{"id":40,"date":"2026-05-07T21:11:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T21:11:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?page_id=40"},"modified":"2026-05-08T21:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T21:23:37","slug":"byu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?page_id=40","title":{"rendered":"BYU Cougars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Schedule and Analysis<\/a> \/ Recruiting<\/a> \/ BYU Football Home page<\/a><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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2026 Season Preview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Head Coach: <\/strong>Kalani Sitake
Offensive Coordinator: <\/strong>Aaron Roderick
Defensive Coordinator: <\/strong>Kelly Poppinga
2025 Record:12-2
2025 Big 12 Finish:<\/strong> T-1st (8-1)
2026 Record Projection:10 - 2
Ceiling: 12 Wins
Floor:<\/strong> 7 Wins
op NFL Prospects:<\/strong> LJ Martin, Evan Johnson
Biggest Impact Transfers: <\/strong>Cade Uluave, Walker Lyons
Most likely Impact Freshmen:<\/strong> Jaron Pula, Bott Mulitalo
Biggest Strength: <\/strong>Front-seven experience and physicality
Biggest Concern:<\/strong> Secondary depth
Most Important Game: <\/strong>Utah
Trap Game:<\/strong> Arizona State<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
This is easily one of the most proven rosters in the country, maybe the<\/em> most proven. But it’s hard to shake the taste of a couple of blowout losses. Oregon’s 2024 season ended when the Ducks fell behind Ohio State 34-0 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and lost 41-21. Last season ended when they fell behind Indiana 42-7 in the Peach Bowl semifinal and lost 56-22. Two games don’t overrule all the brilliance they otherwise showed, but when it counted the most, they were overwhelmed at the line of scrimmage and didn’t have enough playmakers to make up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
QB: <\/strong>Bear Bachmeier enters 2026 as the clear starter after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns last season while completing 65% of his passes. BYU will need him to continue improving as a downfield passer, but the experience and production are already there. His mobility also adds another dimension to the offense and should continue to be a factor in key situations. Behind him, Treyson Bourguet gives the Cougars an experienced backup option with college snaps and a strong understanding of the offense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RB:<\/strong> LJ Martin returns as one of the top running backs in the Big 12 after rushing for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. BYU will again build much of the offense around him and his ability to consistently create tough yards. Sione Moa appears to be the primary backup and showed flashes in limited opportunities last season, averaging over five yards per carry. Jovesa Damuni also contributed solid production in a smaller role and gives the Cougars another dependable option in the rotation. Freshman Devaughn Eka is another name worth watching. Good things have been said about him since arriving in the program, and BYU may look for ways to get him involved as the season progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WR\/TE:<\/strong> The biggest question mark offensively may be at wide receiver, where BYU loses a significant amount of production from Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston. There is not a ton of proven production returning in this room, but there is still a lot of optimism about the overall talent and upside. Cody Hagen, JoJo Phillips, and Tiger Bachmeier are all expected to step into bigger roles, while freshman Jaron Pula and Legend Glasker are two exciting young players who could force their way onto the field fairly quickly. At tight end, BYU added two useful transfer pieces in Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, and both should compete for meaningful snaps right away. Their size and versatility should give Bear Bachmeier some dependable targets, especially in key situations and around the red zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OL:<\/strong> The offensive line should once again be one of the strengths of the program. BYU has built a reputation over the years for producing physical, experienced offensive lines, and this group looks capable of continuing that tradition. Bruce Mitchell anchors the middle after playing nearly every meaningful snap last season, while Andrew Gentry and Sonny Makasini both have the size and talent to eventually play on Sundays. The Cougars also added several transfer pieces who should help strengthen the overall depth and competition across the line. There is also a lot of excitement surrounding freshman Bott Mulitalo, who already looks like a future high-level lineman in the program. If this group develops the way BYU hopes, the offensive line could again become one of the better units in the Big 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DL: <\/strong>The defensive line never fully became the dominant unit many expected last season, particularly when it came to consistently generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. BYU was solid at times against the run, but the pass rush often disappeared in bigger games, putting extra pressure on the secondary. The hope entering 2026 is that the interior becomes much more difficult to move with Keanu Tanuvasa and a healthy Justin Kirkland working together in the middle. Both bring size and physicality that should help BYU hold up better at the line of scrimmage. On the edge, BYU needs more production and more disruption overall. Bodie Schoonover, Nusi Taumoepeau, and Tausili Akana all have intriguing traits, but this group still needs to prove it can consistently pressure quarterbacks over the course of a full Big 12 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LB:<\/strong> Linebacker should once again be one of the strongest position groups on the roster and has a chance to rank among the best units in the Big 12. Isaiah Glasker returns after another highly productive season and continues to look like one of the leaders of the defense. Cade Uluave was one of the biggest transfer additions of the offseason and brings proven experience and toughness to the middle of the defense. Siale Esera also returns after playing a major role last season, giving BYU an experienced and physical starting trio. Behind them, the Cougars have solid depth with players like Ace Kaufusi, Miles Hall, and Jake Clifton capable of contributing meaningful snaps. Overall, this group has experience, size, and versatility, and should again be one of the foundations of the defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DB:<\/strong> The starting secondary looks strong on paper and should give BYU a chance to hold up well against the pass if everyone stays healthy. Evan Johnson and T. Alexander III both return with experience at corner, while Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala give the Cougars a dependable safety combination. There is enough talent in the starting group for BYU to feel confident going into most conference matchups. The concern comes once the depth chart starts getting tested. BYU does not have a lot of proven depth behind the starters, and injuries in the secondary could quickly become a major issue over the course of a long Big 12 season. Players like Tommy Prassas and Jonathan Kabeya will likely be asked to take on larger roles, and how quickly the younger defensive backs develop may end up being one of the more important storylines of the year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Projected Depth Chart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NAME \u2014 CLASS \u2014 HT\/WT \u2014 LAST YEAR

QB<\/strong>
1. Bear Bachmeier \u2014 So \u2014 6'2 - 230 \u2014 BYU
 2. Treyson Bourguet \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'2 - 205 \u2014 BYU
RB<\/strong>
1. LJ Martin \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'2 - 225 \u2014 BYU
 2. Sione Moa \u2014 So \u2014 5'10 - 220 \u2014 BYU
WR<\/strong>
1. Cody Hagen \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'1 - 185 \u2014 BYU
1. JoJo Phillips \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'5 - 205 \u2014 BYU
1. Tiger Bachmeier \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'1 - 190 \u2014 BYU
 2. Jaron Pula \u2014 Fr \u2014 6'3 - 200 \u2014 HS
 2. Kyler Kasper \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'6 - 210 \u2014 ORE
 2. Tei Nacua \u2014 So \u2014 6'2 - 185 \u2014 BYU
TE<\/strong>
1. Walker Lyons \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'4 - 245 \u2014 USC
 2. Roger Saleapaga \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'4 - 235 \u2014 Ore
C
<\/strong>1. Bruce Mitchell \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'4 - 305 \u2014 BYU
 2. Trevor Pay \u2014 So \u2014 6'3 - 295 \u2014 BYU
G<\/strong>
1. Kyle Sfarcioc \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'4 - 310 \u2014 BYU
1. Sonny Makasini \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'4 - 315 \u2014 BYU
 2. Joe Brown \u2014 So \u2014 6'4 - 310 \u2014 BYU
 2. Zak Yamauchi \u2014 So \u2014 6'4 - 320 \u2014 Stanford
T<\/strong>
1. Andrew Gentry \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'8 - 315 \u2014 BYU
1. Paki Finau \u2014 So \u2014 6'5 - 310 \u2014 WASHington
 2. Jr Sia \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'5 - 325 \u2014 Utah St
 2. Bott Mulitalo \u2014 Fr \u2014 6'5 - 310 \u2014 HS<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EDGE<\/strong>
1. Bodie Schoonover \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'3 - 270 \u2014 BYU
   2. Vilami Po'uha \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'3 - 275 \u2014 BYU
DT<\/strong>
1. Keanu Tanuvasa \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'4 - 300 \u2014 BYU
   2. Anisi Purcell \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'3 - 305 \u2014 BYU
DT<\/strong>
1. Justin Kirkland \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'3 - 335 \u2014 BYU
   2. Ulavai Fetuli \u2014 Fr \u2014 6'4 - 285 \u2014 BYU
EDGE<\/strong>
1. Nusi Taumoepeau \u2014 So \u2014 6'3 - 240 \u2014 BYU
   2. Tausili Akana \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'3 - 235 \u2014 Tex
LB<\/strong>
1. Isaiah Glasker \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'5 - 240 \u2014 BYU
1. Cade Uluave \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'1 - 235 \u2014 CAL
1. Siale Esera \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'3 - 250 \u2014 BYU
   2. Ace Kaufusi \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'4 - 235 \u2014 BYU
   2. Miles Hall \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'1 - 230 \u2014 BYU
   2. Jake Clifton \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'2 - 230 \u2014 KSU
CB<\/strong>
1. Evan Johnson \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'0 - 185 \u2014 BYU
1. T. Alexander III \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'2 - 175 \u2014 BYU
 2. Jayven Williams \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'2 - 175 \u2014 MSST
 2. Jonathan Kabeya \u2014 So \u2014 5'10 - 180 \u2014 BYU
S<\/strong>
1. Faletau Satuala \u2014 Jr \u2014 6'4 - 215 \u2014 BYU
1. Raider Damuni \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'1 - 210 \u2014 BYU
    2. Jarinn Kalama \u2014 So \u2014 6'3 - 210 \u2014 BYU
    2. Tommy Prassas \u2014 So \u2014 6'2 - 200 \u2014 BYU
K<\/strong>
1. Matthias Dunn \u2014 Sr \u2014 6'0 - 200 \u2014 BYU
P<\/strong>
1. Fuller Shurtz \u2014 Fr \u2014 5'11 - 175 \u2014 BYU<\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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ST:<\/strong> Special teams may end up being one of the bigger question marks on the roster entering 2026. BYU has to replace several important pieces, including reliable specialists and one of the program\u2019s better recent punt returners in Parker Kingston. Matthias Dunn takes over at kicker with very little game experience, while punter Fuller Shurtz is also stepping into a much larger role for the first time. There is talent in the room, but until these players prove themselves in real game situations, there will naturally be some uncertainty. In close Big 12 games, special teams often become the difference between winning and losing, and BYU will need this group to settle in quickly<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coach<\/strong>: Kalani Sitake enters 2026 with the program in one of the strongest positions of his tenure. BYU is no longer trying to simply survive in the Big 12. The expectation now is to compete near the top of the conference every season. Sitake has built the roster around toughness, experience, and physical play, and that identity continues to show up across both lines of scrimmage. Aaron Roderick returns to lead the offense after another productive season, while Kelly Poppinga takes over defensively following Jay Hill\u2019s departure. There will naturally be attention on how the defense evolves under Poppinga, but the overall continuity on the staff should help make the transition smoother than many programs experience after coordinator changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outlook<\/strong>: BYU should once again be right in the middle of the Big 12 championship race this season. The roster has enough experience and toughness to expect another strong year if the key pieces stay healthy. Arizona becomes an important early test and could reveal a lot about the new receiving corps and rebuilt special teams units before conference play fully settles in. Notre Dame coming to Provo will be one of the biggest games on the schedule and a huge opportunity for BYU on the national stage. Then there is Utah. Rivalry games always carry a different kind of pressure and this matchup could end up having major conference implications late in the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Swing Players<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Several players could end up having an outsized impact on how BYU\u2019s season ultimately unfolds. Bear Bachmeier is probably at the top of that list. The Cougars already know they can run the football and play solid defense, but if Bachmeier takes another step as a passer and creates more explosive plays, the offense could become much more dangerous overall. At wide receiver, Cody Hagen feels like another important piece. BYU needs someone to help replace the production lost from Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston, and Hagen has the size and tools to emerge as one of the primary targets in the offense. Defensively, Nusi Taumoepeau may be one of the more important players on the roster. BYU has struggled at times to consistently pressure quarterbacks over the last few seasons, and if Taumoepeau can develop into a reliable edge threat, it could completely change the ceiling of the defense.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Schedule and Analysis \/ Recruiting \/ BYU Football Home page 2026 Season Preview Head Coach: Kalani SitakeOffensive Coordinator: Aaron RoderickDefensive Coordinator: Kelly Poppinga2025 Record:12-22025 Big 12 Finish: T-1st (8-1)2026 Record Projection:10 – 2Ceiling: 12 WinsFloor: 7 Winsop NFL Prospects: LJ Martin, Evan JohnsonBiggest Impact Transfers: Cade Uluave, Walker LyonsMost likely Impact Freshmen: Jaron Pula, Bott […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-40","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"big12review","author_link":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Schedule and Analysis \/ Recruiting \/ BYU Football Home page 2026 Season Preview Head Coach: Kalani SitakeOffensive Coordinator: Aaron RoderickDefensive Coordinator: Kelly Poppinga2025 Record:12-22025 Big 12 Finish: T-1st (8-1)2026 Record Projection:10 - 2Ceiling: 12 WinsFloor: 7 Winsop NFL Prospects: LJ Martin, Evan JohnsonBiggest Impact Transfers: Cade Uluave, Walker LyonsMost likely Impact Freshmen: Jaron Pula, Bott…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60,"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40\/revisions\/60"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/big12review.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}