BYU Football Roster Breakdown For 2026 Season
Mar 1, 2026, 7:49 PM | Updated: Mar 3, 2026, 10:22 am
PROVO, Utah – Diving into the BYU football roster for the 2026 season.
BYU will have high expectations this fall as they return many key players from a team that went 12-2 and reached the Big 12 Championship Game last season.
The Cougars made roster retention a top priority, along with integrating most of the recruits from a top-25 recruiting class in 2026.
BYU was selective in the transfer portal, identifying needs, while also turning to prospects that would be strong fits in Kalani Sitake’s program.
Quarterback
Roster holdovers: Bear Bachmeier, Treyson Bourguet
Departures: Emerson Geilman (Latter-day Saint mission), Cole Hagen, McCae Hillstead (Utah State)
Returned missionary: Enoch Watson
Transfer acquisition: Max Barker (Snow College)
Bear Bachmeier returns for year two on the BYU football roster.
This time around, Bachmeier will have an entire offseason to prepare for the season.
Bachmeier earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, guiding BYU to the Big 12 Championship Game last season. The follow-up act in year two will be fascinating to watch.
The intrigue will be at the No. 2 quarterback spot. Will BYU turn to veteran Treyson Bourguet, who is entering his third year in the program, or returned missionary Enoch Watson?
Watson returned home from his mission last fall and participated in bowl game practices, leading up to the Pop-Tarts Bowl last December.
BYU also added Max Barker from Snow College. Barker prepped at Bountiful High School.
Running back
Roster holdovers: Jovesa Damuni, Lucky Finau, LJ Martin, Charlie Miska, Sione Moa, Logan Payne, Preston Rex
Departures: Enoch Nawahine
Returned missionary: Micah Beckstead
Incoming freshman: Devaughn Eka
The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year resides in BYU’s backfield with LJ Martin returning.
Martin is returning for one final season at BYU. He’s been BYU’s leading rusher the past three seasons.
LJ Martin shared what advice BYU great Jammal Williams gave him while he decided whether to return for his senior year or enter the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/mq2Yf9IBTZ
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) March 1, 2026
After him, BYU brings back nearly everyone from last year’s running back unit, which includes Sione Moa, who dealt with compartment syndrome last year.
The new faces include Devaughn Eka from Lehi High School and Micah Beckstead, who once committed to Utah State but switched to BYU after returning home from serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wide receiver
Roster holdovers: Tiger Bachmeier, Reggie Frischknecht, Cody Hagen, Kila Keone, Tei Nacua, Jojo Phillips, Rowan Reay, Trey Roberts
Departures: Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, Dominique McKenzie (San Jose State), LaMason Waller III (Southern Utah)
Transfer acquisition: Kyler Kasper (Oregon)
Returned Missionary: Jett Nelson
Incoming freshmen: Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula, Terrance Saryon
There will be a lot of intrigue surrounding the wide receiver position for BYU football in 2026.
BYU moves forward without Chase Roberts, who exhausted his eligibility, and is off to the NFL. The Cougars then unexpectedly lost Parker Kingston after he was arrested in February.
There’s no shortage of talent and potential with Jojo Phillips, Cody Hagen, Tei Nacua, and Tiger Bachmeier returning. But will they elevate their game to become reliable receivers every week?
BYU also brings in 6-foot-6, 212-pound Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper. The former four-star recruit has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but BYU believes he has the potential to contribute to the Cougars.
With key performers gone, it creates an opportunity for freshmen to make an immediate impact, potentially. Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula, and Terrance Saryon have the talent to contribute right away.
Tight end
Roster holdovers: Cole Clement, Noah Moeaki, Keayen Nead, Jacob Nye, Ethan Wood, Will Zundel
Departures: Ethan Erickson, Tucker Kelleher, Anthony Olsen, Carsen Ryan
Transfer acquisitions: Walker Lyons (USC), Roger Saleapaga (Oregon)
Returned Missionary: Matthew Fredrick
Incoming freshmen: Josh Davis
BYU has a big void to replace at tight end as Carsen Ryan concluded his collegiate career with a career-high 620 yards last year.
To replace Ryan, BYU turned to the transfer portal, landing a pair of Big Ten transfers: Walker Lyons from USC and Roger Saleapaga from Oregon.
BYU also brings back Noah Moeaki and Keayen Nead, who saw time last season.
Former New Mexico State transfer Ethan Wood is also a player to watch.
Offensive line
Roster holdovers: Brigham Alexander, Joe Brown, Kaden Chidester, Andrew Gentry, Siosiua Latu-Finau, Jeff Lewis, Sonny Makasini, Strantz Mangisi, Caden McKee, Bruce Mitchell, Trevin Ostler, Trevor Pay, Kyle Sfarcioc, Ethan Thomason, Andrew Williams
Departures: Isaiah Jatta, Weylin Lapuaho, Austin Leausa, Jake Griffin (Arizona), Sione Hingano (Stephen F. Austin), Ikinasio Tupou (San Jose State)
Transfer acquisitions: Paki Finau (Washington), Jr Sia (Utah State), Zak Yamauchi (Stanford)
Returned Missionary: Talitu’i Pututau (Switched from defensive line)
Incoming freshmen: Bott Mulitalo
BYU lost three starters to graduation from last year’s offensive line; however, the 2026 group has the potential to be better.
First Team All-Big 12 selection Bruce Mitchell returns, along with starting offensive tackle Andrew Gentry. Kyle Sfarcioc and Sonny Makasini, two players with starting experience, also return.
BYU hit the transfer portal hard for offensive linemen. They ended up landing three players they were very familiar with from previous recruitments: Paki Finau out of Washington, Jr Sia from Utah State, and Zak Yamauchi from Stanford.
All three of those players could start this season for BYU.
The Cougars also have some intriguing underclassmen at offensive tackle in Andrew Williams, Ethan Thomason, and true freshman Bott Mulitalo.
BYU football plans to stay "humble & hungry" with heightened expectations entering the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/nJMhoM7q8K
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) February 28, 2026
Defensive end
Roster holdovers: Tausili Akana, Siosefa Brown, Hunter Clegg, Kinilau Fonohema, Orion Maile-Kaufusi, Bodie Schoonover, Nusi Taumoepeau, Vincent Tautua, Kendal Wall
Departures: Logan Lutui
Returned missionary: Adney Reid
Incoming freshman: Braxton Lindsey
BYU’s retention efforts are highlighted along the defensive line, particularly at defensive end. No one along the defensive line entered the transfer portal.
Every player with remaining eligibility is running it back, highlighted by Tausili Akana, Bodie Schoonover, and Nusi Taumoepeau.
Defensive tackle
Roster holdovers: Ulavai Fetuli, Justin Kirkland, Kelepi Latu-Finau, Maverick McManus, Viliami Po’uha (Switched from defensive end), Anisi Purcell, Keanu Tanuvasa
Departures: Kaufusi Pafoke, Alvin Puefua, John Taumoepeau
Returned missionary: David Tangilanu
Incoming freshman: Nehemiah Kolone
BYU brings back Keanu Tanuvasa, who wanted one more season to improve his potential NFL draft stock for 2027.
The Cougars do lose John Taumoepeau, who was an underrated standout last season.
Candidates to replace him include Viliami Po’uha, who switches from defensive end to tackle, Anisi Purcell, and Ulavai Fetuli.
Linebacker
Roster holdovers: Berkley Alfrey, Ephraim Asiata, Siale Esera, Isaiah Glasker, Miles Hall, Ace Kaufusi, Maika Kaufusi, Pierson Watson
Departures: Jack Kelly, Tyler Payne (Latter-day Saint mission), Max Alford (Michigan), Choe Bryant-Strother (Transfer Portal), Naki Tuakoi
Transfer acquisitions: Jake Clifton (K-State; Returned Missionary), Daniel Taumoepeau (Eastern Washington), Cade Uluave (Cal)
Returned missionaries: Owen Borg, Blake Lowe, Gage Tanner
BYU will have to replace elite pass rusher Jack Kelly in 2026. The good news for BYU is that they have a lot of talent returning and some new faces that should allow the Cougars not to skip a beat at linebacker.
BYU retained Isaiah Glasker, who could have declared for the NFL draft. Another key returner is Siale Esera, who is entering his fourth season with the program.
BYU then brings in the No. 1 linebacker transfer out of the portal in Cade Uluave from Cal.
Uluave considered Michigan and Texas, among others, while he was in the portal. Instead, he signed with BYU for his final collegiate season.
Cornerback
Roster holdovers: Therrian Alexander III, Jordyn Criss, Cannon DeVries, Kevin Doe, Evan Johnson, Jonathan Kabeya
Departures: Mory Bamba, Jayden Dunlap, Tayvion Beasley (USF), Marcus McKenzie (Utah State)
Transfer acquisitions: Seth Shigg (Army West Point), Jayven Williams (Mississippi State)
BYU was able to retain star cornerback Evan Johnson, who had five interceptions last year, after his position coach, Jernaro Gilford, left for Michigan.
Johnson headlines a cornerback unit that also returns starter Therrian Alexander III.
The competition for the second string should be intriguing to watch, with Jayven Williams from Mississippi State joining the mix. BYU also brings back Jonathan Kabeya, who played a lot of nickel during his redshirt season last year.
Jordyn Criss was a standout during bowl practices last December, and Cannon DeVries is an elite athlete in the secondary.
Safety
Roster holdovers: Crew Clark, Raider Damuni, Joseph Douglas, Matthias Leach, Tommy Prassas, Faletau Satuala, Payton VanSteenkiste
Departures: Talan Alfrey, Tanner Wall
Incoming freshmen: Matthew Mason, Kennan Pula
BYU will need to replace First Team All-Big 12 performer Tanner Wall at safety. It won’t be easy, as Wall was a heart-and-soul player for the program.
Still, the expectations will be high for this group as they return Second Team All-American Faletau Satuala and Raider Damuni.
Satuala was BYU’s leading tackler last season with 84 tackles.
Kicker
Roster holdovers: Matthias Dunn
Departures: Will Ferrin
Returned missionary: Ian Sanches
Will Ferrin made 58 field goals during his BYU career. He finished his time in Provo with 120 consecutive made PATs, a BYU record.
The 2025 season was at times up-and-down for Ferrin, but he leaves a big void at place kicker and kickoffs for BYU.
Matthias Dunn has been with the program since 2023, where he competed with Ferrin for the starting job that season. Dunn was praised by BYU head coach Kalani Sitake last fall for having an excellent fall camp.
BYU also has returned missionary Ian Sanches from Lone Peak High School.
The Cougars will also have Brody Laga join the program this summer after his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concludes.
Punter
Roster holdovers: Fuller Shurtz
Departures: Sam Vander Haar
BYU special teams coordinator Justin Ena said last month that the program was looking into a waiver for an extra year of eligibility for Sam Vander Haar. Still, as of the start of spring ball, Vander Haar is not listed on the roster.
That would leave Fuller Shurtz as BYU’s starting punter for 2026.
Shurtz started for BYU at punter against TCU last season. It was a mixed performance as he had a 41-yard punt, but also a fumble on another punt attempt.
Shurtz is a redshirt freshman out of Katy, Texas.
Deep snapper
Roster holdovers: Ty Smith
Departures: Garrison Grimes
Ty Smith, one of the top golfers on the BYU football team, returns to take over the deep snapper duties for Garrison Grimes, who had no eligibility remaining.
Smith is a former Boise State transfer.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
