BYU’s Best Recruiting Class Yet? Why 2026 Could Be a Turning Point for the Cougars
Kalani Sitake’s BYU football program just landed what many are calling the best recruiting class in school history-and it couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time. Despite losing two of his top recruiters in Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford, Sitake has retooled his staff and reloaded the roster in a way that sends a clear message: BYU is serious about contending in the Big 12.
According to rankings from On3 and 247Sports, BYU’s 2026 class cracked the top 21 nationally. That’s not just a statistical milestone-it’s a cultural one. It signals that BYU is no longer just competing for in-state talent; it’s winning those battles and building a foundation that could reshape the program’s trajectory in the Big 12.
Let’s break down what makes this class so special, what kind of impact it could have right away, and why BYU fans have plenty of reasons to be excited.
All In Early: A Class That Committed Fast and Firm
One of the most under-the-radar but telling signs of BYU’s recruiting success this year? Every single one of the 21 signees committed during the early signing period in December.
No last-minute drama, no eleventh-hour flips. That kind of decisiveness speaks volumes about the relationships built during the recruiting process-and the belief these players have in Sitake’s vision.
This group is headlined by two four-star prospects: quarterback Ryder Lyons and tight end Brock Harris. Both are expected to serve missions before enrolling, so fans will have to wait a bit to see them in action. But their commitments are a huge win for BYU’s long-term offensive outlook.
Winning the In-State Recruiting War
For years, BYU and Utah have been locked in a fierce battle for in-state talent. But this cycle?
The Cougars may have pulled ahead. The biggest swing came when BYU flipped the Pula twins from Utah-an eye-opener for anyone tracking the state’s recruiting landscape.
Add in Lehi running back DeVaughn Eka, who could see playing time as soon as this fall, and it’s clear BYU didn’t just win on paper-it won in the trenches of local recruiting.
Also worth watching: Eka’s teammate, Legend Glasker, cousin of current BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker. He’s another freshman who could push for early reps.
Reinforcements from the Mission Field
While the 2026 class won’t fully hit the field for a couple of years, BYU’s depth chart will get an immediate boost from eight returned missionaries. Linebackers Adney Reid and Owen Borg, along with defensive end David Tangilanu, are expected to step in and contribute right away. Quarterback Enoch Watson is another name to keep an eye on-reports from pre-bowl practices were glowing, and he’s firmly in the mix to back up Bear Bachmeier.
Transfer Portal: Quality Over Quantity
BYU didn’t go all-in on the transfer portal, but it made some surgical additions that could pay off in a big way. The Cougars landed key pieces at positions of need, including offensive linemen from Utah State and Washington, plus a receiver from Oregon. Stanford transfer Zak Yamauchi also joins the mix, bolstering a unit that needed more experience and physicality.
One of the biggest portal wins came on the second try: tight end Walker Lyons, a former USC commit with offers from just about every blue blood in the country. He’ll join Oregon transfer Roger Saleapaga, giving BYU two high-upside tight ends to help offset the loss of Carsen Ryan, one of the top-rated tight ends in college football last season.
Defensive Identity Taking Shape
On defense, the Cougars appear to be shifting toward a three-man front, with a stand-up pass-rushing end/linebacker hybrid. It’s a move that fits the personnel and should allow BYU to get more creative with pressure packages. While the Cougars didn’t overhaul the defensive line, they added some much-needed size and depth that should help them hold up better against Big 12 offenses.
Coaching Staff Reload: New Faces, New Energy
With Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford moving on, BYU made several key hires that could pay dividends on the recruiting trail and the field. Lewis Walker (cornerbacks) and Demario Walker (safeties) were handpicked by defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga to help lead the defense. Both bring energy and a fresh perspective to a unit that’s looking to take the next step.
Sione Po’uha has been promoted to assistant head coach, while Justin Ena becomes BYU’s first full-time special teams coordinator-a move that signals the program’s growing emphasis on all three phases of the game.
Looking Ahead
This class isn’t just about stars and rankings. It’s about momentum.
BYU has built a recruiting foundation that could carry it through the next several seasons in the Big 12. The combination of high-upside high school talent, immediate-impact returned missionaries, and targeted transfer additions gives the Cougars a roster that’s deeper, more physical, and more versatile than it’s been in years.
And with two full-time recruiters now on staff, Sitake and company are positioned to keep this momentum rolling.
The road to Big 12 contention is never easy-but for the first time in a long time, BYU looks like it’s built to last.