2026 Storylines and Dreams
Everything You Need to Know Before Week 1
A year ago, BYU entered the season with questions everywhere. Was the season lost with the loss of senior QB Jake Retzlaff? Could a true freshman quarterback handle the job? Had we added enough depth to survive a full Big 12 schedule? Was the previous season's success sustainable?
The questions look very different heading into 2026. Bear Bachmeier is no longer an unknown freshman. LJ Martin returns as one of the most established running backs in the country and the Big12 preseason offensive player of the year. The offensive and defensive lines return experience pieces, added meaningful talent through the transfer portal, and have a few surprises from incoming freshman pushing for playing time.
If you checked out after last season and are just tuning back in, here's what you need to know before BYU kicks off against Utah Tech.
Bear Bachmeier enters year 2 with expectations through the roof
As a true freshman in 2026, he started all 14 games, completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,033 yards, 15 touchdowns, and added significant production on the ground to finish the season with 3,560 yards of total offense and 26 combined touchdowns, with an impressive adjusted QBR of 78.2. Most importantly, he helped lead BYU to a 12-2 season despite arriving after spring camp and starting fall camp in a competition for the starting position.
The conversation this offseason has shifted from whether Bachmeier can survive at this level to just how high his ceiling might be. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick's goal's for Bear would indicate a high amount of trust that he can take the next big step forward; 70% pass completions, 30 passing touchdowns, and fewer than 10 interceptions this season.
The optimism has only increased during camp, with all reports suggesting that Bachmeier appears more comfortable diagnosing defenses, more decisive with the football, and considerably further along than he was at this time last year. He's also trimmed down and appears to be a touch more explosive when he scrambles from the pocket.
The receiver room has been rebuilt
The biggest question mark for this team in fall camp has easily been the wide receivers. BYU lost receivers Chase Roberts to graduation and Parker Kingston to legal troubles that resulted in him leaving the school, a pair that combined for more than 1,700 receiving yards in 2025. The returning group and additions to the team include intriguing players, but nobody who has already proven he could replace either of these players.
Four names separated themselves throughout August: Jojo Phillips, Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper, true freshman Legend Glasker, and Reggie Frischknecht.
Frischknecht has been singled out multiple times throughout camp as one who has done more than anyone to improve from last season to this season. He was consistently mentioned throughout camp and spent August working with the starters. Coaches also put him in front of the media as the team wrapped up the third week of camp, an indication that his role has grown. Phillips made a name for himself in fall camp last season before injury and never quite returned to form in 2025. Kasper brings a high level of expectations as a 6 foot 6, former 4 star receiver, who saw limited playing time at Oregon as he also has battled injuries.
And then there is Glasker.
Buy stock on Legend Glasker
Every camp seems to have one newcomer that goes from a footnote addition to the roster to a constant mention in nearly every interview.
This year, that name is Legend Glasker.
The freshman receiver has has apparently forced himself into the rotation through what he has done since joining the team for spring practice. Glasker has worked his way into discussion with the top group and by the back half of fall camp was consistently running with the ones alongside Kasper, Phillips, and Frischknecht. His top end speed and knack for winning contested balls have earned him praise across the board. Expect him to see significant playing time this season. On the depth chart released for this week, he was named as one of three starting receivers alongside Kasper and Phillips.
The tight ends
The offense benefitted last season from the addition of Utah transfer Carsen Ryan who finished the season with 45 catches for 620 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ryan is now playing in the NFL for the Browns.
In the offseason, BYU added transfers Walker Lyons from USC and Roger Saleapaga II from Oregon, supplementing returning options Noah Moeaki and Keayan Nead. Lyons had 20 catchs for 223 yards and two touchdowns for USC last season, while Saleapaga arrives with experience in Oregon's 2026 playoff run.
Lyons in particular generated significant buzz in camp.
I think it's fair to speculate that we will see an offense that leans much more heavily into two-tight end packages than it has in recent years. Both tight ends are good pass catchers, provide bigger frames to block, and create mismatches in the middle of the field, which was one of Bear's preferred areas to target last season.
LJ Martin and Sione Moa
Even with the high expectations for Bachmeier to have taken a step forward as a passer, the offense returns an absolute weapon in the backfield in LJ Martin. He finished last season with 1,305 yards on 236 carries with 12 rushing touchdowns. As a senior, he is poised to cement himself as one of the best running backs in BYU history. If he matches last season's output, he would be second in career rushing yards behind Jamaal Williams.
The Cougars also have better depth behind him than they did for most of last season. Sione Moa missed most of the 2025 season from an injury sustained against Eastern Carolina in week three. He's back to full full strength and eager to get back on the field.
Additional faces that may see playing time at RB include senior Preston Rex, and true freshman Devaughn Eka.
The Offensive Line is the heart of the team
The single best predictor of offensive success is returning starts on the offensive line. BYU returns 4 starters at the line, including All-Big 12 center Bruce Mitchell and senior right tackle Andrew Gentry. The one starting position that experienced turnover is left tackle, which is expected to be filled by Washington transfer Paki Finau, who played in 12 of 13 games last season as a redshirt freshman.
Behind the starting 5, the team appears to have solid depth in Trevor Pay, Stanford transfer Zak Yamauchi, and freshman Bott Mulitalo.
The offensive line returned to form over the last two seasons under coach TJ Woods, finishing last season as a top 15 unit in run-block ratings by PFF, and 13th nationally in sack rate allowed.
Even mediocre skill groups can look impressive with great play on from the offensive line. With the highly rated performance from this group last season and the continuity across the line, expectations are high that they can create big holes for the running backs and give Bachmeier time to shine.
Defensive Coordinator Kelly Poppinga
The biggest structural change came on the defense this offseason, as Jay Hill accepted the defensive coordinator position at the University of Michigan. Special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach Kelly Poppinga stepped in to fill the vacancy. There were many concerns that the defensive players might follow their coach to Michigan, however only a single player, LB Max Alford actually did. It speaks to the culture of the team and the trust the players have in Coach Poppinga.
Sitake sounded pleased with the transition from the first day of camp, specifically praising the work Poppinga had done heading into August.
Early interviews with coach Poppinga and the players suggest the defense may become more aggressive, with an emphasis on pressure and sacks over the turnover-oriented approach associated with Hill. There has also been discussion about using fewer 3-3-5 looks and more traditional 4-3 schemes because of the defensive edge and linebacker talent. The jury is out until the games begin and the defense takes the field.
A nasty front seven
One message that was head a lot was about the improved pressure from BYU’s defensive front. Last year saw a lot of new faces on the defensive line and this season returns almost everyone who saw meaningful playing time last season, plus some blue-chip recruits to add depth.
Inside, Keanu Tanuvasa returns as a preseason All-Big 12 selection, as well as senior Justin Kirkland and Anisi Purcell.
At edge, BYU returns Tausili Akana, Hunter Clegg, Bodie Schoonover, and Viliami Po'uha while adding newcomers including Adney Reid and Devoux Tuataga.
Cade Uluave fills in for Jack Kelly
The linebacker corp seems to continually reload with excellent talent. Last season saw transfer Jack Kelly lead the unit before moving on the Giants in the NFL. This year, the group is lead by Cal transfer Cade Uluave, named a preseason All-Big 12 selection and Butkus Award watch list honoree. Additionally, Jake Clifton, a former starter for Kansas State has made his way into a starting position on the depth chart.
Isaiah Glasker is also back, with Siale Esera, Ace Kaufusi, Miles Hall, and Nusi Taumoepeau filling out the depth chart. Freshman Braxton Lindsey may also be pushing for playing time. He was already earning praise during spring practices, and by August there were reports of the true freshman taking snaps with the first team. That is difficult to ignore on a roster with this much veteran depth.
Expect to see a regular rotation of Uluave, Glasker, Esera, and Clifton, with the other backers filling in where snaps are available.
It's an ideal situation for Poppinga to have inherited, with experienced veteran's at every position to the keep the defense stable while younger athletes can work into increasingly important roles.
Secondary talent and questions
The defensive backfield was picked by CBS sports as a top-10 unit in the country. Preseason All-Big 12 selections include Evan Johnson at corner and safety Faletau Satuala. Satuala fractured a foot during the offseason and was eased back into action during fall camp, but coaches have confirmed he is ready to go and expected to start this week. He remains one of the most intriguing defensive weapons on the roster and is projected as a late round draft pick.
Also returning this season are safeties Raider Damuni and Tommy Prassas, and cornerback Trey Alexander. Tommy Prassas has been returned to the 2-deep at safety after playing nickel for most of last season. True freshman Kennan Pula will likely be in the regular rotation at safety after a standout fall camp. Mississippi State transfer Jayven Williams is expected to get significant playing time in the rotation at corner, with Jordyn Criss and Kevin Doe as the next two back on the depth chart.
The Schedule
The schedule appears favorable for the Cougars to have a strong showing this year. BYU hosts seven home games this season with only 5 road games.
The Cougars open with Utah Tech this week before immediately beginning Big 12 play against Arizona. After a trip to Colorado State and a bye, the schedule becomes much more serious:
at TCU, Iowa State, Notre Dame, at UCF, Arizona State, at Utah, Baylor, at Kansas and Cincinnati.
Notably, BYU hosts Notre Dame in Provo on October 17th, easily the biggest regular-season game on the schedule. After both teams just missed the play-offs last season, many BYU fans felt disrespected when Notre Dame opted not to play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, resulting in a game against Georgia Tech instead. Both teams have a good chance to be undefeated and highly ranked going into the game, possibly a top 10 matchup.
For a BYU team with playoff ambitions, the game provides an opportunity for a marquee non-conference win that can't be as easily dismissed as a win over another Big 12 opponent. The playoff committee made it abundantly clear that the Big 12 isn't respected as a whole last season. A win against a pre-season favorite to make the championship game gives the entire conference a chance for some respect. The atmosphere in Provo should be at an all-time high going into the game!
Expectations have changed
After back-to-back seasons knocking on the door of the playoffs and an appearance in the Big 12 championship last year, BYU isn't a dark horse candidate. The Cougars are a contender, with most forecasts putting BYU in a rematch with Texas Tech in Arlington.
Ten wins would be a very good season. However, the bar has been raised. After winning 12 games last season and returning its quarterback, running back and substantial talent on both lines, a ten win season would be a letdown. Ten wins in the regular season wasn't good enough to make the conference championship in 2024, let alone the playoffs.
The real questions this year are whether BYU can return to Arlington, win the Big 12, and put itself into the College Football Playoff.
Week 1: Utah Tech
Saturday, Sept. 5 - LaVell Edwards Stadium Kickoff: 6 pm MDT
TV: ESPN+
Utah Tech should not be a threat to BYU. The Trailblazers went 2-10 last season and were blown out in their season opener as they transition into the Big Sky conference in 2026.
Last season's FCS national champion Montana State absolutely dismantled the Trailblazers 54-0 in week 0. They racked up 447 yards of offense, averaging 6.3 yards per play, forced 2 turnovers and 2 sacks.
Expect a vanilla version of the playbook on both sides of the ball and the backups to get significant minutes. Here's what I'll be watching for in this game:
Who actually gets the snaps at receiver? Phillips, Kasper, Frischknecht, and Glasker were the hero's of fall camp, but we'll get at least a half of football showing us the real rotation.
How often do we see two-tight end formations? If Lyons, Saleapaga and Nead are consistently sharing the field, that may tell us plenty about Roderick’s plans.
Show me the depth at running back: Martin has nothing to prove against an FCS opponent. Give him a couple of drives, then let Moa, Rex, and Eka split the lions share of carries. The fewer unnecessary carries and hits LJ Martin takes this week, the better.
What does a Poppinga defense look like? BYU probably will not unleash an exotic pressure package against Utah Tech, but the basic structure should still be visible. Pay attention to the number of defensive linemen, where Satuala lines up, and how often the edge players are allowed to attack.
Which young defenders get snaps early in the game? Braxton Lindsey and Kennan Pula are two of the most interesting names here. Anyone can receive camp praise. Playing meaningful first half snaps would suggest that they are being given experience so they can be part of the regular rotation.
Prediction
The talent gap should be enormous and obvious. Last season BYU stifled Portland St to the tune of 69-0. Look for a similar outcome this year. The back-ups were allowed to move the ball for most of the game and we saw a lot of faces that didn't get much playing time the rest of the season. It won't be the end of the world if a mistake allows Utah Tech to score, but I have to believe that if Montana State could keep them out of the endzone, it's pretty unlikely they will find it this week.
BYU 59, Utah Tech 3
The Cougars should leave Week 1 at 1-0. If everything goes according to plan, we may still know surprisingly little about how good they really are. Arizona should answer that question one week later.
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