Kalani Sitake enters his 11th season at BYU in 2026, with Aaron Roderick back as offensive coordinator for his sixth season. Bear Bachmeier returns at quarterback after contributing as both a passer and runner last season. LJ Martin returns at running back after rushing for 1,305 yards and averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game in 2025. Update (Oct. 7): RB LJ Martin suffered a lower-leg injury against TCU and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, and Devaughn Eka are expected to take on larger backfield roles during his absence.
BYU must replace leading receiver Parker Kingston after his dismissal from the program, while Cody Hagen retired medically. Jojo Phillips returns to the receiving corps, while Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper joins a group expected to feature several new contributors in 2026. USC transfer Walker Lyons joins the program at tight end. The offensive line returns full-time starters Bruce Mitchell and Andrew Gentry, each of whom started 14 games last season, while Kyle Sfarcioc, Paki Finau, and Sonny Makasini also return with starting experience.
Kelly Poppinga takes over as defensive coordinator after previously serving as BYU’s special teams coordinator. BYU returns seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including leading tackler Faletau Satuala. Bodie Schoonover returns at defensive end, while Isaiah Glasker and Siale Esera return at linebacker. Update (Sept. 21): LB Siale Esera is sidelined with an injury, but it is not expected to be season-ending. California transfer Cade Uluave adds experience to the linebacker group after starting 11 games and leading Cal with 100 tackles last season. Uluave arrives at BYU with 26 career starts and 237 career tackles. Faletau Satuala, Evan Johnson, Raider Damuni, and Therrian Alexander III return in the secondary, giving the Cougars back-end experience. Update (Sept. 21): S Raider Damuni is expected to miss an extended period with a lower-body injury.
Justin Ena takes over as special teams coordinator. BYU must replace its primary returners after Cody Hagen’s medical retirement and Parker Kingston’s dismissal, while Tiger Bachmeier returns with return-game experience. Matthias Dunn returns after handling kickoff duties last season and entered 2026 competing for the placekicking job, while Fuller Shurtz is among the options at punter, leaving added uncertainty and risk in the kicking game.
Overall, BYU entered 2026 with continuity at quarterback, running back, and along the offensive line, and the defense returns seven of its top eleven tacklers. However, Martin’s extended absence has created a significant adjustment in the backfield, while injuries to Esera and Damuni have affected the defense. The Cougars return several of last season’s most productive players and welcome experienced transfers such as Uluave, Kasper, and Lyons, making special teams, especially the rebuilt return game, another major area of change.