Breaking Down Puka Nacua’s College Receiving and Rushing Stats

Puka Nacua emerged as one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football before making his mark in the NFL. His time at both the University of Washington and Brigham Young University (BYU) showcased his unique skill set as both a receiver and a rusher. With an impressive blend of speed, agility, and physicality, Nacua was a constant threat on the field. Let’s take a closer look at his college stats, analyzing both his receiving and rushing performances.

Receiving Stats: A Dominant Playmaker

Freshman Season at Washington (2019)

Puka Nacua began his college career at Washington, but his freshman season was relatively quiet. He played in a limited role, appearing in just a handful of games. Despite the small sample size, he showed flashes of his potential.

Receptions: 7
Receiving Yards: 168
Touchdowns: 2
Yards Per Reception: 24.0

His big-play ability was evident, as he averaged an impressive 24 yards per catch. Though his opportunities were limited, he made the most of them by stretching the field with explosive plays.

Sophomore Season at Washington (2020 – Shortened COVID Season)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 college football season was significantly impacted. Nacua played in just three games for Washington before deciding to transfer.

Receptions: 9
Receiving Yards: 151
Touchdowns: 1

While his numbers didn’t stand out, his ability to make tough catches and gain yards after the catch was clear. Following this season, he transferred to BYU, where he would fully showcase his talents.

Junior Season at BYU (2021)

Nacua’s arrival at BYU in 2021 marked the beginning of his breakout. He quickly became a go-to target in the Cougars’ offense, developing chemistry with quarterback Jaren Hall.

Receptions: 43
Receiving Yards: 805
Touchdowns: 6
Yards Per Reception: 18.7

This was a significant leap from his Washington days, as he nearly doubled his career totals in just one season. His deep-threat ability was undeniable, and he consistently delivered in crucial moments.

Senior Season at BYU (2022 – His Best Year Yet)

Nacua’s final college season in 2022 was his most dominant. He established himself as one of the top receivers in the country, putting up big numbers despite missing some games due to injury.

Receptions: 48
Receiving Yards: 625
Touchdowns: 5
Yards Per Reception: 13.0

Although his total yardage dipped slightly due to missed time, he continued to be a dynamic playmaker. Defenses had to account for him on every play, and his impact extended beyond just catching passes.

Rushing Stats: More Than Just a Receiver

One of the most unique aspects of Puka Nacua’s game was his ability to contribute as a rusher. BYU often used him in jet sweeps and designed runs, allowing him to use his speed and vision to create explosive plays.

Rushing Stats by Year

2021 Season (BYU)

Carries: 14
Rushing Yards: 148
Touchdowns: 0
Yards Per Carry: 10.6

In his first year at BYU, Nacua was sparingly used in the run game, but when he did get the ball, he was highly effective. His 10.6 yards per carry average showed his ability to turn short plays into long gains.

2022 Season (BYU – Expanded Rushing Role)

Carries: 25
Rushing Yards: 209
Touchdowns: 5
Yards Per Carry: 8.4

In his senior season, BYU leaned even more on Nacua’s rushing ability. He found the end zone five times on the ground, proving that he wasn’t just a receiver—he was a true offensive weapon. His versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, as he could line up anywhere on the field and be a threat to score.

Statistical Takeaways

Deep Threat Receiver: Nacua’s career yards-per-catch average of around 17 yards highlights his ability to stretch the field and make big plays.
Improved Production Over Time: His numbers skyrocketed at BYU compared to his early years at Washington, showing his development as a top-tier receiver.
Dynamic Rusher: His 8.4 yards per carry and multiple rushing touchdowns in 2022 proved that he wasn’t just limited to catching passes—he could hurt defenses in multiple ways.
Red Zone Threat: With a total of 11 receiving touchdowns and 5 rushing touchdowns at BYU, he was a go-to option when BYU needed points.

Conclusion

Puka Nacua’s college career was a testament to his versatility and playmaking ability. Whether as a receiver or a rusher, he found ways to make a significant impact on the field. His ability to gain big chunks of yards, score touchdowns, and contribute in multiple phases of the game made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in college football.

These impressive stats not only helped him become a star at BYU but also set the stage for his transition to the NFL, where he continues to prove why he’s a special talent. puka nacua college stats