Breaking Down BYU’s Defense During Spring Ball
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BYU football is in Spring Ball mode now. Last week, we addressed the offensive outlook. Now we take a look at one of the best units in the entire Big 12 last year, the BYU defense.
Jay Hill is gone to Michigan after spending the last three seasons as BYU’s defensive coordinator. He certainly left his mark on the program, as the Cougars ranked 19th in scoring defense and 35th in yards allowed per game in all the FBS.
The 2026 unit will have some new looks, new personnel, and a new defensive coordinator in Kelly Poppinga.
New defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga (promoted from defensive ends/special teams) promises minor tweaks and the same physical, disciplined identity under head coach Kalani Sitake. New assistants include Demario Warren (safeties) and Lewis Walker (cornerbacks).
Let’s break down the position groups.
Defensive Ends (EDGE)
This unit has a strong veteran core with athletic depth and freshmen pushing for reps. Bodie Schoonover excels at stopping the run and ranked fourth on the team in QB pressures last season. Viliami Po’uha bounces around the defensive line. Nusi Taumoepeau played sparingly last year and looks to earn time as one of the starters off the edge this season. He really blossomed with extra playing time during the Pop Tarts Bowl, collecting six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble against Georgia Tech. Hopefully, that is a sign of things to come.
Hunter Clegg returns as well, after tallying 13 QB pressures and three QB hits last year. Tausili Akana was third on the team with six quarterback hurries. This unit has more depth than it does top-end stars. Spring is an important time for this group to solidify a few top dogs.
Defensive Tackles
The clear leader is Keanu Tanuvasa, the former Utah transfer. As one of the team captains, he totaled 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups and blocked a kick. Him returning in 2026 is a big win for the Cougar defense.
In limited action, Anisi Purcell earned 2.0 sacks. Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland had something of a lost season in 2025, only appearing in six games due to injury. He showed run-stopping acumen in his limited time. Hopefully, 2026 brings more health for the talented tackle. Ulavai Fetuli looks to earn more playing time after playing mostly on special teams in 2025.
Linebackers
It will obviously be hard to replace Jack Kelly, the heartbeat of this defense in 2025. He moves on to try his hand in the NFL. The defense got a huge boost when Isaiah Glasker announced his return. The Third Team All-Big 12 linebacker posted 67 total tackles in 2025 with 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Glasker notched the second-most snaps on defense last year and returns for a final go.
If you’re looking for the Jack Kelly replacement, look no further than Cal transfer Cade Uluave. He led the Golden Bears with 100 tackles last season, including 12 tackles for loss. Earning First Team All-ACC honors, he instantly adds veteran credibility to the defense they needed with all the departures. He and Glasker should be a dangerous combo.
Siale Esera makes it a solid trio of linebackers in Provo, as he played in all 14 games last year with 48 tackles. It may be the deepest linebacker group in the Big 12 and maybe the country.
Depth-wise, the Cougars have Ace Kaufusi, who will likely get plenty of snaps all over the defense. Miles Hall fills in nicely with the second team. He showed well in limited action.
Jake Clifton is a newcomer from Kansas State, after playing 19 games for the Wildcats before serving a mission. He will likely compete for snaps and provide solid depth.
Cornerbacks
With Tanuvasa on the defensive line, Glasker at linebacker, and Evan Johnson at cornerback, the Cougars have a pillar returning on each level of the defense. Johnson, or “Shmev” was the heartbeat of the secondary last year. Last season, he was the highest graded defender for BYU, per Pro Football Focus, along with being the 16th-highest graded defender period in the entire Big 12. Getting him for another season at corner is a boon to say the least.
Tre Alexander III is a close second in that category, who is also returning. He didn’t play nearly every snap like Johnson, but his impact was felt. He allowed just a 68.7 passer rating on 45 targets faced.
Mississippi State transfer Jayven Williams is a big body with 37 games of experience who will be a key piece of the room.
The nickel corner spot needs a new face, as Tayvion Beasley transferred to USF. Jonathan Kabeya could fill that role after preserving his redshirt last season. Cannon DeVries also took a few snaps at nickel last season, but mostly earning his stripes on special teams.
New cornerbacks coach Lewis Walker will have choices to make in the two-deep with the likes of Justice Brathwaite, Jordyn Criss, and Kevin Doe competing in camp.
Safeties
The big game coming back is Faletau Satuala. Some thought he might jet off to Michigan with Jay Hill. The Third-Team All-Big 12 safety made impact plays in just about every one of BYU’s 14 games last year. He returns to the Cougars a proven star and leader on this defense.
Who will replace Tanner Wall? That appears to be Raider Damuni. He certainly isn’t coming into this season without street cred. He was a co-captain and played in 12 games last year, including over 300 snaps at safety. He should fill in nicely.
Tommy Prassas sticks around and is likely a third safety option when Poppinga needs it. He finished the season with snaps against Texas Tech in Arlington and the Pop-Tarts Bowl at safety.
Plenty of guys will compete for depth spots at safety, like Matthias Leach and Payton VanSteenkiste.
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