BYU Football Kicks Off Spring Practices with 'Humble and Hungry' Mindset

Head coach Kalani Sitake emphasizes team's offseason progress and high expectations as Big 12 contenders

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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BYU football's 2026 spring practices have kicked off, with the team focusing on getting in better shape, integrating new transfers, and adapting to defensive coaching changes. Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed a 'humble and hungry' mindset as the Cougars look to build on their 12-2 season and Big 12 championship game appearance in 2025.

Why it matters

After a highly successful 2025 campaign, BYU enters the 2026 season with high expectations as a Big 12 contender. How the team handles this pressure and continues to improve will be crucial to their chances of competing for another conference title and major bowl game berth.

The details

The Cougars are going through 15 spring practices over the next five weeks, concluding with an alumni game rather than a traditional spring scrimmage. Sitake highlighted the team's offseason progress, noting players are 'stronger' and 'bigger' compared to last season. The coaching staff is also focused on integrating key transfers like linebacker Cade Uluave, tight end Walker Lyons, and wide receiver Kyler Kasper, as well as early-enrolled freshmen from a top-25 recruiting class. Defensively, the team is adapting to changes with new coordinator Kelly Poppinga and defensive backs coaches DeMario Warren and Lewis Walker.

  • BYU football's 2026 spring practices kicked off on February 27.
  • The team is scheduled for 15 practices over the next five weeks, concluding on April 3 with an alumni game.

The players

Kalani Sitake

The head coach of the BYU Cougars football team.

Cade Uluave

A linebacker transfer from Cal who had 97 tackles in 2025.

Walker Lyons

A tight end transfer from USC joining the Cougars.

Kyler Kasper

A wide receiver transfer from Oregon.

Kelly Poppinga

The new defensive coordinator for the BYU Cougars, replacing Jay Hill who left for Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“We're not in game shape yet, but we don't have to be now. We'll have to be in game shape by the time we get to fall camp, but they're definitely stronger, and a lot of guys are bigger, so we're going to keep working on that and trying to progress as a team.”

— Kalani Sitake, Head Coach (Deseret.com)

“I think the goal is to make sure we're a better team by the time we finish the 15 practices. I think we've got a good feel of things right now and got some great momentum.”

— Kalani Sitake, Head Coach (Deseret.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This spring practice period will be crucial for BYU to build on their 12-win season and maintain their momentum as a Big 12 contender, with a focus on integrating new talent, developing depth, and adapting to coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball.