Seven BYU players are in the running for Big 12 honors as fall camp kicks off, with four Cougars earning Preseason First Team All-Big 12 designations.
The 2026 Sports Info Solutions Preseason All-Big 12 Team was released on Wednesday, and several BYU Cougars are getting the preseason hype they deserve. Four Cougars earned Preseason First Team All-Big 12 designations ahead of the season. Reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin leads the way, fresh off of leading the Big 12 in rushing yards with over 1,300 last year.
Martin spearheads BYU's offensive attack once again in 2026. He was named to the postseason First Team for the Big 12 last year and has a decent chance of replicating or improving upon his stellar 2025 campaign with a full season of health. Bruce Mitchell, a veteran center, was also First Team All-Big 12 last year and earned the preseason First Team distinction.
Defense is where BYU shone brightest last season. Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Jay Hill, the Cougars look to be strong on defense once again. Cornerback Evan Johnson was one of two BYU defenders named to the Preseason First Team. This comes after grading out as the fifth-best cornerback in the Big 12 last season, where he tied for the conference lead in interceptions.
Safety Faletau Satuala also earned First Team preseason honors. Many view him as a possible NFL prospect after this season. Per Pro Football Focus, he was the fourth-highest graded safety in the Big 12 last year. It seemed like when BYU needed a big play, Satuala was right in the thick of things.
While BYU has earned some respect among voters and media members, it remains to be seen if it will translate to another double-digit win season. The competition is stiff for the incumbent BYU signal caller Bear Bachmeier, who was left off the list. Arizona's Noah Fifita earned that title this go-around.
The Big 12 certainly has a solid crop of quarterbacks, and the Cougars will need to prove themselves to be among the best. Linebacker Cade Uluave transferred in from Cal to be the de facto replacement for Jack Kelly. He comes in very high esteem, but perhaps lack of familiarity hurt him in the preseason polls.
The preseason hype is certainly a positive sign for the Cougars, but it remains to be seen how the season will unfold. BYU's fall camp is now underway, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Cougars can live up to the preseason expectations.
Source: Yahoo Sports