
BYU Cougars Face Depth Challenges Before Crucial Arizona Showdown
Injuries to Sione Moa and Raider Damuni have left the Cougars thin at running back and safety, prompting fresh faces to step up ahead of Saturday’s decisive game against Arizona.
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Injuries to Sione Moa and Raider Damuni have left the Cougars thin at running back and safety, prompting fresh faces to step up ahead of Saturday’s decisive game against Arizona.

The Cougars enter 2026 with a blend of returning stars, high‑profile transfers and a schedule that pits them against Notre Dame and Kansas, all under the electric atmosphere of LaVell Edwards Stadium.

With a 23‑4 record over the past two seasons, a No. 14 preseason ranking and a schedule that includes marquee matchups against Notre Dame and Utah, the BYU Cougars are poised for a breakout year. Coach Kalani Sitake’s humble approach and expert predictions of an 11‑1 campaign add to the excitement.

With 64 players on the 2026 roster having completed full‑time missions and five coaches bringing similar experience, BYU’s football program reflects a deep commitment to service and global engagement.

BYU Football intertwines athletic competition with a worldwide missionary outreach, engaging thousands of students and staff across continents while championing multilingualism and cultural exchange.

Offseason moves across Utah’s college football programs bring new coaches, player transfers and conference shifts, setting the stage for a competitive season.

Head coach Kalani Sitake outlines the Cougars' progress, highlighting quarterback Bear Bachmeier's expanded role, the development of young receivers, and the status of key injured players as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

BYU added California running back Journee Tonga to its 2026 roster without prior recruiting notice, highlighting his versatility and early‑season potential.

With starter Bear Bachmeier entering his second year as BYU’s lead signal‑caller, the Cougars are evaluating Treyson Bourguet, a transfer from Western Michigan, for the primary backup spot. The competition will be on display during August 2026 fall camp.

BYU's fall practice will begin in August 2026, with Walker Lyons expected to anchor a revamped tight end corps.

The first week of August 2026 will mark the start of BYU football's fall practice, with a spotlight on key players, especially transfer left tackle Paki Finau, whose performance is seen as crucial for the team's 2026 prospects.

With the 2026 season approaching, BYU’s coaching staff highlights Paki Finau’s experience and readiness to fill the void left by graduated starter Isaiah Jatta.

BYU’s fall practice begins in early August 2026, spotlighting Jojo Phillips, a 6‑5, 205‑pound junior wide receiver whose physical growth, injury resilience, and mentorship of veteran teammates position him as a key catalyst for the Cougars’ offensive resurgence.
After a high‑profile overture from Penn State, Kalani Sitake decided to stay at his alma mater, where he has built a successful tenure and a lasting connection to the program.

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reflects on a flight conversation with a grandmother, his commitment to staying at his alma mater, and the family‑centric values that shape the Cougars' rise.
After turning down a high‑profile request from Penn State, Kalani Sitake remains at BYU, where he blends tradition, culture and new NIL opportunities to build a transformational program.

LJ Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, will suit up for BYU in 2026 after a record‑breaking rushing season. Joined by All‑Big 12 lineman Bruce Mitchell, the Cougars hope to translate video‑game ratings into real‑world dominance.

LJ Martin’s record‑setting return to BYU, together with All‑Big 12 lineman Bruce Mitchell, promises a high‑powered offense for the 2026 season, backed by a 92 rating in College Football 27 and a looming rush‑yardage milestone.

A look at the pivotal 'what‑if' storylines that could determine whether BYU breaks into the top tier or faces unexpected setbacks in the upcoming season.

Lewis Walker, BYU’s newest cornerbacks coach, discusses how former basketball star AJ Dybantsa’s presence influences football recruiting, his own recruitment story, and his preparation for the November showdown with Utah.

With less than 100 days until kickoff, analysts see the Cougars as stronger than ever, projecting a winning streak that could carry them to the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth.

Washington’s standout lineman Paki Finau joins BYU, filling a critical void and earning immediate praise as the Cougars prepare for the upcoming season.

Kalani Sitake’s recent contract extension at Brigham Young University has unlocked new resources that are reshaping the Cougars’ athletic landscape, enabling staff retention, facility upgrades, and stronger competition across multiple sports.

Two former BYU football players, Choe Bryant-Strother and Pokaiaua Haunga, remain in the transfer portal amid injury setbacks and roster reshuffles, while eleven other alumni have found new teams across various conferences.