LOCALS IN THE NFL

Puka Nacua Hauls In Big Touchdown Catch In NFC Championship

Jan 25, 2026, 7:10 PM | Updated: Jan 26, 2026, 9:05 am

Puka Nacua Locals In The NFL Los Angeles Rams...

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Head coach Sean McVay celebrates after a third quarter touchdown from Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

SEATTLE — Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua came up big for the Rams in an even bigger moment, catching his first touchdown to pull LA within one score in the third quarter.

The play moved Nacua up to five catches for 109 yards and a touchdown through three quarters in the NFC Championship.

The touchdown was preceded by some drama that ultimately played out in favor of the Rams.

Seahawks defensive back Tariq Woolen had a pass breakup on 3rd & long to force what would’ve likely been a punt on fourth down. However, Woolen was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting the Los Angeles bench.

After picking up a first down off the penalty, Stafford unloaded the deep ball to Nacua for his second of the playoffs and 12th of the season.

About Puka Nacua

Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.

After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.

After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.

Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.

The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Nacua’s sophomore campaign was plagued with injuries, but he still finished the season with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.

Watch Super Bowl LX On KSL

NBC is carrying the 60th Super Bowl, which means you can catch the biggest game of the season on KSL TV!!

Tune in to channel 5 on February 8, 2026.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

Locals In the NFL

Kyle Van Noy at BYU vs. Utah Holy War...

Sean Walker

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy signs with Vikings, AP source says

The Vikings have agreed to terms to sign 13-year NFL pro Kyle Van Noy, the Associated Press confirmed Tuesday night. The deal was first reported by Netflix's Tom Pelissero.

5 days ago

Tyler Batty #92 of the Minnesota Vikings...

Brian Preece

Former Cougar Tyler Batty to miss 2026 season with torn ACL

Second-year Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Tyler Batty will miss the 2026 NFL season after tearing his ACL, the team announced. Batty has been placed on injured reserve.

7 days ago

Christopher Brooks - BYU Football...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Former BYU RB Chris Brooks back on Packers’ roster with new 2-year deal

Brooks was one of two former Utah college football players that made the initial 53-man roster for the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Sunday evening. He's one of 54 former Utah locals in the NFL who made the initial cuts to end the 2026 NFL preseason.

7 days ago

Britain Covey - Utah Pro Day...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Britain Covey connects with Tanner McKee for Eagles TD in preseason

Covey started at wide out in a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in the Week 2 of the NFL preseason, when he hauled in a 14-yard touchdown strike from Tanner McKee that gave the Eagles a 14-10 halftime lead.

15 days ago

New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesar...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Is former BYU QB Zach Wilson eyeing QB2 with the Saints?

Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson completed 11-of-16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans’ 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as leading a scoring drive to end the first half and put the Saints up 20-6.

18 days ago

Former Utah football player Lander Barton had positive debut in preseason NFL game....

Steve Bartle

Utes in the NFL: Spencer Fano, Lander Barton highlight preseason Week 1

Nearly 40 former Utes entered the week on NFL rosters, including Utah's 2026 rookie class, several of whom made their preseason debut.

21 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Stacia Peoples & Gavin Lowe

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Rachel McBride & Lincoln Smith

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Janiece Sikander & Brody Thompson

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Evy Roberts & Krew Eckman

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Fabiana Lopez, Madden Johnsen & Bracken Saunders

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Leah Bailey & Lucas Castagnetto

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Puka Nacua Hauls In Big Touchdown Catch In NFC Championship