The BYU football team reported to campus on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to officially begin fall camp at the Student Athlete Building. The arrival marks the start of preparations for the 2026 season, which kicks off on Sept. 5 against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Coaching Staff and Season Outlook
The start of camp followed a busy offseason for the program, which included workouts with strength and conditioning coaches, individual training, and player-run practices. On their first day back, the team participated in official meetings, received fall practice gear, and held a team activity at Splash Summit.
Head coach Kalani Sitake enters his 11th year leading the program, carrying a decade's record of 84-45. Over the past two seasons, Sitake has led the Cougars to a 23-4 mark.
Staffing Changes and Roles
The BYU coaching staff saw several offseason promotions and additions for the 2026 campaign. Kelly Poppinga has taken over the role of defensive coordinator. Defensive tackles coach Sione Po'uha has also assumed associate head coaching duties.
Newcomers to the staff include defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach DeMario Warren, linebackers coach Chad Kauha'aha'a, and cornerbacks coach Lewis Walker. On the offensive side, the staff remains consistent with Aaron Roderick, Fesi Sitake, TJ Woods, Kevin Gilbride, and Harvey Unga all returning to their previous roles. Additionally, Justin Ena has transitioned from linebackers coach to a full-time role as the special teams coordinator.
Freshman Talent Emerges
As the team entered its second week of fall camp, media observations during practice highlighted several key players. On Aug. 10, 2026, during a media observation window, true freshman Legend Glasker was seen running with the first-team offense. Glasker, who has been running with the starters, was one of two wide receivers paired with Jojo Phillips in the first team period.
Glasker has demonstrated an ability to make plays against high-level competition, including a catch against star cornerback Evan Johnson. While observers noted the difficulty of placing high expectations on a true freshman, Glasker has made enough plays to be considered a significant part of the offense.
Tight End Heavy Offense
The BYU offense is expected to place a heavy emphasis on the tight end position in 2026. During practice on Aug. 10, 2026, Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga ran with the first-team offense in a 12 personnel package, which utilizes two tight ends and one running back.
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick told the media that Saleapaga and Lyons will be on the field together frequently throughout this fall. Quarterback Treyson Bourguet named Saleapaga his offensive player of the day on Aug. 10, 2026, stating that Saleapaga "dominated all day."
Quarterback Connections
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has been a central figure in recent practice sessions, connecting with multiple targets. During the media window on Aug. 10, 2026, Bachmeier completed a strike to Legend Glasker and a deep throw to Roger Saleapaga near the boundary.
Jojo Phillips has also been a consistent presence with the first-team offense. Standing 6'5", Phillips has shown improved hands following an injury in 2025. Observers noted that Phillips has been sure-handed throughout the offseason and is considered a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.
Looking Toward September
As the 2026 season approaches, the BYU football program continues to build momentum through intensive fall camp sessions. The team is currently preparing for its upcoming season opener against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
