The BYU football program added one of the strongest recruiting classes in program history on early National Signing Day on Dec. 4, securing a group that coaches believe can push the Cougars forward in the Big 12.
BYU signed 19 players in its 2026 class, including 10 offensive recruits and nine on the defensive side. The class is ranked No. 20 nationally by 247Sports and No. 2 in the Big 12, marking a significant step forward in the school’s recruiting profile since entering the conference.
The headliner is quarterback Ryder Lyons, one of the highest rated signees BYU has ever landed. Lyons carries a composite score above 98 and chose the Cougars after a heavily tracked recruitment following the choice to serve a LDS mission.
The class also includes four star talent across multiple positions, highlighted by offensive lineman Bott Mulitalo and tight end Brock Harris, which are four stars. The group posted an average player rating of 88.93, the highest for any BYU class since recruiting services began tracking composite scores.
Coaches emphasized balance and long term development in this cycle, pointing to the split between offensive and defensive signees. Several players are projected to become multi year contributors, and BYU staff expressed confidence that the class addresses depth needs that showed up during recent Big 12 play.
With its strongest rankings to date and several blue chip prospects committed, BYU believes the recruiting momentum reflects growing stability under coach Kalani Sitake.