While BYU may not have landed a single unheralded “top player in America,” their 2026 recruiting class tells a different kind of story: one of overwhelming success. Head Coach **Kalani Sitake** and his staff have assembled what is widely considered the best recruiting class in program history, a feat achieved largely by winning pivotal head-to-head recruiting battles and securing multiple high-profile flips .
### 🏆 A Historic Class Built on Momentum
The Cougars’ 2026 haul is ranked **No. 21 nationally** and **No. 2 in the Big 12** by 247Sports, a historic high for the program. The class includes 21 high school signees with an average composite rating of 89.00, the highest average score ever for a BYU recruiting class .
What makes this class truly remarkable, however, is the decisive fashion in which it was assembled. All 21 high school recruits signed during the early signing period in December, demonstrating the strong relationships and trust built during the process . This class is headlined by four-star talents like quarterback **Ryder Lyons**—the 2024 California Gatorade Player of the Year—and tight end **Brock Harris** .
### 🤝 The Crown Jewels: Flipping the Pula Twins
The single biggest recruiting victory for BYU in this cycle came with the flipping of twin brothers **Jaron and Kennan Pula** from their in-state rival, the Utah Utes .
In early December 2025, the four-star prospects from Lone Peak High School announced they were flipping their commitments to BYU. At the time of their flip, they were ranked as the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers in the state of Utah, respectively . This move was a massive statement, signaling that BYU is now winning the critical battles for top-tier local talent against their biggest rival.
– **Jaron Pula:** A wide receiver who posted over 900 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season . BYU’s official site notes he finished with more than **1,800 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns** in his prep career .
– **Kennan Pula:** A versatile athlete who played both receiver and defense. He added 596 receiving yards and six touchdowns on offense . At BYU, he is projected to play in the defensive backfield .
Their decision to join the Cougars, alongside other top in-state prospects like quarterback Ryder Lyons, underscores the program’s rising trajectory within the Big 12 .
### 🌊 Building on a Foundation of Flips
The Pula twins were not the first significant flip for BYU in the 2026 cycle. Earlier in May 2025, the Cougars secured a commitment from wide receiver **Terrance Saryon**, flipping him from the Washington Huskies .
Saryon, a native of Vancouver, Washington, and a top-10 recruit in his state, chose BYU after an unofficial visit. He cited a better fit in the Cougars’ offensive scheme as a deciding factor. “I felt like I fit in BYU’s scheme better,” Saryon said. “I feel like I can come into coach Fesi’s (Sitake) receiver room and impact it early” .
### 📈 More Than Just Flips: A Complete Roster Overhaul
The 2026 “class” for BYU extends far beyond the 21 high school signees. The program also added significant talent through nine transfer portal additions and eight returned missionaries .
– **Transfer Portal Additions:** The Cougars made key, targeted additions, including **Cade Uluave** (Cal), the top-rated transfer linebacker, and offensive linemen from Stanford, Washington, and Utah State . Tight end **Walker Lyons** (USC) was another major pickup, giving BYU two high-upside tight ends alongside Oregon transfer Roger Saleapaga .
– **Returned Missionaries:** Eight players from previous signing classes returned from missions and enrolled in January, providing immediate depth and experience. This group includes quarterback **Enoch Watson**, who is expected to compete for the backup job, and several defensive players like linebacker **Adney Reid** .
For BYU fans, the 2026 recruiting cycle is not just about one player, but a collective triumph. Through key flips of in-state rivals and a comprehensive roster-building strategy, Kalani Sitake has positioned the Cougars for sustained success in the Big 12.
Would you like more details on any of the other top signees, such as quarterback Ryder Lyons or tight end Brock Harris?
