Key BYU football players injured during win over Utah Tech
Sep 6, 2026, 11:39 AM | Updated: 3:59 pm
PROVO – There was a lot to like about BYU football in their season-opening win over Utah Tech.
The 14th-ranked Cougars steamrolled to a 63-7 victory.
One downside to Saturday night’s blowout win was injuries to key players. Starting with BYU senior safety Raider Damuni.
BYU football injury report: Raider Damuni goes down in 2nd quarter against Utah Tech
Damuni went down with 2:57 remaining with what looked to be a left leg injury when his teammate, Keanu Tanuvasa, rolled into him.
Immediately after he went down, Damuni was screaming. Trainers had to help Damuni off the field, and after a visit to the medical tent, they assisted him to the locker room without putting pressure on his leg.
Raider Damuni is out of the medical tent. Trainers helped him to the locker room. Damuni continued not to put pressure on his leg while going up the tunnel.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 6, 2026
After the game, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was asked for an update on Damuni’s status.
“Didn’t like that he couldn’t walk off on his own, so yeah, we’re concerned. Praying for him and his family,” Sitake said. “But I’ve known that kid since he was a baby. Whatever it is, hoping for a speedy recovery and just praying for a miracle, maybe. We’ll see what happens. But they’re still assessing the injury and trying to make a decision on what they see in the MRI and all of those things.”
If Damuni is out for an extended period, BYU can turn to either Tommy Prassas or true freshman Kennan Pula.
Damuni shared an update on Sunday afternoon on his personal Instagram page.
View this post on Instagram
He wrote, “I appreciate all the love and prayers. Although I’ll miss a lot of my Senior season, I won’t miss all of it. I know God has a plan for me and I trust Him.”
Sione Moa had an early exit during BYU’s win
On the offensive side, BYU running back Sione Moa was on pace for a big workload early in the first quarter with six carries. But that sixth carry in the first quarter was his last of the game.
After a five-yard pickup in the red zone, Sione Moa looked down, then turned to the sideline and asked to come out of the game. He never returned.
Moa finished the game with six carries for 22 yards.
BYUtv’s Spencer Linton, who was on the sideline during the game, said that there’s been no “official word” on Moa, but that he was being evaluated on Saturday night and is “leaning ‘doubtful'” for next week’s Big 12 opener against Arizona.
No official word on Sione Moa’s injury, but he is being evaluated tonight and is questionable… leaning “doubtful” for BYU next week vs. Arizona. Gathering he and Raider Damuni are the “few guys that won’t play”…that Kalani Sitake was referencing when I spoke with him post game. https://t.co/yX4Bsj5Jc4
— Spencer Linton (@Spencer_Linton) September 6, 2026
The redshirt sophomore worked his way back this season after going through compartment syndrome in his right leg last year.
BYU did highlight its improved depth at running back with Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, and Devaughn Eka all recording touchdowns in the win.
Isaiah Glasker expected to play next week against Arizona
On a positive note, BYU will be getting Isaiah Glasker back next week.
The star linebacker did not play on Saturday night. Sitake said the staff decided to “take it out of his and just rest him for next week.”
The 11-year head coach continued on Glasker, “He’ll be ready. I think he’s always done great for us against Arizona. So we felt as a coaching staff we didn’t need him, and I think he really wanted to play as a team captain. He wants to be out there with the guys. … I think he could have gone. He was gonna go, and then me and K-Pop made a decision not to play him.”
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSL 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.
