No. 14 BYU secured a commanding 63-7 victory over the Utah Tech Trailblazers on Saturday night, Sept. 5, to open the 2026 season at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The victory was led by three touchdown performances from true freshman Legend Glasker and a dominant rushing attack that saw 11 different players contribute to a 308-yard total on the ground.
Glasker, a Lehi, Utah, native, made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, scoring three touchdowns. He recorded 65 receiving yards on three catches, including two touchdowns, and added 16 rushing yards, including a touchdown on a jet sweep in the first quarter. He became the first BYU player to score three touchdowns in a single half since wide receiver/tight end Keanu Hill achieved the feat against Utah Tech in 2022.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier directed the offense with efficiency, completing 16 of 20 passes for 198 yards. Bachmeier tossed three touchdown passes and added a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The sophomore maintained an 80-percent completion rate across nine different targets. Other quarterbacks, Treyson Bourget and Enoch Watson, entered the game following halftime to provide relief.
The Cougars' rushing offense demonstrated historic depth during the matchup. For the first time in 30 seasons, five different BYU players scored rushing touchdowns: Legend Glasker, Devaughn Eka, Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, and Bear Bachmeier. This performance placed BYU among a select group of only four teams—alongside Army, Maryland, USC, and LSU—to have three true freshmen score rushing touchdowns in a season opener since 2000.
The defensive effort was highlighted by a strong performance in Kelly Poppinga's debut as defensive coordinator. The unit recorded 45 total tackles, with Jarinn Kalama, Matthias Leach, and Kendal Wall each recording four tackles. Three players recorded interceptions: Leach, Therrian Alexander III, and Evan Johnson. Additionally, Tausili Akana recovered a fumble to end a Utah Tech possession.
Despite the victory, head coach Kalani Sitake noted areas for improvement, specifically regarding discipline. Sitake expressed dissatisfaction with five penalties committed during the game and stated the team needs to be more disciplined in all three phases. However, he praised the energy of the ROC fan base and the performance of the offensive and defensive lines.
The victory comes with emerging concerns regarding roster depth heading into the next matchup. During the game, backup running back Sione Moa left with an injury and did not return. While the severity of the injury was not immediately confirmed, the team will rely on third-string running back Preston Rex to support starter LJ Martin. Martin, who started the game, finished with 54 yards on seven carries. Rex, who also scored a touchdown in the win, noted that the mindset remains focused on handling responsibilities regardless of who is on the field.
Injury Concerns and Depth Challenges
Another injury occurred during the second quarter when safety Raider Damuni was injured while assisting a tackle. While Damuni is expected to return later in the season, his absence leaves a vacancy for backup Tommy Prassas. The defensive secondary will look to cornerbacks Evan Johnson and Tre Alexander III to maintain pressure on opponents, particularly given Johnson's history of success against Arizona.
