BYU football coach Kalani Sitake may have just assembled the program’s strongest recruiting class to date. With the early signing period underway nationwide, the Cougars paused their week to celebrate and discuss what many recruiting analysts are already calling the school’s most impressive class ever.
“I’m looking at the potential here with this signing class, and the sky’s the limit for this group,” Sitake told reporters. “We can do some really great things with it.”
This news comes on the heels of Sitake’s recently extended contract, amid ongoing interest from Penn State to lure him away, and just days before BYU faces No. 4 Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game. Sitake indicated that a few more signees could be added either before the signing window closes on Friday or when the next period opens on Feb. 4, 2026.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, BYU’s 2026 recruiting class stood at 19 commits, ranking 20th in the nation according to 247 Sports—one spot behind Texas Tech, which was expected to sign around 20 prospects as the race for Big 12 recruiting supremacy heats up. Sitake emphasized excitement about the incoming talent and noted that several signees will defer enrollment to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while others plan to enroll early in January.
The university announced its 19th signee shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday: Ryder Lyons, a four-star quarterback from Folsom, California. Lyons delayed submitting his paperwork, causing some anxious moments among BYU recruiting watchers. While Lyons’ status creates a momentary talking point, Sitake and his staff maintained a positive outlook on the quarterback position overall, saying they’re confident in the depth and talent coming in.
Lyons has long been a standout: he entered BYU’s orbit as a consensus five-star talent after committing in June on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, though his rating slipped to four stars last month. He has already received a mission call for a Spanish-speaking assignment in Orlando, Florida, with plans to enroll at BYU after completing his service.
Beyond Lyons, BYU’s notable addition includes four-star tight end Brock Harris from Pine View High in St. George, who has begun rallying other top targets to consider BYU. Other prominent signees feature Lone Peak offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo, Olympus linebacker Adam Bywater, Orem edge rusher Lopeti “Junior” Moala, and Ty Goettsche, a four-star tight end from Cherry Creek High in Englewood, Colorado.
Sitake stressed that the class addresses multiple needs, adds depth, and includes players who can compete for immediate playing time. He also highlighted the state of Utah as a strong contributor, noting eight signees hail from the state, underscoring BYU’s local recruiting emphasis. He added that the program will continue to balance in-state priorities with opportunities to recruit nationally, aided by enhanced NIL and revenue-sharing support following recent raises and contract extension.
Even with the new signees, Sitake acknowledged some late commitments from the past several cycles can shift, pointing to players who pledged previously but reopened their recruitment. He cautioned against relying on star rankings alone and emphasized that the people who actually perform on the field matter most.
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, a finalist for the 2025 Broyles Award, observed a shifting trend in Utah: the state is producing top-tier skill players across positions, not just linemen. He cited Lyons as part of a broader wave of versatile talent at BYU’s disposal, including players at running back, receiver, and tight end.
Defensive coordinator Jay Hill expressed optimism about the class, identifying several top defensive prospects and signaling that further signings could come soon, with transfer portal options on the horizon for immediate help. Hill also singled out linebacker Braxton Lindsey from Rogers, Arkansas, praising how his LDS faith aligned with BYU’s recruiting narrative and noting the impact of strong in-person recruiting by staff like Coach Kelly Poppinga.
BYU’s 2026 signing roster (19 members) includes:
- Ryder Lyons, QB, 6-3, 225, El Dorado Hills, CA (Folsom High)
- Brock Harris, TE, 6-6, 245, St. George, UT (Pine View High)
- Bott Mulitalo, OL, 6-5, 330, American Fork, UT (Lone Peak High)
- Ty Goettsche, TE, 6-6, 220, Englewood, CO (Cherry Creek High)
- Kaue Akana, S, 6-3, 220, Orem, UT (Orem High)
- Jax Tanner, OL, 6-4, 275, Meridian, ID (Rocky Mountain High)
- Terrance Saryon, WR, 5-11, 175, Vancouver, WA (Evergreen High)
- Braxton Lindsey, LB, 6-3, 230, Rogers, AR (Rogers High)
- Lopeti “Jr.” Moala, Edge, 6-4, 255, Orem, UT (Orem High)
- Legend Glasker, WR, 6-2, 175, Lehi, UT (Lehi High)
- Matthew Mason, S, 6-3, 190, Las Vegas, NV (Faith Lutheran High)
- Sefanaia Alatini, S, 6-2, 200, Oakland, CA (St. Francis High)
- Antonio Johnson, CB, 6-4, 170, Fort Worth, TX (Arlington Heights High)
- Parker Ord, TE, 6-4, 215, Frisco, TX (Panther Creek High)
- Nehemiah Kolone, DL, 6-4, 265, Stillwater, OK (Stillwater High)
- Adam Bywater, LB, 6-4, 215, Salt Lake City, UT (Olympus High)
- Justice Brathwaite, CB, 6-1, 190, Gilbert, AZ (Higley High)
- Devaughn Eka, RB, 5-11, 190, Lehi, UT (Lehi High)
- Graham Livingston, WR, 5-11, 180, Millville, UT (Ridgeline High)
This class reflects BYU’s ongoing strategy of blending local talent with high-potential players from other regions, while also preparing to leverage additional opportunities through missions and early enrollments. The coming months will reveal how many signees follow through on early commitments and how many ultimately matriculate in time for the next season.
What do you think about BYU’s 2026 recruiting directions? Do you believe this group can translate into immediate success on the field, or should the program emphasize long-term development and mission-based timelines? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss how this class stacks up against BYU’s recent recruiting efforts.
