The BYU Cougars unveiled their 2026 football roster this week, listing 117 players as the team enters preseason training camp in Provo. The roster represents the latest iteration of a squad that has been reshaped by the transfer portal, recent graduations and a series of strategic additions.
Among the departures, offensive lineman Andrew Williams has left the program to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, while linebacker Ephraim Asiata was removed after a DUI incident that resulted in legal charges. Wide receiver Cody Hagen announced his medical retirement due to persistent knee problems, and several other athletes including tight end Cole Clement, receiver Rowan Reay and lineman Kaden Chidester were cut from the roster.
A Roster in Motion
New faces include freshman running back Journee Tonga, who turned down a scholarship from San Jose State to walk on at BYU, and safety Antonio "TJ" Johnson, a Texas prospect who joined the team in June. Transfer quarterback Max Barker, who came from Snow College, was also removed, while freshman defensive end Devoux Tuataga returned from a mission in Chile. Freshman safety Lance Reynolds, grandson of a BYU legend, and fifth‑year wide receiver Fisher Ingersoll, a preferred walk‑on, round out the incoming class.
The coaching staff, led by coach Kalani Sitake, has described the roster as a living document that may still evolve before the season begins. Sitake emphasized that the team remains open to further adjustments as the portal continues to move and as players recover from injuries.
The Cougars will open the season at home against Utah Tech on September 6 at LaVell Edwards Stadium, a venue that has hosted many memorable moments in BYU history. The matchup will be the first test of a roster that blends experienced scholarship players with a wave of walk‑ons and transfer additions.
Observers note that the composition of the 2026 squad reflects broader trends in college football, where the transfer portal and evolving eligibility rules have created a fluid environment for program building. The Cougars’ ability to adapt will likely influence their competitiveness in the coming weeks.