This article was first published in theCougar Insiders newsletter last week. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each week.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake may have lost two of his best recruiters in Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford, but he’s gained other personalities who could prove key for the future. BYU’s class of 2026 will definitely go down as the best ever as he shuffles his staff.
If you believe in the recruiting star system put out by On3 and 247sports, BYU had a top-21-ranked class. Add that to returning starters and a sprinkling of needs in the transfer portal, and the expectation is that BYU strengthened its strategy to challenge for the Big 12 title again in 2026.
Cougar Insiders predictions
Question of the week: BYU just signed its highest-ranked football recruiting class ever, according to experts. What stands out about this class and what do you project will be the immediate impact since some prospects will not enroll until after missionary service?
Jay Drew: It kind of went unsaid, but one of the more remarkable things about this BYU football recruiting class that Kalani Sitake and his staff signed this month is that there were no late additions, no players who took it down to the last minute before deciding.
For the first time in memory, BYU signed all of its prospects during December’s early signing period, all 21 of them. That meant that signing day last Wednesday was as uneventful as ever, but it showed that this class really is committed to playing for BYU.
Obviously, the headliners are quarterback Ryder Lyons and tight end Brock Harris, a pair of four-star prospects who will go on missions before enrolling — likely in a year. Also impressive is that BYU can now say it is competing evenly with rival Utah in instate recruiting, maybe even pulling ahead of the Utes.
Getting the Pula twins from nearby Lone Peak High to flip from Utah to BYU was huge last December for Sitake. I think another big get was Lehi running back DeVaughn Eka, who I believe might be able to play a little this fall. His teammate, Legend Glasker — cousin of BYU LB Isaiah Glasker — is also one of those guys who could play right away.
They are not officially part of the 2026 recruiting class, but the eight returned missionaries should also all be able to step in and help this fall, particularly linebackers Adney Reid and Owen Borg and defensive end David Tangilanu. I also think that quarterback Enoch Watson will be in the mix to be Bear Bachmeier’s backup.
Reports out of BYU’s pre-bowl practices on Watson’s abilities and talents were highly favorable.
Dick Harmon: First of all, the freshmen in this class have the highest ranking of any recruited group I can remember, led by QB Ryder Lyons and three highly rated tight ends, receivers and linemen. You can read about these high school players here. This was a high school class loaded with Latter-day Saint athletes and one BYU could not afford to whiff on.
All indications point to BYU getting their fair share, and that could set a trend. So, this could be foundational for Kalani Sitake and staff to compete in the Big 12.
For immediate help, BYU did not go heavy on the transfer portal, but surgically added players to strategic needs on the roster. This includes some coveted offensive linemen, linebackers and a receiver from Oregon.
In a second try, BYU finally landed Folsom High tight end Walker Lyons from USC, who had offers from every major blue blood out of high school. He’ll come with Oregon tight end Roger Saleapaga and that will ease the loss of Carsen Ryan, the top-rated college tight end this past year.
Look for BYU’s offense to get a huge boost from Utah State offensive linemen JR Sia, Paki Finau from Washington and Stanford transfer Zak Yamauchi.
Aside from bringing in immediate and experienced help on the defensive tackle front, BYU looks to develop what is there without a major makeover, likely going to a three-man front with a stand-up pass rushing end/linebacker.
Bottom line about this signing: BYU got more physicality and depth. Also, with the addition of two full-time recruiters in Lewis Walker and Demario Walker, there may be some unique opportunities and resources gained.
Cougar tales
BYU’s top football recruiting class included the announcement on signing day of an influx of athletes who will return from missionary service. See Jay Drew’s roundup on recruiting here.
Also, Sitake announced additions to his coaching staff, and here’s a roundup of those hires from KSLsports.com. Here is an interview session with cornerback coach Lewis Walker and safety coach Demario Walker, who new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga chose to help with the defense.
Sione Po’uha has been named assistant head coach and Justin Ena will become a full-time special teams coach, a first for BYU football. Here is an interview session with the two of them.
BYU hosted the No. 1 basketball recruit in the Class of 2026 this past week, and here’s a report on his visit from Vanquishthefoe.com.
From the archives
From X-verse
- How BYU’s doing vs. projections (@Cougarstats)
- Imagine Mormons at Kentucky, Lottery pick at BYU (@CS0onX)
- BYU solo eighth in Big 12 standings (@GregWrubell)
Extra points
- BYU slips in bracketology during recent skid (KSLsports)
- Big 12 fines Oklahoma State (Deseret News)
- Houston coach praises BYU (Deseret News)
Fanalysts
Comments from Deseret News readers
BYU fans guzzled the preseason hype Kool-Aid. Calm down. It’s going to be OK. The Cougars have been competitive against top 15 teams. The NCAA tourney is a long way off. They’ll likely have two almost guaranteed wins, then it will get tougher in the Sweet 16. They can beat anyone if they play well.
— Huskers2
Big 12 b-ball has a lot of ballers bringing it with freak talent! So … the Cougars are doing good against top-flight competition. They just gotta roll onwards, especially that inside game. It is encouraging to finally see some high percentage shots (dunks) from the former G-leaguer. And slam it like you mean it (Keita).
The ESPN announcers were spot on, and actually entertaining in some spots.
— Bearsbrother