proceed to let everyone know. pic.twitter.com/8E2ZzxuODx— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) August 15, 2025
Tanuvasa signed with the Utah Utes out of high school and redshirted in 2022.
He started all 13 games in 2023, earning CFN Freshman All-America honorable mention after accounting for 27 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and two sacks.
The 6’4, 300-pound behemoth earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention with Utah in 2024 despite injuries limiting him to seven games. Tanuvasa recorded 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and four pass breakups.
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