New BYU Linebacker Cade Uluave is One of the Fastest Players on the Team

Uluave, a Cal transfer, impressed BYU's new defensive coordinator with his blazing speed during spring practices.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the player's speed and power.Uluave's lightning-fast speed and explosive athleticism will be a key asset for BYU's defense in the Big 12.Provo Today

BYU wrapped up its 2026 Spring Camp, marking the end of Kelly Poppinga's first camp as the team's new defensive coordinator. While BYU's defense is returning most of its starters, one newcomer, Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave, has already made a big impression with his exceptional speed. Poppinga was surprised to see Uluave clocked at 22 miles per hour during practice, making him one of the fastest players on the team.

Why it matters

Uluave's speed and athleticism will be a valuable asset for BYU's defense as they transition to the Big 12 conference. His ability to quickly diagnose plays and close on ball carriers could make him a disruptive force in the middle of the Cougars' defense.

The details

Uluave, an All-ACC selection in 2025, started 26 games for Cal over the past three seasons. He finished his junior year with 100 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Poppinga was impressed not only with Uluave's speed, but also his effectiveness as a pass rusher, noting that his 45% pressure rate would have led BYU's defense in 2025.

  • BYU wrapped up its 2026 Spring Camp on Thursday.
  • Uluave was an All-ACC selection in 2025 while at Cal.

The players

Cade Uluave

A transfer linebacker from Cal who was an All-ACC selection in 2025. He will start at linebacker for BYU this season.

Kelly Poppinga

BYU's new defensive coordinator, who was impressed by Uluave's speed and athleticism during spring practices.

Isaiah Glasker

A returning starter at linebacker for BYU.

Siale Esera

A returning starter at linebacker for BYU.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised at how fast he is. He's maybe the second fastest guy on our team right now. And we've got some fast guys, really fast guys. I think there's 7 or 8 guys on our team that are 10.6 (100 meter) guys.”

— Kelly Poppinga, BYU Defensive Coordinator

“When you put football pads on all these guys and you get them on the football field, we've clocked Cade in practice at 22 miles an hour. Which is as fast as most of our corners. So I would say I watched this film and I thought he was fast and he looked really fast, but he's faster and more explosive than I thought he was. And so when that guy pulls the trigger in the run game and he comes downhill, I mean it's as quick and as fast as I've seen. And so just really excited to see what he's going to do in games in the Big 12.”

— Kelly Poppinga, BYU Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

Uluave will immediately slot into the starting lineup at linebacker for BYU, joining returning starters Isaiah Glasker and Siale Esera. The linebacker unit is expected to be one of the best position groups on the Cougars' roster as they transition to the Big 12 conference.

The takeaway

Cade Uluave's elite speed and athleticism make him a valuable addition to BYU's defense. His ability to quickly diagnose plays and close on ball carriers could make him a disruptive force in the middle of the Cougars' defense as they look to compete in the Big 12.