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The quarterback position is led by Bear Bachmeier. The now sophomore, was spectacular as a freshman leading BYU to a 12-2 (8-1 Big 12) record. Completing 65% of his passes for 3,033 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Even bigger things are expected in 2026.
The running back room is led by 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin. Martin rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. His combination of size and speed has him on many NFL draft boards. He will become one of the top statistical backs in BYU history with another big year.
The wide receiver room will need players to emerge in bigger roles. JoJo Phillips, Cody Hagan, Tei Nacua, Reggie Frischknecht, and Tyler Bachmeier have some experience. The additions of Kyler Kasper (Oregon) and tight ends Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapagali (Oregon) are massive.
The offensive line room returns experience in Bruce Mitchell, Andrew Gentry, Kyle Sfarcioc, Sonny Makasini, and Trevin Ostler, among others. The additions of Zak Yamauchi (Stanford), Jr Sia (Utah State), and Paki Finau (Washington) are massive for this unit.
The defensive line room returns experience in Bodie Schoonover, Keanu Tamuvasa, Justin Kirkland, Nusi Taumoepeau, Anisi Purcell, and Tausili Akana, among others. With new defensive coaches on staff, it will be interesting to see how much changes on defense.
The linebacker room returns Siale Esera, Isaiah Glasker, Maika Kaufusi, and Ace Kaufusi, among others. The additions of Cade Uluave (California) and Jake Clifton (Kansas State) are massive for this unit. Uluave was one of the top linebackers in the transfer portal.
The secondary returns Evan Johnson, Therrian Alexander III, Faletau Sutuala, and Raider Damuni, among others. Satuala is one of the best safeties in college football. The addition of Jayven Williams (Mississippi State) provides even more depth.
Both kicker Matthias Dunn and punter Fuller Shurtz will be first year starters. Dunn has waited his turn and Shurtz looked solid during spring ball.
BYU just missed out on the College Football Playoff in 2024 and 2025 and this could be their year. The Big 12 is wide open and the Cougars just may be the best team. Kalani Sitake got a major raise to keep him from going to Penn State in December. Expect big things from the Cougars.
