Wide receiver brothers Puka and Samson Nacua announced they are transferring to BYU from the University of Washington and the University of Utah, respectively, on their Instagram accounts Monday night.
Puka and Samson both said in their posts they are 'coming home' as Provo natives. Puka, a four-star prospect, earned the 2018 Utah Gatorade Football Player of the Year in his senior year at Orem High School. He broke the Utah state records for most touchdown receptions in a career and season while at Orem. Samson, a three-star, committed to Utah out of Timpview High School.
Puka will be a sophomore and Samson a senior in the 2021 season.
In an interview with 950 AM KJR in Washington, Puka cited family issues as the reason for his transfer to BYU, in an effort to be closer to family.
'Some family issues came up and some stuff with my family where I know I need to be there to support my family and help them out in the best way,' Puka told KJR.
Puka, the Huskies' leading receiver, finished with nine receptions, 151 receiving yards and a touchdown in three games in the team's shortened season. Samson had four receptions, 29 yards and a touchdown for the Utes in four appearances.
The Nacua brothers continue a family lineage as older brothers Kai and Isaiah spent time as Cougars. Kai was a star safety for BYU, known for his skills in intercepting passes. He currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.
BYU will welcome the additions of the Nacua brothers as they are losing their top receiver from last season, Dax Milne, who chose to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.