BYU safety Faletau Satuala was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on October 5, 2026, according to a BYU Athletics report. The announcement followed the No. 10 ranked BYU Cougars' 17-10 victory over TCU in Irving, Texas.
Satuala, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior from Bountiful, Utah, recorded an interception in the second quarter against TCU quarterback Jaden Craig. The 59-yard return to the Horned Frogs' 16-yard line helped set up BYU's first touchdown of the game and a 7-0 lead. In addition to the interception, Satuala finished the game with four tackles, including one for a loss, and was noted for his presence in the TCU backfield.
Through four games in the 2026 season, Satuala ranks second on the team in tackles with 16 and has recorded two tackles for loss. He is one of six BYU defensive players to have recorded an interception this season. Prior to the 2026 season, Satuala was named to the preseason watch lists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and earned preseason All-America honors from Athlon Sports.
Satuala previously earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week and Lott Trophy Player of the Week honors on Oct. 27, 2025, following a win against Iowa State. During the 2025 season, he played in all 14 games, leading the team with 78 tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 7.5 tackles for loss. He was named second-team All-America by the Football Writers Association of America and received All-Big 12 honors last year.
Through five weeks of the 2026 season, five BYU football players have earned six Big 12 Player of the Week honors. Other recipients this season include Legend Glasker, Tausili Akana, Bear Bachmeier, and Cannon DeVries.
