The BYU Cougars enter the 2026 season as one of the most intriguing and clearly established contenders in the Big 12, carrying a mix of rising expectations and real opportunity. After steadily building their identity in a rapidly changing college football landscape, the Cougars head into the fall looking to prove they can move from dangerous contender to legitimate conference title threat.
That leap now feels realistic after a 12-2 season, an 8-1 conference mark, a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game, and a 25-21 Pop-Tarts Bowl win over No. 22 Georgia Tech. BYU’s No. 11 finish in the final AP Top 25 gives Kalani Sitake’s program real year-over-year credibility instead of just one surprising spike season, and with momentum building around the program, opinions still vary on just how high BYU can climb this year.
This year’s roster appears to have the pieces to make noise. BYU returns key veteran contributors, adds important transfer-portal acquisitions, and welcomes a freshman class that could push for early roles, all while leaning on a staff that continues to shape the program’s vision and long-term trajectory. There is enough experience, depth, and upside in Provo to believe this team can be a factor in the Big 12 race.
With the 2026 schedule now in focus, let’s take a closer look at how BYU’s roster, staff, and overall outlook stack up heading into the fall.
Table of Contents
Quarterback – 8/10
BYU appeared to be in quarterback limbo before last season, with star Jake Retzlaff leaving the program and no clear replacement in sight. Then came Bear Bachmeier, transferring in from Stanford as a true freshman and immediately taking the Big 12 by storm. Bear threw for just over 3,000 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also adding more than 600 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Expect Bachmeier to continue to develop and build on his strong 2025 campaign.
The future also looks bright, as five-star freshman Ryder Lyons arrives to take the reins as the Cougars’ quarterback of the future.
Projected Depth Chart:
QB1: Bear Bachmeier (SO, Returner)
QB2: Ryder Lyons (FR, Incoming)
QB3: Treyson Bourguet (RS-SR, Returner)
Running Back – 9/10
One of the premier returning running backs in the country, LJ Martin, is back with the Cougars in 2026, looking to replicate last season’s production. After rushing for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, Martin earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. His running mate, Sione Moa, also returns to back him up. Another back in the rotation is Jovesa Damuni, who saw limited action last season but could take another step forward in 2026.
Projected Depth Chart:
RB1: LJ Martin (SR, Returner)
RB2: Sione Moa (RS-SO, Returner)
RB3: Jovesa Damuni (RS-SO, Returner)
Wide Receiver – 6/10
The wide receiver group is the most unpredictable unit on the offense. With leading producers Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston both departing the program for different reasons, the Cougars are left searching for new playmakers on the outside. Returning receivers with game experience include Jojo Phillips, Cody Hagen, and Tiger Bachmeier (brother of Bear). They’ll be joined by a notable group of newcomers: Kyler Kasper, a former four-star transfer from Oregon, and freshman Jaron Pula, along with several other freshman receivers who could earn early roles for the Cougars.
Projected Depth Chart:
WR1: Kyler Kasper (RS-JR, Oregon)
WR2: Jojo Phillips (RS-JR, Returner)
WR3: Cody Hagen (JR, Returner)
WR4: Tiger Bachmeier (SR, Returner)
WR5: Jaron Pula (FR, Incoming)
Tight End – 8/10
Replacing one of the most productive tight ends of 2025, Carsen Ryan, is no easy task for the Cougars. However, they have made several key additions that should have an immediate impact on the offense heading into next season. Transfer-portal acquisitions Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapaga II (Oregon) are two high-upside young tight ends who were both four-star prospects in high school. They are joined by true freshman four-star Brock Harris, who could provide a day-one impact.
Projected Depth Chart:
TE1: Walker Lyons (JR, USC)
TE2: Roger Saleapaga II (JR, Oregon)
TE3: Keayen Nead (SR, Returner)
TE4: Brock Harris (FR, Incoming)
Offensive Line – 9/10
Coming off a strong 2025 campaign, the Cougars’ offensive line once again projects as a major strength this season. Four of five starters return, with only left tackle Isaiah Jatta departing due to graduation. The most likely scenario is sliding right tackle Andrew Gentry over to the left side, opening his former spot for Jr Sia, an incoming transfer from Utah State. Another potential contributor is Washington transfer guard Paki Finau, a former four-star prospect out of high school. Overall, BYU should field another strong offensive line in front of Bachmeier and Martin.
Projected Depth Chart:
LT: Andrew Gentry (RS-SR, Returner)
LG: Sonny Makasini (RS-SR, Returner) or Paki Finau (RS-SO, Washington)
C: Bruce Mitchell (RS-SR, Returner)
RG: Kyle Sfarcioc (RS-SR, Returner)
RT: Jr Sia (RS-JR, Utah State)
Defensive Line – 8/10
Although two of their more productive defensive linemen, John Taumopeau and Logan Lutui, are leaving the program, the returning group for this Cougar defensive front is not lacking in production. Returners Keanu Tanuvasa, Bodie Schoonover, Viliami Po’uha, Nusi Taumopeau, Anisi Purcell, and Justin Kirkland will all play major roles on the defensive line in 2026. Expect this group to showcase experience, explosiveness, and depth throughout both spring and fall.
Projected Depth Chart:
EDGE: Bodie Schoonover (RS-SR, Returner), Viliami Po’uha (JR, Returner)
NT: Keanu Tanuvasa (RS-SR, Returner)
DT: Anisi Purcell (RS-SR, Returner), Uluvai Fetuli (RS-FR, Returner)
EDGE: Nusi Taumoepeau (SO, Returner), Tausili Akana (RS-JR, Returner)
Linebacker – 8/10
Losing two very productive linebackers in Jack Kelly and Max Alford is a key loss for this group heading into 2026. However, the returning players and a notable portal addition make this a very strong unit on paper for next season. Isaiah Glasker, Siale Esera, Miles Hall, and Ace Kaufusi all return to this BYU linebacking corps, joined by incoming transfer and former Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 from Cal, Cade Uluave. Expect the Cougars to produce at a high level with this group once again.
Projected Depth Chart:
SAM: Isaiah Glasker (RS-SR, Returner), Ace Kaufusi (RS-JR, Returner)
MIKE: Siala Esera (RS-JR, Returner), Miles Hall (RS-JR, Returner)
ROVER: Cade Uluave (SR, California), Jake Clifton (JR, Kansas State)
Defensive Backs – 9/10
BYU’s defensive backs group brings back a substantial amount of production from 2025. Evan Johnson, Faletau Satuala, Therrian Alexander III, and Raider Damuni all saw significant playing time last season. One notable addition to this group is Mississippi State transfer cornerback Jayven Williams, who appeared in all 13 games last season for the Bulldogs. Expect this to be a very solid unit for the Cougars in 2026.
Projected Depth Chart:
CB: Evan Johnson (RS-SR, Returner)
SS: Faletau Satuala (RS-SO, Returner)
FS: Raider Damuni (SR, Returner)
CB: Therrian Alexander (JR, Returner), Jayven Williams (SR, Mississippi State)
NICKEL: Johnathan Kabeya (JR, Returner)
Coaching Staff – 8/10
The main coaching storyline is on defense. Jay Hill left to become Michigan’s defensive coordinator, and BYU promoted Kelly Poppinga to replace him. Head coach Kalani Sitake also hired Demario Warren from Boise State, later added Lewis Walker as cornerbacks coach, moved Justin Ena to special teams coordinator, promoted Chad Kauha’aha’a to outside linebackers coach, and brought in former BYU/NFL safety Daniel Sorensen as assistant safeties coach. It’s a significant shakeup, but better described as a continuity-focused remodel than a full philosophical reboot.
Notable Matchups in 2026
Week 2: vs Arizona (9/12)
Week 6: vs Iowa State (10/10)
Week 7: vs Notre Dame (10/17)
Week 9: vs Arizona State (10/31)
Week 10: Holy War at Utah (11/7)
