Sources: Caleb Lohner requests LOI release from Utah, plans to sign with BYU

Multiple sources have indicated to Vanquish the Foe that 2020 four-star recruit and Utah signee Caleb Lohner has requested to be released from his letter of intent and plans to sign with BYU. Steve Bartle of UteZone.com was the first to publicly report Lohner’s request for release.

Lohner’s move is primarily motivated by the player’s dissatisfaction with Utah’s system and style of play under coach Larry Krystkowiak. Sources say the high-flying swingman prefers to play in a more up-tempo, free-flowing offense like the one Mark Pope used to great effect in his much-heralded first season in Provo.

As Bartle also indicated in his report, our sources have not indicated whether Krystkowiak will agree to release Lohner from his LOI. If Utah does not release him, he will not be prevented from transferring, but would need to pay his own way at BYU for a year and likely need to apply for a waiver from the NCAA to be immediately eligible this season.

Lohner was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and 3-star by 247 Sports. Prior to committing to Utah, he also had scholarship offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU and Kansas State, among others. He was recruited by BYU during high school before he ultimately chose the Utes the first time around.

Lohner is a 6-foot-6 wing player who would bring size, length, shooting and athleticism to BYU’s perimeter. He averaged 14.8 ppg and 6 rpg while shooting 61% from the floor and 36% from three on a loaded Wasatch Academy team this past season. His father, Matt Lohner, was a BYU guard from 1994-1996.

Expect Lohner to make an immediate impact next season if he is eligible. BYU has good size down low, but lack length on the perimeter. Lohner will have a lot of competition for playing time, but he has the talent to make an immediate impact as a true freshman. Beyond 2020-2021, he has the potential to be a player that BYU can build around for several years to come.