SUPRISE: BYU Football's Youth Movement Shines Thru on Initial Depth Chart | Kalani Sitake Sets Tone & Tenor of Season | Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin & Justin Kirkland Ready to Roll

The 14th-ranked BYU football program enters game week with fresh optimism and a revamped depth chart spotlighting the rapid rise of young standouts and the enduring presence of veteran leaders. Legend Glasker headlines the conversation after grabbing a top spot at wide receiver, confirming preseason hype and ESPN’s All-Big 12 chatter. Host Jake Hatch breaks down every key move, from Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin anchoring the backfield alongside a surprising emergence from Preston Rex—a converted player making waves as the running back corps becomes one of the deepest in years. On the offensive line, the Cougars roll out a blend of experience and new blood, with Bott Mulitalo's rookie rise standing out. Jake details how the unit’s mix of fifth-year seniors and promising sophomores provides fresh options while new team captains and co-captains—Bachmeier, Isaiah Glasker, Evan Johnson, Roger Saleapaga, Cade Uluave, Bruce Mitchell, and Keanu Tanuvasa—set the tone for a leadership-rich locker room. Tight end duties fall to Walker Lyons and Saleapaga, both expected to see significant double-tight formations as the offense evolves. Defensive shifts grab attention, with Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland starting up front, Bodie Schoonover’s versatility, and the “BB” and “FB” defensive roles drawing intrigue as fans anticipate how the staff will balance pass rush and run support. The linebacker room, now featuring Jake Clifton’s Big 12 experience, gets high praise for its competitiveness and depth, while the secondary introduces fresh four-star recruits and the dynamic Cannon DeVries, who doubles as the Cougars’ new punt returner. BYU’s specialists undergo a full reset—with Fuller Schurtz at punter and Matthias Dunn handling kicks, new faces will be in the spotlight on special teams. Kalani Sitake addresses big-picture questions on Notre Dame’s upcoming visit, potential FCS scheduling shifts, and how the team adapts to BYU’s athletic department restructuring. He emphasizes the importance of home-field advantage at LaVell Edwards Stadium and the invaluable experience of blending new and returning talent. Player perspectives from Bachmeier, Martin, and Kirkland bring candid insight into their goals, the team’s internal confidence, and the hunger driving both established starters and emerging playmakers. How will BYU balance newfound depth with the expectations of a demanding Big 12 schedule? Can these rising stars and proven veterans deliver a breakthrough season? Tune in for Jake Hatch’s comprehensive analysis and all the behind-the-scenes storylines that will define the Cougars’ path forward.