Projected Starters and Key Backups
The Cougars enter the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy at quarterback, where Bear Bachmeier is slated to open the year as the starter and Treyson Bourguet prepared to serve as his backup.
Running back duties will be led by LJ Martin and Sione Moa, who are expected to handle the bulk of the carries, while DeVaughn Eka and Preston Rex are slated for situational work in short‑yardage and specialty packages.
At wide receiver, five players — Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Legend Glasker, Reggie Frischknecht and Tiger Bachmeier — are projected to start every game, giving the offense a deep and versatile set of options.
The tight end position will be anchored by Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, who together form a potent duo expected to be major targets in the passing game.
Along the offensive line, Paki Finau is the odds‑on favorite to protect the quarterback’s blind side at left tackle, with Siosiua Latu‑Finau as his backup; Sonny Makasini leads the competition at left guard, while Trevin Ostler and Zak Yamuachi provide depth; Bruce Mitchell, an all‑conference selection in 2025, will anchor the center spot, and Kyle Sfarcioc will start at right guard with Joe Brown as a backup; Andrew Gentry is slated to begin at right tackle, supported by Bott Mulitalo.
Defensively, the edge will be manned by Bodie Schoonover, Hunter Clegg, Tausili Akana, Kendall Wall and Braxton Lindsey, who are expected to see extensive action, while interior linemen Keanu Tanuvasa, Viliami Po'uha, Justin Kirkland and Anisi Purcell will rotate heavily inside.
The safety spots will be manned by Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala, giving the backfield a blend of experience, and the secondary will feature returning starters Evan Johnson and Tre Alexander at cornerback, joined by Jayven Williams, a transfer from Mississippi State, who is expected to contribute significantly.
Special teams will be handled by kicker Matthias Dunn, punter Fuller Shurtz and punt returner Cannon DeVries, rounding out a unit that blends experience with emerging talent.