The BYU Cougars football roster is experiencing a period of heavy transition as the program navigates a net loss of 11 players following recent movement in the transfer portal. According to data from On3, the 2026 squad currently holds a transfer rank of 17th nationally, balancing nine incoming transfers against the departure of 20 players.
Incoming Transfer Profiles
The composition of the BYU roster is shifting as several high-profile players have moved into the program via the portal. The incoming class includes a variety of positions, notably bolstering the offensive line and tight end corps. Among the notable additions is tight end Roger Saleapaga, an Orem, Utah native, who joined the program with an 89.52 rating.
Offensive Line and Tight End Gains
The offensive line has also seen significant reinforcement through the portal. Paki Finau, an offensive lineman from Hesperia, California, joined the Cougars with a rating of 88.63. Additionally, Zak Yamauchi, an interior offensive lineman from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada, has enrolled in the program with an 86.00 rating.
Further depth at the tackle position is provided by Jr Sia, a redshirt sophomore offensive tackle from Mountain Ridge in Herriman, Utah, who entered the program with an 85.00 rating. The incoming group also features tight end Walker Lyons, who arrived from Folsom, California, carrying a high 91.06 rating.
Defensive Personnel Additions
Defensively, the Cougars have utilized the portal to secure talent in the linebacker and secondary units. Jake Clifton, a linebacker from Owasso, Oklahoma, has enrolled with an 84.50 rating. He joins fellow linebacker Cade Uluave, a junior from Mountain Ridge in Herriman, Utah, who brings a 92.61 rating to the defensive unit.
The secondary also received a boost with the addition of Jayven Williams, a cornerback from Mobile, Alabama, who enrolled with an 86.00 rating.
Roster Metrics and Ratings
The wide receiver position has also been addressed through the transfer process. Kyler Kasper, a redshirt junior from Gilbert, Arizona, joined the roster with an 86.00 rating.
As of July 26, 2026, the program's average transfer rating stands at 86.89, reflecting a high level of talent among the incoming players despite the overall net decrease in roster numbers caused by the 20 outgoing players.
Roster Outlook
The current state of the BYU 2026 roster shows a program actively managing high-level talent through the portal to mitigate the impact of departures. While the team has seen 20 players exit, the arrival of nine specifically rated transfers is helping maintain a top-20 national transfer rank.
