Between BYU’s signing classes from 2024 to 2026, 25 players are now on missions, intend to serve missions, or have just returned from one. In the last two months, two former BYU signees have returned home. While neither of them were on the spring squad as they were finishing their missionary service, we expect them to appear on the fall roster.
Devoux Tuataga, defensive end.
According to the 247Sports composite, Devoux Tuataga was among the top 10 players in the 2024 class when he graduated from Cedar Valley High School. Tuataga, a defensive end, selected BYU above competing offers from Arizona, California, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, USC, and Utah, among others.
Tuataga competed in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl before leaving on his assignment. He returned from his mission in March. It is expected that he would enrol at BYU and join the program in time for Fall Camp. Given the timing of his return, he will not be expected to contribute immediately. However, he has the potential to be a contributing defensive end in the future.
Tuataga is exceptionally nimble for his bulk. He also played volleyball in high school, demonstrating his jumping power at almost 250 pounds.
Brody Laga – K
Brody Laga has the opportunity to go from the goal field to playing for a Power Four school in a matter of months. Laga, a kicker, returned to his family in early May after completing his mission in Brazil. During Spring Camp, BYU special teams coordinator Justin Ena observed that Laga will compete for the starting kicker position at Fall Camp.
Laga joins a specialist room that includes kickers Matthias Dunn and Ian Sanches. Dunn has been Will Ferrin’s backup for the past few years, while Sanches is a freshman from Lone Peak High School. Dunn and Sanches battled for the starting position in the spring.
Laga was listed as 5’11 and 160 pounds when he signed, but he has a powerful leg. Laga kicked a 59-yard field goal in high school. He also consistently kicked the ball 70+ yards on kickoffs. Will Ferrin was a neglected departure from last year’s roster. Ferrin, currently in the NFL, has a lot of responsibilities to fulfill. Ferrin will be remembered as one of BYU’s most clutch kickers in school history.
Laga might work as a placekicker or kickoff specialist in 2026.
