Highlighting the Three Top Newcomers to BYU Football in 2026
Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears linebacker Cade Uluave (0) during the first quarter against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images BYU football is fully in spring-ball-mode as we enter the final week of March. Fresh off of a fantastic 12-2 season, the Cougars look to build off that campaign with a set of new faces at key positions.
Kalani Sitake, with a minted new extension, still is the head man along with offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. However, Kelly Poppinga takes over on defense as Jay Hill departed for Michigan Along with some coaching turnover, BYU will break in new starters and impact players on both sides of the ball. Let’s highlight the three biggest newcomers that will impact the 2026 team.
Newcomers could mean transfers or incoming freshmen. Cade Uluave, LB (Transfer from Cal) If you’re asking yourself “how can BYU replace Jack Kelly on the defense? ” look no further than Uluave.
He is the clear consensus top newcomer and ESPN’s top 2026 addition for BYU. The 6-1, 235-pound Uluave led Cal with 100 tackles, 12 TFL, and earned first-team All-ACC honors. He brings a similar sideline-to-sideline speed as Kelly, with pass rushing ability to match.
He has earned early praise in camp for his leadership, despite being a new face in Provo. Being paired with veteran leader Isaiah Glasker could mean this is the best linebacker duo in the Big 12 next season. Don’t be surprised if he is named a captain this fall, despite barely coming over from Berkley this offseason.