The BYU Cougars are looking to build on an outstanding 2025 campaign. Kalani Sitake returns for his 11th season with offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick (in his sixth year) and a largely veteran staff. QB Bear Bachmeier is a dual-threat QB who is hard to defend. Big 12 offensive player of the year running back LJ Martin returns and will look to add to his 100-yard-per-game average in 2025. The Cougars have turnover at the receiver position as top pass catcher Parker Kingston was dismissed from the team and Cody Hagen medically retired. BYU is excited by the addition of Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper. 6th-year offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has his work cut out for him in the passing game, but as a veteran coach, he should figure things out.

BYU is in good shape on the defensive end, as 7 of the top 11 tacklers from a season ago return under 1st-year defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga, who was promoted from special teams coach. Faletau Satuala led the team in tackles a year ago and will look to head up a veteran secondary filled with talent. The Cougars linebackers, led by Isaiah Glasker, Siale Esera, and CAL transfer Cade Uluave, will be among the best trios in all of college football. The sky is the limit for this defense.

The Cougars will miss the services of Cody Hagen, who was the primary kick returner last year, and Parker Kingston’s dismissal will hurt them at the punt return slot. The Cougars are also thin at the kicker and punter positions, so it’s not out of the question that Special Teams could end up costing them at some point. 1st-year special teams coordinator Justin Ena will need some time to adjust with all new faces competing for jobs.