In the era of the transfer portal, the highest-rated transfer classes get a lot of attention. While BYU will utilize the transfer market to fill needs, high school recruiting and development are at the heart of Kalani Sitake’s program.
If that is Kalani’s plan for the program, BYU will need underclassmen to grow into high-level contributors on an annual basis. Faletau Satuala and Bear Bachmeier will match the description in 2025. In this post, we’ll look at five players who might contribute to your team.
Nusi Taumopeau, DE/LB.
As the season progressed, Nusi Taumoepeau’s responsibilities as a genuine freshman expanded. Taumoepeau did not make his debut until the Arizona game due to an injury he sustained during Fall Camp. He made his debut career start against Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl and is poised to make a significant leap forward as a genuine sophomore in 2026.
When Nusi was on the pitch, he almost always made a difference. He had the second-highest pressure rate, only slightly lower than Jack Kelly. Despite ranking 13th in pass rush attempts, he finished seventh in quarterback pressures. Nusi pressured Haynes King into intercepting the game’s last play against Georgia Tech.
Nusi has the long-term potential to be a standout edge rusher on a playoff-caliber squad. Despite losing Jay Hill to Michigan, Taumoepeau remained loyal to BYU. He is a strong possibility to make the same transition as Faletau Satuala did in 2025.
Therrian Alexander III CB
Therrian Alexander III earned a starting cornerback position as a true sophomore. Alexander had a tremendous year as a true sophomore, with the potential to progress from starting cornerback to star cornerback alongside Evan Johnson.
Tre has always possessed the ability to attain that level. We feel he will accomplish this in 2026.
Tausili Akana – Edge.
Another edge we expect to advance? Tausili Akana. The former four-star prospect has always possessed the speed and talent to be a star pass rusher. During his stint in Texas, though, he was too light to be on the field on a regular basis.
Akana joined BYU last January and gained sufficient weight to perform as a pass-rushing specialist. Akana’s run stopping skills improved throughout the year. With another year of physical development, we anticipate Akana to be on the field considerably more in 2026.
Akana had 12 quarterback pressures, which resulted in multiple interceptions. One of those interceptions was against Arizona, while the other was against TCU.
Cody Hagen, WR
BYU featured three pass-catchers who received the majority of receptions: Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan. Of the three, only Kingston will return in 2026.
Cody Hagen was a four-star wide receiver in high school for a reason. He possesses far more talent than he displayed in 2026. Hagen was just over a year away from his goal when the 2025 season began. Hagen’s ability to get open will become apparent in 2026, especially as he builds rapport with Bear Bachmeier.
Hunter Clegg – DE
Hunter Clegg was the only freshman to have more snaps for BYU than Bear Bachmeier. Clegg didn’t stand out in terms of stats, but his snap count indicates the team’s confidence in him. Remember that Clegg returned from his assignment in December 2024.
Now that he has completed a complete year of missionary work, we expect him to make a significant step forward.
Jojo Phillips, WR
Jojo Phillips was one of Bear Bachmeier’s favorite targets during Fall Camp. Phillips sustained a collarbone injury in week two and missed more than half of the season. Phillips was sluggish when he reentered the starting lineup. He didn’t resemble the version of himself that he presented during Fall Camp.
Phillips had his greatest game of the year in the bowl game, catching four passes for 53 yards. Once he had some practice time to get on the same page with Bear Bachmeier, he began to look more like he did during Fall Camp.
Jojo Phillips is likely to improve significantly after having a complete offseason to bond with a returning quarterback. To be honest, BYU is counting on Phillips to make significant progress. BYU only recruited one wide receiver from the transfer portal, and as things stand, Phillips might be the team’s WR2 in 2026.
Andrew Williams, OL.
BYU needs to find a replacement for a starting tackle. Redshirt freshman Andrew Williams is one of a few young offensive tackles who might win the starting position. When Isaiah Jatta was forced to miss some time during Spring Camp due to injury, Andrew Williams received first-team reps at left tackle. This is a boom-or-bust selection on our list: either he will win a starting spot and become a household name, or he will spend another year as a backup.
Jonathan Kabeya CB
Jonathan Kabeya was expected to start before being injured in Fall Camp. He returned to the lineup in October, but he played seldom and never appeared entirely at ease. We anticipate him to be the starting nickel in 2026, after serving as a redshirt in 2025.
