BYU football coach Kalani Sitake announced the captains and co-captains for the 2026 season, and as usual there were a few mild surprises.
Most notably, a pair of players who transferred in from other power conference schools and have yet to play a down for the Cougars are on the list of eight captains.
Former Cal linebacker Cade Uluave and former Oregon tight end Roger Saleapaga II will be captains this season, along with senior running back LJ Martin and sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and four other players.
Captains and co-captains who comprise BYU’s 20-member Team Leadership Council are voted on by the players on the team.
Other captains include center Bruce Mitchell, defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, linebacker Isaiah Glasker and cornerback Evan Johnson. Martin and Tanuvasa, a captain last year after transferring in from Utah, are captains for the second straight year.
Coming off a 12-2 campaign in 2025, BYU opens the 2026 season on Saturday against Utah Tech (0-1) at LaVell Edwards Stadium (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+). The Trailblazers of the FCS ranks were routed 54-0 by Montana State Saturday night in St. George.
Other BYU defensive co-captains include senior defensive end Bodie Schoonover, junior safety Faletau Satuala, junior cornerback Therrian Alexander III, senior defensive tackle Justin Kirkland and sophomore defensive end Hunter Clegg.
Offensive co-captains include senior offensive lineman Kyle Sfarcioc, junior receiver Jojo Phillips, junior tight end Walker Lyons and senior quarterback Treyson Bourguet.
Senior kicker Matthias Dunn will represent the specialists as a co-captain.
BYU’s Team Leadership Council in 2026 will be comprised of 13 seniors, five juniors and two sophomores.
According to a BYU news release, the council “meets regularly to plan and fulfill leadership responsibilities for the program, both on and off the field. Four members of the council will represent the team at the coin toss before every game.
