The dust has finally settled on one of the wildest offseasons in Provo history. Seriously. If you’ve been following the BYU football depth chart lately, you know it feels more like a game of musical chairs than a standard roster build. Between the sudden departure of Jay Hill to Michigan and the massive influx of blue-chip talent from the transfer portal, the 2026 version of the Cougars is basically a brand-new machine.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of. One day you’re celebrating a top-20 recruiting class, and the next, you’re trying to figure out who’s actually calling the plays on defense.
The Bear Bachmeier Era is Officially Here
Let’s talk about the most important name on the list: Bear Bachmeier.
Last year, the true freshman did something no one expected. He took the keys to the offense and didn't just drive; he raced. Coming into 2026, there isn't a "competition" anymore. Bachmeier is the undisputed QB1. With McCae Hillstead hitting the portal, the depth behind Bear is a bit younger than coaches might like, but the ceiling is sky-high.
You've got Enoch Watson returning from a mission and Treyson Bourguet providing that veteran safety net. But let’s be real. This is Bear’s team.
The biggest win for the offense, though, wasn't a new recruit. It was keeping LJ Martin.
There was a lot of talk about him jumping to the NFL early. Instead, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year is back. Having a workhorse like Martin makes life so much easier for a sophomore quarterback. Behind him, Sione Moa and Enoch Nawahine provide a physical style of running that fits the Big 12 perfectly.
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Rebuilding the Wall: The Trench Warfare
If you look at the BYU football depth chart on the offensive line, you’ll see three names that weren't there a month ago. Kalani Sitake went aggressive in the portal this January.
Paki Finau (Washington), Zak Yamauchi (Stanford), and JR Sia (Utah State) aren't just depth pieces. They are starters.
Projected Offensive Line Starters
- LT: Andrew Gentry (Moving over from Right Tackle)
- LG: Paki Finau (The big-time get from the Huskies)
- C: Bruce Mitchell (The veteran anchor)
- RG: Kyle Sfarcioc OR Zak Yamauchi
- RT: Andrew Williams OR JR Sia
The logic here is simple. Protect Bear at all costs. Gentry moving to the blind side is a big move, but he’s got the footwork for it. The real battle is at Right Tackle. Williams showed flashes as a freshman, but JR Sia has the "grown man" strength that usually wins out in August.
A Defensive Identity Crisis?
This is where things get kinda messy. Jay Hill leaving for Michigan was a gut punch. He was the architect of the "New BYU Defense."
Kelly Poppinga taking over as Defensive Coordinator provides some continuity, but he’s putting his own spin on things. He’s already promoted Sione Po’uha to Associate Head Coach. They aren't changing the scheme entirely, but expect a more aggressive, "hair-on-fire" style of pass rush.
The star of the show is Isaiah Glasker.
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He’s a freak of nature at linebacker. 6-foot-5, fast enough to cover slots, and strong enough to stonewall running backs. Pairing him with Jack Kelly and Siale Esera gives BYU one of the best linebacker rooms in the conference.
The secondary is a bit of a question mark. Faletau Satuala is the X-factor. He stayed despite Hill leaving, which was massive. If he takes the sophomore leap everyone expects, he’s an All-American caliber safety. Evan Johnson and Therrian Alexander III are locked in at corner, but depth is thin. One injury there and things get scary.
The Freshman Infusion
We have to mention the 2026 signing class because it's literally the best BYU has ever had. Ranked No. 2 in the Big 12.
Ryder Lyons is the name everyone is circling. He’s a five-star talent, though he’s likely heading on a mission first. But names like Jaron Pula and Brock Harris (a four-star tight end) are guys who could actually see the field sooner than later.
Usually, BYU freshmen play special teams and wait their turn. Not this group. The talent gap is closing between BYU and the traditional powers.
Why This Roster Works (And Where it Might Fail)
On paper, this is an 11-win team. You’ve got a star QB, a generational RB, and a beefed-up offensive line.
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But football isn't played on paper.
The concern is the defensive transition. Poppinga is a great coach, but losing Hill’s play-calling intuition is a risk. Also, the defensive tackle rotation is still a bit "light." Keanu Tanuvasa is a stud, but he needs help. If the Cougars can't stop the interior run against teams like Kansas State or Utah, the flashy offense won't matter.
What You Should Watch For
If you’re checking the BYU football depth chart during spring ball, keep your eyes on the Nickel spot. Jonathan Kabeya and Tayvion Beasley are fighting for that role. In the Big 12, the Nickel is basically a starter because everyone spreads you out.
Also, watch the wide receiver rotation. Chase Roberts is the reliable vet, but Parker Kingston and Jojo Phillips are the ones who provide the "home run" speed. If Phillips can stay healthy, he’s a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-5.
Practical Steps for Following the Roster:
- Monitor the Post-Spring Portal: BYU usually has 1-2 more spots for defensive tackles. If they don't land a big man in May, the run defense might be a liability.
- Watch the Backup QB Battle: If Bear goes down, the season rests on Treyson Bourguet or Enoch Watson. Their performance in the spring game will tell you everything you need to know about the floor of this team.
- Track the New Coaches: Kelly Poppinga’s defensive adjustments will be visible early. Look for more "Simulated Pressures" where they bring four but you can't tell which four are coming.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be the most "Power 4" roster BYU has ever fielded. It’s deeper, faster, and frankly, more expensive than anything we saw in the Independent era.