BYU football’s spring practice kicked off on February 27 and they are in full swing in its second full week. Spring practices run from February 27 through March 31 , for a total of 15 practice sessions. The team will end it with its annual Alumni Game on Friday, April 3.
Also in March, BYU will return to having a pro day and has scheduled it for March 20 this year.
Let’s take a look at three storylines so far during spring practice.
Bear Bachmeier building chemistry with new group of pass-catchers
The Cougars will need to replace a massive void in Parker Kingston after his dismissal. Also gone from the 2025 squad is Chase Roberts and tight end Carsen Ryan. Jojo Phillips looks to fill that void as the top receiver in Aaron Roderick’s offense. Phillips certainly has the speed. He has had a good connection with Bear Bachmeier, even dating back to last season. For him, it’s a matter of health. He missed a large chunk of last season after a collarbone injury.
Another receiver that will challenge for that spot is Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper. At 6-foot-6, he will be especially valuable in contested-catch situations. He will be BYU’s tallest receiver in years. He was somebody that BYU OC Aaron Roderick “really liked coming out of high school.”
Another speedster who will likely take over as the return man for the departed Kingston is Cody Hagen. He is expected to see a big upgraded role as a starter. A former four-star with speed, he will be leaned on more heavily now. He dealt with a bowl-game injury but is pushing forward.
Jaron Pula is a four-star true freshman who could challenge for reps right away. The former Lone Peak High School star enrolled in January. He is one of the top true freshmen with the highest upside to contribute immediately or crack the rotation at any position at BYU.
At tight end, it’s very clear. Walker Lyons, the USC transfer, is the guy. Roderick said, “Walker has been exactly who I already knew he was, and who I expected him to be.” He is one of the most talented tight ends BYU has had in years. This is a critical time on the calendar for him to work on chemistry with Bachmeier so they can connect in the red zone this fall.
First and foremost, BYU has an All-Big 12 lineman returning, which is vital. Bruce Mitchell returns at center after earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors a year ago. He is the anchor and soul of this offensive line. The biggest question is, will Andrew Gentry flip to left tackle after transferring from Michigan and starting on the right side last year? If he doesn’t, who is protecting Bachmeier’s blind side?
Kyle Sfarcioc and Sonny Makasini both return as guards. Offensive line coach TJ Woods will have his work cut out for him in finding spots for talented newcomers like Washington transfer Paki Finau, Jr Sia, and Stanford Zak Yamauchi. Finau looks to take the tackle spot that Gentry doesn’t occupy.
Kelly Poppinga taking control of defense
Despite Jay Hill leaving for Michigan, opening the door for Poppinga to take over as defensive coordinator in 2026, he has emphasized minimal changes to the scheme. He is focusing on tweaks rather than overhauls.
For BYU’s defense, it’s mostly about replacing departed players instead of worrying about a scheme change. Jack Kelly left a big hole, as he hopes to hear his name called in next month’s NFL Draft. Safety Tanner Wall also left a significant void.
Fortunately for Poppinga, a huge core of the 2025 defense that was among the best in college football returns. Every level of the defense has a core pillar returning. Defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, linebacker Isaiah Glasker, and cornerback Evan Johnson are all set to return. The safety spot isn’t totally devoid of returners, as Faletau Satuala is a huge name returning to the secondary. That will make Poppinga’s job easier.
This spring is important for the newcomers and players vying for opening starting slots. Cal transfer Cade Uluave is thought to be a solid replacement for Kelly at linebacker, fresh off of being named First Team All-ACC. Nusi Taumoepeau will compete for snaps off the edge after limited snaps in 2025. Mississippi State transfer Jayven Williams is looking to crack the cornerback rotation.