PROVO, Utah – BYU football will have a talented senior from last season returning for one more year.
Cornerback Mory Bamba officially announced he is back for the 2025 season.
Despite operating under the assumption that the 2024 season would be his last, Bamba can return in 2025 due to a waiver from the NCAA for former JUCO athletes.
BYU football senior takes advantage of JUCO waiver
The NCAA granted a temporary waiver to athletes who attended a non-NCAA school within the past five years and used their final year of eligibility during the 2024-25 academic year.
It’s a waiver created after Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia was granted an injunction from a federal judge in Tennessee to be eligible for the 2025 season.
The waiver is not granted to all former JUCO athletes. That’s why former BYU offensive lineman Caleb Etienne entered the NFL draft process.
Bamba began his college career at Tyler Junior College.
The addition of Bamba back into the fold for another year is not surprising, as BYU coaches were expecting to have Bamba for the 2025 season. But with the announcement from Bamba, the appeal for one more year has officially been approved.
Bamba announced the granted appeal on X on Friday night.
Alhamdulillah pic.twitter.com/qCpiMiiiqI
— Mo (@morybamba3_) February 14, 2025
“Without god, none of this would be possible. I am forever grateful for his grace and mercy. Through every challenge, he has stood by me, guiding me with light and faith through both the highs and lows,” wrote Bamba on X.
He continued, “I would also like to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to Brigham Young University, the entire coaching staff, and Kurt Hunsake for their unwavering support throughout the entire appeal process. I am thankful for their dedication in making this opportunity happen.
“With that said, I am beyond blessed to announce that I have one more year to finish what I started and to continue growing both on and off the field.”
Mory Bamba gets one more year
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Bamba was a standout during fall camp last August until he suffered an injury before the season opener against Southern Illinois.
Bamba had a strong performance in BYU’s 36-14 win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl with two pass breakups, one of which was against Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
The cornerback position was an area of need for BYU in building its 2025 roster. Bamba will have every opportunity to emerge as one of the top corners next season.
Through three seasons at BYU, Bamba has 25 tackles and five pass deflections. The 2024 season, he posted career-highs of 17 tackles and four pass deflections.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
