BYU safety Raider Damuni previews BYU football defense in preparation for 2026 season
By Tommy Zollinger,
September 3, 2026
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Raider Damuni is one of the many names on the defensive side of the ball expected to make noise in the upcoming 2026 BYU football season.Damuni was a key contributor to the BYU defense last year, even after missing four games due to injury. This year, the expectations are higher than ever. Now a co-captain, Damuni is entering his senior year and is viewed as a leader by his teammates.Yet, as big as his dreams are, his priorities are still set on the team.“Right now, obviously, my goal is to have a season where I can pursue my dreams of playing in the NFL,” said Damuni. “But at the same time, I’m more worried about the overall well-being of our team and how we can win as a team.”
Before the season starts, the No. 14 Cougars have a target on their back, even with the various question marks.
#️⃣1️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/J6mhvwFM4v— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 17, 2026
Following the loss of defensive coordinator Jay Hill, curiosity immediately began on how the team would perform with a new coordinator and a new defensive scheme.“We have a veteran defense and we’ve all been experienced,” said Damuni. “We’ve all played under the system, and so we know what’s required of us.”
MIC’D UP with @raiderdamuni pic.twitter.com/lc6ME6DZm3— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 15, 2026
With questions regarding the quarterback position, injuries, difficult schedules in prior seasons, BYU has become accustomed to limiting the noise and winning regardless of media narratives.Yet, some questions are still lingering.The defensive system that Hill created was considered highly successful and was ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency according to the final SP+ ranking put out by ESPN.The mantle of the defensive coordinator at BYU is heavy and has now been placed on the shoulders of Kelly Poppinga.
Sources: BYU is working to finalize a deal to promote Kelly Poppinga to defensive coordinator and play caller. He’s being promoted from special teams coordinator/defensive ends coach. He’s coached two stints at BYU – 2009-15 and 2022 through present. pic.twitter.com/fgzaNxgq4b— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 7, 2026
Poppinga, previously the special teams coordinator, has been a member of BYU’s staff since 2009 where he began as a defensive intern.After a brief stint with Virginia and Boise State, Poppinga returned to BYU and has since won over the trust and love of the players.“We have a lot of trust in him. We know that he loves us. We know that he loves the program, and so it’s been a really smooth transition and it’s been something that we’ve been privileged to have,” said Damuni.
Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU
Damuni is among many key returners for the BYU defense that are ready to run it back after a 12-2 season last year.ESPN reporter Bill Connelly reported that BYU retained 69% of its defensive production from last season, ranking them sixth in the nation.“I think being so close to our goals last year and where we wanted to be but not quite reaching it has motivated us in this offseason to attack that even more,” said Damuni.
Photo by Caleb Jensen
The goal of making it to the College Football Playoff is quite reachable for BYU, but will require each player to do its part and trust one another.“It just comes up to us doing our one-eleventh,” said Damuni. “Trusting each other and going on and playing.”
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