Cade Uluave was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on October 19, 2026, according to a BYU announcement. The senior linebacker's recognition followed BYU's 28-24 victory over then-No. 2 ranked Notre Dame on Saturday.
During the win over the Irish, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound South Jordan, Utah, native recorded a team-high nine tackles, including six solo tackles. Uluave also achieved a season-high three quarterback hurries and a tackle for loss in the game.
Led by Uluave, the BYU defense limited Notre Dame to 115 rushing yards, which is below the Irish's season average of 195 yards per game. The defense also held the Notre Dame offense, which had been averaging 44 points per game, to 24 points.
Uluave leads the BYU defense through six games in 2026 with 35 total tackles and six quarterback hurries. His season statistics also include one interception, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a half a sack.
In the same conference honors, the Big 12 named quarterback Bear Bachmeier as the Offensive Player of the Week and honored the BYU offensive line as the Offensive Line of the Week.
Uluave is in his first year at BYU after transferring from Cal. During his three seasons at Cal, he played in 34 games and started 26, recording 237 career tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
His previous accolades include being named a 2025 All-ACC First-Team linebacker. He was also a preseason All-America and preseason All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. Other honors include being named the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a first-team Freshman All-American by The Athletic, FWAA, and College Football News in 2023.
