Tanner Mangum to start at QB for BYU against Arizona

The Arizona Wildcats now know who will be lining up under center against their defense in Week 1.

The BYU Cougars announced Friday that Tanner Mangum will be their starting quarterback against Arizona in Tucson on September 1.

Here’s a look at the entire depth chart for BYU following the end of its fall camp:

Mangum will be backed up by Zach Wilson, a talented freshman who was pushing for the starting job.

Mangum, a 24-year-old senior, has tallied 5,158 yards, 34 passing touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 3 rushing touchdowns during his career at BYU.

“It’s likely the decision may have disappointed some fans who felt Mangum’s past failures made him less desirable as the signal-caller in the Cougar offense,” wrote Jared Lloyd of the Daily Herald. “Others might have pointed to his extensive experience (26 games, 436-of-736 passing, 5,158 yards, 34 TDs, 20 Ints, 3 rushing TDs) as the strongest case for the senior to get the starting nod.

“The reality, according to what the BYU coaching staff said, was that neither argument played into the decision at all.”