Bold take: BYU may just have assembled the strongest recruiting class in program history. That’s the core takeaway as the early signing period opens and the Cougars navigate a week packed with headlines, including Kalani Sitake’s recent contract extension and a looming Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech.
Sitake, speaking after agreeing to a long-term deal that followed heavy courting from Penn State, stressed that this class has enormous potential. He even suggested the sky’s the limit, hinting that several signees will enroll early or depart on missions before stepping onto campus. And BYU’s 2026 group is already notable: 19 commits, a 20th-ranked national class per 247 Sports, and a strong Utah-heavy backbone alongside strategic targets from out of state.
Ryder Lyons, a four-star quarterback from Folsom, California, highlighted the day’s news by delaying his paperwork to the last moment, illustrating the nuanced dynamics of recruiting timelines. While Lyons remains BYU’s top-rated prospect in the current cycle, a recent shift downgraded his star rating from five to four stars, a change that doesn’t diminish his expected impact or mission plans. Sitake emphasized confidence in BYU’s quarterback pipeline regardless of star rankings, underscoring the overall depth at the position.
Among the notable signees, tight end Brock Harris (Pine View HS, St. George) stands out at 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, and his signing helped catalyze additional interest from other high-caliber recruits. Other key additions include offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo (Lone Peak), linebacker Adam Bywater (Olympus), edge rusher Lopeti “Junior” Moala (Orem), and four-star tight end Ty Goettsche (Cherry Creek) from Colorado. Sitake described the class as filling needs, adding depth, and offering immediate competition for playing time, while also highlighting the value of signing days that align with the program’s broader goals.
Eight signees hail from Utah, underscoring BYU’s commitment to developing local talent alongside national targets. The list includes Harris, Mulitalo, Bywater, Moala, safety Kaue Akana (Orem), receiver Legend Glasker (Lehi), running back Devaughn Eka (Lehi), and Ridgeline’s Graham Livingston. Sitake pointed to the “backyard” advantage while acknowledging an evolving NIL and revenue-sharing landscape that could broaden the program’s recruiting reach. He also reiterated the importance of in-state talent and the feasibility of recruiting from broader regions without relying on frequent cross-country flights.
As is typical, a few pledges from recent years shifted elsewhere, with some players re-evaluating commitments amid evolving priorities. BYU’s staff remains focused on maximizing impact, balancing immediate contributors with long-term developmental prospects. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick stressed Utah’s rising prominence in producing skilled players across positions, noting the state’s improving depth—from quarterbacks to running backs to tight ends—an encouraging trend for BYU’s future schemes.
Defensive coordinator Jay Hill expressed optimism about signing top defensive talent, with a plan to add pieces through the transfer portal if needed. He singled out linebacker Braxton Lindsey from Rogers, Arkansas, a recruit BYU beat multiple SEC programs to secure, highlighting both faith-family alignment and football-ready potential.
The 2026 signees (19 total) include:
- Ryder Lyons, QB, 6-3, 225, El Dorado Hills, CA (Folsom HS)
- Brock Harris, TE, 6-6, 245, St. George, UT (Pine View HS)
- Bott Mulitalo, OL, 6-5, 330, American Fork, UT (Lone Peak HS)
- Ty Goettsche, TE, 6-6, 220, Englewood, CO (Cherry Creek HS)
- Kaue Akana, S, 6-3, 220, Orem, UT (Orem HS)
- Jax Tanner, OL, 6-4, 275, Meridian, ID (Rocky Mountain HS)
- Terrance Saryon, WR, 5-11, 175, Vancouver, WA (Evergreen HS)
- Braxton Lindsey, LB, 6-3, 230, Rogers, AR (Rogers HS)
- Lopeti “Jr.” Moala, EDG R, 6-4, 255, Orem, UT (Orem HS)
- Legend Glasker, WR, 6-2, 175, Lehi, UT (Lehi HS)
- Matthew Mason, S, 6-3, 190, Las Vegas, NV (Faith Lutheran HS)
- Sefanaia Alatini, S, 6-2, 200, Oakland, CA (St. Francis HS)
- Antonio Johnson, CB, 6-4, 170, Fort Worth, TX (Arlington Heights HS)
- Parker Ord, TE, 6-4, 215, Frisco, TX (Panther Creek HS)
- Nehemiah Kolone, DL, 6-4, 265, Stillwater, OK (Stillwater HS)
- Adam Bywater, LB, 6-4, 215, Salt Lake City, UT (Olympus HS)
- Justice Brathwaite, CB, 6-1, 190, Gilbert, AZ (Higley HS)
- Devaughn Eka, RB, 5-11, 190, Lehi, UT (Lehi HS)
- Graham Livingston, WR, 5-11, 180, Millville, UT (Ridgeline HS)
This package signals BYU’s continued emphasis on building a competitive roster through both in-state talent and strategic out-of-state acquisitions, all while aligning football development with missionary service plans that are integral to the program’s culture. The ongoing NIL enhancements and financial support are poised to broaden BYU’s recruiting reach, though Sitake remains committed to prioritizing Utah-based players as the foundation of the program’s future.
What’s your take on BYU’s 2026 class? Do you see this group as a turning point for the program, or do the challenges of balancing mission commitments and on-field development temper the excitement? Share thoughts below.
