National Expectations
The Cougars have posted a 23‑4 record over the past two seasons, a performance that has propelled them into the preseason top 15 for the upcoming 2026 campaign. Analysts across the country are now forecasting a season that could redefine the program’s national standing.
Bleacher Report recently crowned BYU’s offensive line as the best in college football for 2026, a testament to the unit’s depth and cohesion. Key returnees such as Andrew Gentry, who is expected to flourish after a injury‑marred year, and Paki Finau, slated to start at left tackle, anchor a line that many predict will dominate the trenches.
The buzz extends beyond the field, with CBS Sports projecting BYU as a top‑10 program for the 2027 NFL Draft. Five Cougars are currently slated to be selected in the first round, a stark contrast to the mere two draft picks the school has produced in the last two years despite a high winning percentage.
Coaches are still searching for two reliable guards to complete the line, but the influx of young talent suggests the roster could soon boast even more NFL‑ready prospects. Names like Bruce Mitchell, Kyle Sfarcioc, Trevin Ostler, Sonny Makasini, Joe Brown, Zac Yamauchi, LJ Martin, Cade Uluave, Isaiah Glasker, Evan Johnson, Faletau Satuala, Keanu Tanuvasa, Walker Lyons and Raider Damuni are already generating conversation among draft analysts.
If the Cougars can translate their preseason hype into on‑field dominance, the ripple effects could be felt across the college football landscape, from the United States to the heart of Texas and the Great Lakes region of Michigan.