One of Mark Pope's Former Players Just Got Selected in the NFL Draft

PolacheckKSR

One-Mark-Pope-Former-Players-Selected-NFL-Draft — Nov 12, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars forward Caleb Lohner (33) celebrates after their win against the San Diego State Aztecs at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images

Mark Pope is looking to have his first-ever NBA Draft pick this June. However, he won’t have to wait any longer for one of his players to be drafted to a major pro sports team.

Pope’s former player Caleb Lohner was selected with the 241st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. While he was drafted as a tight end, Lohner was recently pursuing a professional career on the basketball court.

KSR+ takes a look at how Lohner went from being a key piece on Pope’s BYU teams to an NFL Draft pick.

Starting at BYU Before Leaving for Baylor

Caleb Lohner began his college basketball career during the 2020-21 season under Mark Pope at BYU. He appeared in 62 games, including 44 starts, during a two-year career with the Cougars.

Lohner averaged 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over his two seasons. He was just one of seven freshmen in BYU program history to lead the team in rebounds in a single season.

Lohner left BYU after his sophomore year to transfer to Baylor ahead of the 2022-23 season. He averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in his junior year at Baylor and 2.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in his senior year.

Lohner transferred to Utah ahead of the 2024-25 season. That’s when he converted to being a multi-sport athlete.

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One Season of Football Was Enough

Caleb Lohner only played one season of college football, but it was enough to get drafted. Lohner joined the Utah football team ahead of the 2024 season in a career move that’s clearly paid off.

During the 2024 season, Lohner caught four passes, all four touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. He finished the season with four receptions for 54 yards and four touchdowns.

Lohner still played basketball during the 2024-25 season, but only started in two games. He averaged 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 22 games played. After the season, his eyes were set on a professional career in football, not basketball.

Lohner impressed scouts at the Big 12 Pro Day, largely due to his 40-yard dash time. His 4.69 forty-yard dash time was among the best for players at his position. He was the first player from Utah to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.