BYU football practice observations: Transfers continue to impress
Aug 19, 2026, 9:25 AM | Updated: Aug 20, 2026, 11:53 am
PROVO – BYU football continues the countdown to the 2026 season with fall camp practice.
The Cougars wrapped up their 11th day of practice on Tuesday before heading up to Park City for a break in the grind of camp.
Here are some observations from Tuesday’s practice, which included 20 minutes for media observation.
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BYU football: Practice observations from day 11 of fall camp
Kansas State transfer linebacker Jake Clifton stood out during the media portion of practice. He had a chase down near the sideline on quarterback Enoch Watson.
Clifton showed good speed for a linebacker who is listed at 230 pounds; he moves well at his size.
Play of the day from BYU football fall camp during media observation:
K-State LB transfer Jake Clifton with a tackle on WR Terrance Saryon for a third-down stop.
BYU's defense on the sideline erupted with cheers after this play. pic.twitter.com/nCTaQtFSNb
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 18, 2026
A few plays later, Clifton had the play of the day, coming up with a third-down stop by tackling Terrance Saryon. Clifton’s defensive teammates were hyped on the sidelines after that tackle.
Oregon transfer tight end Roger Saleapaga continues to be a standout in fall camp practices.
Saleapaga has earned praise not only for his receiving, but also for his improved play as a blocking tight end during camp.
During Tuesday’s practice, Saleapaga made an acrobatic catch in an open part of BYU’s defense, just shy of the first-down marker.
Another transfer who is finding his stride in fall camp is Stanford transfer offensive lineman Zak Yamauchi.
The former Cardinal guard was banged up during spring practices. He’s been cleared now and on Tuesday got an opportunity to compete with the first-team offensive line.
BYU running back Preston Rex, who offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick highlighted as someone who is definitely going to play this season, had some first-team reps during the team portion in the media window.
The media was able to watch BYU’s special teams unit get some work. Both kickers, Matthias Dunn and Brody Laga, hit their three field goal opportunities.
BYU kicker Matthias Dunn made a 54-yard field goal to close out practice on Tuesday.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 18, 2026
The highlight kick was to close out Tuesday’s practice, where Dunn buried a 54-yard field goal with his teammates on offense and defense surrounding him to try to distract him. He stepped up and hit it through the uprights.
BYU football practice quick-hitters
- Former Orem High wide receiver Asher Young is now on the roster. Young had two catches during the media observation portion of practice.
- BYU cornerback Kevin Doe was in coverage to prevent wide receiver Jojo Phillips from coming up with a touchdown grab in some red zone work.
- Redshirt freshman cornerback Jordyn Criss broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Trey Roberts.
- Kendal Wall came up with a tackle for loss on RB Devaughn Eka.
- True freshman running back Journee Tonga showed some shifty moves in the open field before an offensive penalty negated the big gain.
- Youth football teams from Farmington and Lone Peak were in attendance at practice.
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.
