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BYU Cougars Aim to Build on Recent Success in Spring Camp
After a 12-2 season and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory, the Cougars look to pick up where they left off under coach Kalani Sitake.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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BYU football is riding high after a 12-2 season that included a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory and a No. 11 final ranking. As the Cougars kick off spring practice, they'll look to build on that success with the return of star quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin. However, the team must replace several key contributors on both offense and defense, and new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga will introduce changes to the scheme.
Why it matters
BYU has emerged as a national power over the last two seasons, winning 23 games and earning a pair of Power Five bowl victories. With high expectations and a top-ranked 2026 recruiting class, the Cougars are poised to take the next step and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. How they handle the transition to a new defensive coordinator and replace key starters will be crucial to their continued success.
The details
The Cougars will be led by sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2025 despite battling injuries. Running back LJ Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, is also back after undergoing shoulder surgery. However, BYU must replace standouts at receiver, tight end, linebacker, and safety, as well as their kicker. New defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga will implement changes to the scheme, with the help of new position coaches Lewis Walker (cornerbacks) and Demario Warren (safeties).
- BYU kicks off spring practice on Friday, February 28, 2026.
- The Cougars will wrap up spring drills on April 3, 2026.
The players
Kalani Sitake
The head coach of the BYU Cougars, who is entering his 11th season and has led the team to a 23-4 record over the last two seasons.
Bear Bachmeier
The sophomore quarterback for BYU, who was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2025 despite battling injuries.
LJ Martin
The senior running back for BYU, who was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 after rushing for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Kelly Poppinga
The new defensive coordinator for BYU, who will be introducing changes to the Cougars' defensive scheme.
Lewis Walker
The new cornerbacks coach for BYU.
What they’re saying
“For a program that is 23-4 over the last 2 seasons with a pair of Power Four bowl victories and lofty rankings — both for the team and its 2026 recruiting class — life is good”
— Dave McCann, Sportswriter and columnist (Deseret News)
What’s next
The Cougars will continue to prepare for their season opener against Utah Tech, which is scheduled for several months away. During spring camp, they will look to identify replacements for the key contributors they lost on both offense and defense.
The takeaway
BYU's recent success has raised the expectations in Provo, and the Cougars will need to navigate a transition on defense and replace several key starters if they want to take the next step and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, with the return of Bachmeier and Martin, as well as a highly-ranked 2026 recruiting class, the future remains bright for the Cougars.
