In today's college football landscape, the transfer portal dominates headlines and recruiting conversations. Programs across the nation build their rosters through high-profile transfers, often prioritizing immediate impact over long-term development. However, BYU continues to chart a different course under head coach Kalani Sitake, maintaining that high school recruiting and player development form the true foundation of sustainable success.
This commitment to cultivating talent from within means the Cougars must see consistent growth from their underclassmen each season. While the program certainly utilizes the transfer portal to address specific needs, the identity of BYU football remains tied to its ability to develop young players into conference-level contributors and potential stars. The 2025 season saw players like Faletau Satuala and Bear Bachmeier emerge in larger roles, and the 2026 campaign promises similar breakthroughs from a talented sophomore class.
Nusi Taumoepeau: The Next Great Edge Rusher
Perhaps no player embodies BYU's developmental philosophy better than defensive end Nusi Taumoepeau. The true freshman's journey through the 2025 season serves as a testament to patience, resilience, and explosive potential. A Fall Camp injury delayed his collegiate debut until the Arizona game, limiting his opportunities to make an immediate impression. However, once cleared to play, Taumoepeau wasted no time demonstrating why the coaching staff had high expectations for his future.
His first career start came in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech, a moment that showcased both his readiness and the trust the defensive staff placed in him. That faith paid dividends immediately. Taumoepeau's performance against the Yellow Jackets included a game-defining play where he pressured quarterback Haynes King into a critical interception, sealing BYU's dramatic 25-21 comeback victory. The play highlighted not just his physical tools but his football intelligence and clutch performance under pressure.
The statistical profile supports the eye test. Despite his limited playing time and delayed start, Taumoepeau finished the season ranked second on the team in pressure rate, trailing only established veteran Jack Kelly. Perhaps more impressively, he generated seven quarterback pressures while ranking just 13th in pass rush attempts, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and impact when on the field. This production-to-opportunity ratio suggests a player on the verge of a major breakout.
Looking ahead to 2026, all signs point to Taumoepeau making the kind of sophomore leap that transforms potential into production. His combination of length, athleticism, and technique provides the long-term ceiling of a star edge rusher capable of anchoring a playoff-caliber defense. Even with defensive coordinator Jay Hill departing for Michigan, Taumoepeau remained fully committed to BYU, a decision that speaks volumes about his belief in the program's direction and his role within it. Expect him to become a foundational piece of the Cougar pass rush next season.
Therrian Alexander III: From Starter to Star
While Taumoepeau represents raw potential ready to be unleashed, cornerback Therrian Alexander III has already established himself as a reliable contributor. As a true sophomore in 2025, Alexander earned a starting role and delivered a solid season that provided glimpses of his considerable talent. Yet for those watching closely, it was clear he was just scratching the surface of his capabilities.
Alexander's development trajectory suggests 2026 could be the year he elevates from dependable starter to legitimate star. Playing opposite All-Conference candidate Evan Johnson, Alexander has the perfect opportunity to form one of the Mountain West's premier cornerback duos. His natural coverage instincts, fluid hips, and competitive mentality have always indicated a high ceiling. The question was never about talent but rather about experience and consistency.
The coaching staff's confidence in Alexander's future is evident in how they deployed him throughout the season. He wasn't sheltered or hidden in coverage schemes; instead, he was challenged with meaningful responsibilities against quality competition. That baptism by fire should pay significant dividends as he enters his junior year with a full season of starting experience under his belt.
If Alexander can harness his natural ability with improved technique and recognition, he'll give BYU a lockdown corner to pair with Johnson's established excellence. This would allow defensive coordinators to be more aggressive in their play-calling, knowing both sides of the field are secured by capable cover men. The transformation from solid starter to impact playmaker often happens between sophomore and junior years, and all indicators suggest Alexander is primed for that breakthrough.
Tausili Akana: The Weight of Expectations
The story of Tausili Akana's journey to Provo illustrates how BYU's development program can salvage and maximize talent that might struggle elsewhere. The former four-star recruit arrived at Texas with considerable hype but found himself unable to see consistent playing time due to concerns about his size and ability to hold up against Power Five competition. The Longhorns' staff viewed him as too light to be an every-down contributor, limiting him to situational roles that never allowed him to establish rhythm or confidence.
BYU saw the situation differently. The Cougars recognized the elite quickness and pass-rushing skill set that made Akana a coveted recruit in the first place. When he arrived on campus last January, the strength and conditioning staff immediately implemented a program designed to add functional weight without sacrificing the explosiveness that defined his game. The results were evident throughout the 2025 season as Akana gradually increased his playing time and responsibilities.
Initially deployed as a pass-rushing specialist in obvious passing situations, Akana's role expanded as he demonstrated improved run-stopping technique and physicality. By season's end, he had become a trusted rotational piece capable of contributing on all three downs. His statistical output—12 quarterback pressures and multiple forced interceptions—belied his limited snap count and highlighted his knack for making game-changing plays.
Two specific moments stand out from his freshman campaign. Against Arizona, Akana's pressure directly led to an interception that swung momentum in BYU's favor. He repeated the feat later in the season against TCU, showing a pattern of production that coaches love to see. With another full offseason of physical development and technique work, Akana is expected to be on the field significantly more in 2026. His transformation from Texas castoff to potential BYU star underscores the program's ability to identify and develop overlooked talent.
The Offensive Foundation
While much of the focus on underclassmen development centers around defense, BYU's offense also features young talent ready for larger roles. The receiving corps, in particular, showed promise throughout the 2025 campaign. Three pass-catchers emerged as the primary targets in the passing game: Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan. This trio accounted for the lion's share of receptions and provided quarterback stability in a season of transition.
Kingston's speed and ability to stretch the field vertically opened up the offense, while Roberts' reliability in the slot became a security blanket on critical downs. Ryan's versatility allowed the coaching staff to move him around formations, creating mismatches against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs. Their collective development as sophomores and juniors will be crucial to offensive success in 2026.
The chemistry built between these receivers and the quarterback during the bowl game and offseason workouts should translate into a more explosive and efficient passing attack. As they gain experience reading defenses and adjusting routes, their ability to create separation and make plays after the catch will only improve. This progression from role players to featured weapons mirrors the defensive development pattern that Sitake's staff has perfected.
Conclusion: The Development Difference
BYU's approach to roster building in the modern era of college football represents a deliberate choice to prioritize sustainability over quick fixes. While the transfer portal will always be a tool for addressing immediate needs, the heart of the program beats through the development of underclassmen into upperclassmen leaders. The potential breakout seasons from Taumoepeau, Alexander, Akana, and the receiving corps illustrate this philosophy in action.
These players represent more than just individual success stories; they are the proof of concept for Sitake's vision. Each underclassman who develops into a high-level contributor validates the program's commitment to patience, coaching, and player development. As the Cougars prepare for the 2026 season, the spotlight will shine brightest on those who have spent their time in Provo growing not just as athletes but as complete football players.
The transfer portal may dominate the national conversation, but BYU's underclassmen are poised to remind everyone that the best programs still build champions from within. Their development will ultimately determine whether the Cougars can compete for conference titles and playoff berths in the seasons ahead.