Legend Glasker was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week on Sept. 7, 2026, after recording three touchdowns in BYU's 63-7 season-opening victory over Utah Tech. The Lehi, Utah, native accounted for 18 total points in his collegiate debut, catching two touchdown passes and scoring on a jet sweep.
Freshman Milestone Performance
The performance by Glasker, a 6-1, 175-pound true freshman, marks a significant milestone for the Cougars. He is the first BYU receiver to post a three-score game since Puka Nacua against Arkansas in 2022. Glasker's three touchdowns represent the most by a BYU true freshman in a single game since Jamaal Williams recorded four touchdowns against Georgia Tech on Oct. 27, 2012.
Special Teams Dominance
Sophomore Cannon DeVries also earned conference recognition, being named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week. DeVries returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to begin the second half, marking the first 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by BYU since 2024. DeVries also contributed 73 yards in punt returns during the second quarter, setting up both a touchdown and a field goal attempt.
Utah Tech Season Outlook
The victory at LaVell Edwards Stadium follows a difficult start for Utah Tech, who entered the game 0-1 after a 54-0 loss to Montana State. The Trailblazers' matchup against No. 14 BYU was their first meeting with an FBS Power 4 opponent. Despite the loss, Utah Tech entered the season with a schedule ranked as the hardest in the FCS, according to Massey ratings.
Offensive Leadership
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the offense with 198 passing yards on 16 completions, maintaining an 80-percent completion rate. Bachmeier, a sophomore who was a high school standout at Murrieta Valley High School in California, threw three touchdowns and rushed for a 13-yard touchdown. He is the first true freshman quarterback in BYU history to start a season opener.
Rushing Versatility
The Cougars' rushing attack was exceptionally diverse, totaling 308 yards with 11 different players contributing. Five different players notched a rushing touchdown, a feat not seen by BYU in the last 30 seasons. Those players included Legend Glasker, Devaughn Eka, Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, and Bachmeier. Eka, a Lehi High School alumnus, scored a rushing touchdown in the second half.
Coach's Reaction
Head coach Kalani Sitake, entering his 11th season at BYU and 26th overall, expressed pride in the team's energy and the support from the ROC fan base. However, Sitake noted a need for better discipline, citing five penalties during the game. The Cougars' victory moves them to 10-1 in season openers and 5-1 in home season openers.
Defensive Summary
The defensive performance was led by new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga, whose unit totaled 45 tackles. The defense recorded three interceptions from Matthias Leach, Therrian Alexander III, and Evan Johnson, and Tausili Akana recovered a fumble. The defense failed to secure a shutout, as Utah Tech managed to score a single touchdown.
