BYU’s first Big 12 availability report of the week delivered a mostly familiar picture for Saturday’s trip to TCU, with a few notable names still missing and one surprise addition on the list.
The biggest absence is starting right tackle Andrew Gentry, who is out while recovering from surgery earlier this week. BYU will turn to either true freshman Bott Mulitalo or redshirt freshman Siosiua Latu-Finau at that spot.
Redshirt freshman Ethan Thomason also remains out with an injury. BYU offensive line coach TJ Woods told KSL Sports earlier this week that Thomason is expected back at some point this season, but he won’t be available for this one.
Linebacker Siale Esera is also listed as out after being sidelined since the first quarter of the Arizona game on September 12.
The one unexpected name on BYU’s report is freshman kicker Brody Laga, who handles kickoff duties for the Cougars. The former Mountain Ridge High standout, who came home from a Latter-day Saint mission this past spring, has produced 22 touchbacks on 23 kickoffs this season.
There’s also good news for BYU in the players who did not show up on the report. Starting right guard Kyle Sfarcioc, who missed the Colorado State game, is back. Tight end Roger Saleapaga and wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier are also expected to return.
BYU’s report lists these players as out: cornerback Jonathan Kabeya, safety Raider Damuni, running back Sione Moa, linebacker Siale Esera, offensive linemen Caden McKee, Andrew Gentry and Ethan Thomason, and kicker Brody Laga. Kevin Doe is listed as probable.
TCU’s initial report includes several players out as well: linebacker Michael Short, cornerback Devondre McGee, running back Joe Pitchford, kicker Kyle Lemmermann, offensive linemen Devan Robison and Creece Brister, and wide receiver Cooper Reid.
The Frogs also have two players marked questionable: EDGE Zach Chapman and defensive tackle Perry Cole Jr. Chapman has not played in a game this season, though TCU coach Sonny Dykes said earlier in the week that he believed Chapman would play.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound senior had 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks last year. Carroll, who was being monitored after leaving last week’s game at UCF early, does not appear on the report.
He has 15 total tackles, one pass deflection and one forced fumble this season.
No. 10 BYU and TCU meet Saturday, October 3, 2026, with kickoff set for 5 p.m.
MDT. The game will air on ESPN, with radio coverage on KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM).
BYU is looking for its first win in Fort Worth against TCU since 2006.
In Other News...
BYU Heads Into TCU With A New Turnover Concern
BYUs offense spent the first half of the season avoiding the kind of mistakes that can flip a game, but that changed in a hurry against Colorado State. In the second half, Bear Bachmeier and Treyson Bourguet each threw interceptions on consecutive drives, marking the Cougars first two turnovers of the year and giving the offense a fresh issue to clean up as the schedule tightens.
Now comes a conference road test at TCU, where ball security figures to be under an even brighter spotlight because of the expected wet conditions. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick took responsibility for both picks and explained the circumstances behind the plays, but the larger concern for BYU is less about blame than about whether a previously careful offense can stay that way in a tougher environment. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Faces A Dangerous Test Against A Desperate Big 12 Opponent
Kalani Sitakes BYU team is headed into a stretch where the margin for error keeps shrinking, and the Big 12s broader coaching pressure cooker only sharpens the stakes. Around the league, coaches such as Lance Leipold at Kansas, Deion Sanders at Colorado and Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia are all dealing with the kind of late-season scrutiny that turns every matchup into more than just another game, and BYU is not separated from that conversation.
For the Cougars, the next test carries the feel of a measuring stick because the opponent is playing with urgency and the conference race is still shaping the leagues mood week by week. Sitake has built enough credibility to avoid panic talk, but in a league where momentum can swing quickly, a difficult night against a desperate Big 12 team would only add to the pressure that follows every result this time of year. [Read more 🡒]
BYUs Best Edge At TCU Could Decide This Big 12 Test
BYU comes out of the bye week headed to Fort Worth for a Big 12 matchup with TCU, and its the kind of game that can tell a lot about where the Cougars really stand. TCU has been uneven this season and is still searching for a win against a power-conference opponent, which makes this more than just another league game for BYU.
The Cougars also have a clear place to lean on offense in LJ Martin, whose recent play has given BYU a steadier run game and a reliable focal point as expectations rise. The betting market reflects that this should be a competitive test, but the real question is whether BYU can turn that edge into a road win in a setting where TCU has plenty to prove. [Read more 🡒]