BYU got the win it wanted in the opener, but the Cougars came out of the 63-7 rout of Utah Tech with a couple of injuries that quickly became the bigger story.
Running back Sione Moa and safety Raider Damuni both exited in the first half and did not return. Moa’s injury turned out to be a torn MCL and PCL, and he had surgery this week. Damuni’s injury looked serious on the field, but BYU avoided the worst-case scenario: it was not a season-ending injury.
On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga gave the clearest picture yet of Damuni’s recovery window.
"There's a timeline there that we'll have to be patient on that we have no control over, but it's way better than an ACL and him being out for the season," Poppinga said. "We'll shoot for the middle of October and see if he can get himself ready to roll by then. If not, we'll have him before the season ends."
That middle-of-October target would line Damuni up for the Notre Dame game. Poppinga also said Damuni is hoping to come back after the bye week, which comes in Week 4 after BYU’s game against Colorado State. If that timeline holds, Damuni could be back in early October against TCU.
"I know [Raider] wants to be back as soon as possible. He's thinking after the bye week he's going to be back, and I would hope for him that would be the case-that would be great.
But I think probably middle of October, later October, we'll have something ready for him," Poppinga said. "[I'm] just happy for him and for our team that he can get back on the field for us this season."
Damuni played 17 snaps before leaving the opener. With him sidelined, third-year safety Tommy Prassas was moved into the starting lineup on Monday’s depth chart. Poppinga also said Kennan Pula and Jarinn Kalama could see work at safety behind starters Faletau Satuala and Tommy Prassas.
BYU’s secondary gets tested right away, with veteran quarterback Noah Fifita waiting on Saturday. Poppinga didn’t sugarcoat the challenge.
"I think he's a hard guy to scheme to be honest with you. The guy can run, he can throw, he can get out of the pocket and run...but I just think he's a really good player and we're going to have to play really good defense.
And that's basically the way that you stop him is you got to play sound football and everybody's got to do their job and be disciplined in doing their job. And if we do that at a high level, we'll give ourselves a chance on Saturday."
Fifita was a first-team All-Conference selection going into the season, and Poppinga said he is one of the two or three best quarterbacks BYU will face in 2026.
In Other News...
BYUs Frontcourt Addition Could Matter More Than Fans Realize
BYU has quietly added another layer to its frontcourt with the arrival of Serbian center Petar Ostojic, a 19-year-old seven-footer who already brings professional experience from Serbian leagues. For a roster still taking shape, the move gives the Cougars a bigger body in the paint and a player who can develop behind Jaxon Kohler, a spot that could matter even more if the season starts with questions at center.
Kohlers eligibility for the upcoming season remains unresolved, with a hearing set for Sept. 29, and that uncertainty is what gives Ostojics addition extra weight. If BYU ends up needing immediate size and depth, the Cougars may find that this understated pickup ends up carrying more significance than it first appeared to have. [Read more 🡒]
Treyson Bourguet Just Shared Why BYU Means More Than Football
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Bourguet, who said he is spiritual even though he is not a member of the sponsoring faith, spoke openly about football and BYU bringing him closer to Christ. He also pointed to the people around him, thanking teammates and coaches for creating an environment built around a shared desire to be disciples of Christ through football. For BYU, it is the kind of reminder that the programs pull often reaches well beyond the depth chart. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Frontcourt Plans Just Shifted At A Crucial Time
BYUs frontcourt picture took another turn this week when Jakub Urbaniak opted not to join the Cougars for the upcoming season, instead signing with CB Gran Canaria. The move arrives at a time when the roster is still coming together, even after BYU added Serbian big man Petar Ostojic, who is already on campus and is expected to be eligible.
The timing matters because Jaxon Kohlers eligibility is still unresolved, leaving some uncertainty around how the Cougars will sort out minutes and responsibilities inside. BYU also has one scholarship still open, and it could be saved for a mid-year international addition if the right fit emerges, giving the staff at least one more option as the frontcourt situation continues to evolve. [Read more 🡒]