
Bold Predictions for BYU’s 2026 Football Season
The Cougars are projected to dominate both sides of the ball, with standout players poised for accolades and a marquee broadcast appearance.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jack Kelly across Football, Baseball, Soccer.

The Cougars are projected to dominate both sides of the ball, with standout players poised for accolades and a marquee broadcast appearance.

With the 2026 campaign opening against Utah Tech in under 40 days, BYU is shaping its roster around a returning head coach, a new offensive coordinator, and a running back poised to rewrite the program's record books.

BYU’s fall practice will spotlight sophomore Nusi Taumoepeau, who is slated to replace departing star Jack Kelly at weakside linebacker. Having impressed in the Pop‑tarts Bowl and earned praise from coordinator Jay Hill, Taumoepeau is expected to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ defense in 2026.

On Dec. 26, Michigan announced the hiring of Jay Hill, a coach with a record of Big Sky titles and a rapid rise at BYU, to lead its defensive staff.

Jay Hill, a longtime disciple of Kyle Whittingham, was hired as Michigan's defensive coordinator on Dec. 26. His history of elevating BYU's defense and developing overlooked talent positions him to reshape the Wolverines' unit.

After a breakout 2024 campaign and a 12‑2 season in 2025, BYU’s defensive end Bodie Schoonover is preparing to anchor a defense that could secure a conference title and a College Football Playoff appearance.
The Chargers finished fifth in the Class A state tournament, ending the year with a 25‑3 record and a 6‑0 win in the consolation championship.
The 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of the most dominant in recent memory for the Brandon‑Evansville baseball program, finishing with a 25‑3 record and a Class A consolation championship.

Despite losing several defensive stalwarts, the Cougars enter the season with a strong offensive core and high expectations.

The excitement from the global tournament is driving a wave of new players to the Las Vegas valley, with facilities, parents and community groups working together to keep the momentum alive.

Fantasy analysts have released a unified set of rankings for the upcoming 2026 dynasty rookie draft, spotlighting elite individual defensive players and their projected impacts.

Jay Hill’s track record at BYU shows that a disciplined, scheme‑first approach can transform a defense, and Michigan hopes to replicate that success with a versatile 4‑3 system that prioritizes collective performance.
The annual All‑Star Hockey Classic will be held June 27 at the University of Vermont’s Gutterson Fieldhouse, featuring top senior boys and girls hockey teams from Vermont and New Hampshire. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children under six, with proceeds exceeding $360,000 for Make‑A‑Wish wishes.
After an opening loss, the Chargers rallied to win two games, including a 15‑8 triumph over Janesville‑Waldorf‑Pemberton and a 6‑0 shutout of Ogilvie, finishing the season 25‑3.

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.
Fergus Falls extended its winning streak to four with a 6‑1 triumph over Willmar, while several other squads posted impressive performances across the region.
With quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin back in the fold, BYU enters the 2026 season as a contender, but injuries, eligibility issues, and staff changes loom large.

With quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin back in the fold, BYU is being heralded as the Big 12’s most physically imposing squad. An anonymous assistant coach lauds the team’s coaching and talent, while Athlon Sports projects Texas Tech as champion and BYU as runner‑up, fueling optimism for a deep postseason run.
John Harbaugh was met with a standing ovation as he unveiled his plans for the Giants, introduced the draft class and pointed toward a season‑opening clash with the Dallas Cowboys.

The latest post‑spring rankings highlight Texas Tech at No. 1, with BYU and Utah close behind, offering a glimpse into the dynamics shaping the Big 12 ahead of the fall.