BYU Opens 4th Big 12 Season With 6 Players at Media Days
Updated
Updated · Deseret News · Jul 6
BYU Opens 4th Big 12 Season With 6 Players at Media Days
3 articles · Updated · Deseret News · Jul 6
Summary
Six BYU players will join coach Kalani Sitake at Tuesday’s Big 12 media days in Frisco, giving the Cougars one of the event’s largest delegations as they launch a highly anticipated 2026 season.
A 23-4 record over the past two years has flipped BYU from conference newcomer to contender, with rising sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and 2025 Big 12 offensive player of the year LJ Martin driving playoff expectations.
Quarterback uncertainty that shadowed last year’s media days has largely vanished after Jake Retzlaff transferred to Tulane; the main offensive questions now center on the backup job and replacing key receivers.
Defense brings more continuity than doubt despite staff turnover to Michigan, with new coordinator Kelly Poppinga inheriting a unit ESPN ranks sixth nationally in returning production even as safety Faletau Satuala recovers from a foot injury.
Sitake and his players are expected to stress a 'humble and hungry' approach while backing a 24-team College Football Playoff format that would likely have put BYU in the field the past two seasons.