BYU’s 2026 Early Signing Class: Strong Foundation, Room to Grow
BYU football’s early signing class for 2026 might not be complete just yet, but make no mistake - it’s already making noise. With 18 signees officially on board and another high-profile commitment still in the wings, this class is shaping up to be the most highly rated in program history since recruiting rankings began in 2000.
Let’s start with the headliner: four-star tight end Brock Harris out of Pine View. He’s mission-bound, but his early signature helped set the tone for a class that blends in-state dominance with national reach.
And while quarterback Ryder Lyons didn’t initially send in his letter of intent, he later confirmed on social media that he’d sign later in the day. Lyons, a four-star prospect from Folsom, California, is headed on a Spanish-speaking mission to Orlando, Florida before enrolling - a common path for many BYU recruits.
Even if his paperwork comes in after the early signing window, he’s expected to reaffirm his commitment once he returns.
Utah Pipeline Still Running Strong
Eight of the 18 signees hail from Utah - a clear sign that head coach Kalani Sitake is staying true to his philosophy of locking down local talent first.
“We want to take care of our backyard,” Sitake said, fresh off finalizing a long-term extension to remain at the helm of the Cougars. “A good number of our roster comes from the state of Utah. But we also want to look at people who can be a good fit here.”
That “fit” isn’t just about football. With BYU ramping up its resources around NIL and revenue sharing, Sitake emphasized that culture still matters - and that the program isn’t looking to get into bidding wars.
“We don’t want guys to come just for money,” he said. “Our goal is to be in the market, but also make sure guys are the right fit.”
Among the local standouts: four-star linebacker Adam Bywater from Olympus and four-star defensive lineman Lopeti “Juni” Moala out of Orem. Both bring physicality and upside to a defense that continues to evolve under coordinator Jay Hill.
Underrated Gems and Offensive Firepower
Every class has its blue-chippers, but BYU’s 2026 group also includes a few under-the-radar names that could turn heads down the line.
Take Ridgeline wide receiver Graham Livingston, for example. All he did was rewrite Utah high school record books, hauling in 313 career receptions for 4,980 yards - second all-time in state history behind only Puka Nacua. Livingston was a key piece in Ridgeline’s undefeated 4A state title run and could be a sneaky difference-maker once he hits the field in Provo.
Then there’s Devaughn Eka, the 5-foot-11 running back out of Lehi. Eka posted 3,276 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns over four seasons, including a 137-yard, two-touchdown performance against powerhouse Skyridge that caught the eye of offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.
“He’s got speed, he can make you miss, he’s a good receiver,” Roderick said. “He’s a true three-skill back, and we’re super excited for him.”
With questions surrounding the running back room due to injuries and potential NFL departures, Eka could find himself in the mix sooner rather than later.
Homegrown Development Paying Off
Jay Hill, a Lehi native and former head coach at Weber State, has watched Utah’s high school football scene grow up - and he’s not shy about what he sees.
“It’s phenomenal,” Hill said, half-joking that he doesn’t want too much attention on Utah’s talent pool. “We’ve always had really good players in the state of Utah.
I think they’re getting better developed now. The high school coaches are doing a phenomenal job.”
That development is clearly paying dividends for BYU, which continues to tap into that pipeline while expanding its national footprint.
QB Room Still in Good Hands
While coaches can’t comment on unsigned recruits like Lyons, Roderick made it clear the quarterback position remains a strength - and a priority.
“I think our quarterback play has been good here for a little while now,” he said. “It’s going to continue to be really good, no matter who’s here.”
That confidence is backed up by the emergence of freshman Bear Bachmeier, who’s already collected seven Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors and will lead the 11th-ranked Cougars into Saturday’s Big 12 title game against No. 5 Texas Tech.
Lyons, for his part, has been active on social media recruiting other top prospects to Provo - a sign of both leadership and buy-in. And with more signings expected before February’s traditional window, this class might not be finished climbing.
“We’re looking to add some more,” Sitake said. “Maybe a couple more or a few more - and maybe in February.”
For now, BYU’s 2026 class sits at No. 20 nationally and second in the Big 12, per 247Sports. And while the ink isn’t dry on everyone just yet, the message is clear: the Cougars are building something - and it’s starting to turn heads.