more nuanced than most on either side will acknowledge.

BYU benefits from the added maturity and emotional stability of returned missionaries. I have no doubt that we play more discipline, sound football than as otherwise would as a result. And I think at some positions (OL, DL, possibly LB) the extra two years can make a kid more physically ready for D1 football.

But missions also hurt skill position players a lot. Most lose speed, many suffer from soft tissue injuries when they return that keeps them from regaining top form. A lot of BYU players probably lose the "killer instinct" a bit by being more mature, with more life experience (especially the married ones). And it is indisputable that being older makes it less likely to be drafted, all other things being equal. And fewer draft picks hurts the program.