Unbeaten and Unshaken: Notre Dame Faces BYU in an Undefeated Battle of Faith
All eyes will be on LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, on Saturday night when a pair of unbeatens meet up for another edition of “Catholics vs. Mormons.”
Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 6-0 and ranked second in the country, head to the Rocky Mountains to prove they belong among the nation’s best against the eighth-ranked BYU Cougars.
BYU Results (5-0)
63-7 win vs. Utah Tech
28-17 win vs. Arizona
41-23 win at Colorado State
17-10 win at TCU
24-10 win vs. Iowa State
While the Cougars' offense is not one to be taken lightly, it is their defense that strikes fear into opponents. On offense, BYU will be missing its heartbeat, RB LJ Martin, along with starting LT Andrew Gentry for the second straight week. They were able to get by last week against Iowa State, in large part due to QB Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat abilities, but the Notre Dame defense will provide a different level of test for this unit.
Defensively, they were also able to maintain a high level of play against the Cyclones last week despite several key players with injuries. BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake has expressed optimism that most of these players could be back for this Saturday’s matchup, most notably starting Nickel Cannon DeVries.
BYU OFFENSE
Sitake’s offensive playcaller is Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach Aaron Roderick, who has held these roles since 2021. A former BYU receiver himself, Roderick became a GA with the Cougars following his college career in 1999. Following a couple of stops at smaller programs, Roderick was hired by Utah in 2005 as their WRs Coach. He would spend 11 years with the Utes, serving as WRs Coach until 2013, before being promoted to co-OC and QB Coach in 2015. Following the 2016 season at Utah, Roderick finally returned to BYU as an offensive consultant. In 2018, he was officially hired by Sitake as the program’s Passing Game Coordinator and QB Coach.
With BYU sitting at 5-0 for the third consecutive season, here are some key offensive statistics and their respective rankings:
Stat | Amount | Big 12 Rank | FBS Rank |
Total Yards per Game | 433.4 | 9th | 44th |
Yards per Play | 7.1 | 2nd | 10th |
Points per Game | 34.6 | 9th | tied-46th |
Passing Yards per Game | 209.6 | 12th | 88th |
Passing Touchdowns | 8 | tied-10th | tied-80th |
Passing Yards per Attempt | 8.81 | 6th | tied-26th |
Rushing Yards per Game | 223.8 | 5th | 17th |
Rushing Touchdowns | 14 | tied-5th | tied-21st |
Yards per Carry | 6 | tied-1st | 8th |
3rd Down Conversion Percentage | 54.4% | 5th | 7th |
4th Down Conversion Percentage | 0% (0/4) | 16th | tied-136th |
Turnovers Lost | 3 (2 interceptions, 1 fumble lost) | 2nd | tied-12th |
Sacks Allowed per Game | 0.6 (3 total) | 2nd | tied-8th |
Now, we will go over BYU’s offensive personnel by position group:
Quarterback
Bear Bachmeier
With star Running Back LJ Martin out for some time, it has been dual-threat QB Bear Bachmeier picking up the slack on the ground, and he will need to continue doing this for the Cougars to have success.
The 6-2, 230-pound sophomore is in his second year at BYU. Bachmeier originally committed to, and early-enrolled at Stanford; however, he transferred to BYU after former Cardinal Head Coach Troy Taylor left the program prior to his freshman season. Safe to say, BYU got a good one as a former four-star recruit out of Murrieta, California.
Bachmeier burst onto the scene last season, becoming the first true freshman QB to start a season-opener at BYU. He finished the season with over 3,500 total yards and 26 total touchdowns as he was named 2025 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.
This season, Bachmeier is 66.4% passing for 1,033 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception. After struggling in a rain-soaked game against TCU where he threw 11/24 for just 62 yards, the sophomore bounced back with a big-time, season-high 329 yards last week against Iowa State where he threw 22/30 with two touchdowns. Bachmeier has demonstrated solid downfield playmaking abilities with multiple 300-plus yard games featuring well-thrown, deep completions. In general, an efficient passer, the BYU QB did struggle to find completions in the red zone last week, featuring multiple missed fourth-down attempts, including two from within the five-yard line.
On the ground, the dual-threat has rushed for 239 yards and four touchdowns across 36 carries this season. Bachmeier has at least four carries and 30 yards in four games, including a season-high 109 yards on nine carries against the Cyclones in the team’s first game without Martin. His 6.6 yards per carry is nothing to scoff at, as he is more than capable of turning a seemingly negative play into a positive gain, just like he did on his 21-yard touchdown run against TCU. I would recommend that Notre Dame utilize a spy on Saturday night, and I believe LB Drayk Bowen is up to the task.
21-yard touchdown run vs. TCU
Highlights vs. Iowa State
Highlights vs. Arizona
Running Backs
Journee Tonga
With Martin out and backup RB Sione Moa unlikely to be at 100% on Saturday, the BYU RB room has struggled. The return of Moa should provide a bit of a boost after suffering a lower-leg injury in the team’s first game against Utah Tech. However, I would still expect Tonga and Preston Rex to have somewhat impactful roles this weekend.
Tonga is a 5-8, 198-pound true freshman out of Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, California. Through four games played this season, the first-year RB has rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns across 27 carries. He recorded a season-high 91 yards on 10 carries at Colorado State. Tonga struggled last week against Iowa State as he compiled just 19 yards on eight carries; however, he was able to find the end zone for a score. He also added his first reception of the season last week on a 13-yard grab.
Touchdown vs. Iowa State
The freshman RB has flashed some explosiveness in his young career, averaging 6.5 yards per carry with five carries of 10-plus yards on just 27 attempts. He showed this big-play potential on a 34-yard scamper in his first collegiate game.
34-yard run vs. Utah Tech
Tonga has produced nicely despite his limited role, but overall is still relatively unproven as a potential lead back.
Preston Rex
The more experienced, but less explosive, of this mentioned RB duo is this 6-0, 200-pound redshirt senior. Rex is in his fifth year at BYU after originally committing to the Cougars as a three-star recruit out of San Clemente High School in California. A BYU legacy, Rex’s father Byron was an All-American Tight End with the Cougars, and his brother Isaac is currently on the roster as well.
Last season, Rex moved from Safety to RB in an effort to maximize his skill set. This year, the San Clemente native has rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns across 24 carries in five games played. He recorded a season-high 38 yards and one touchdown across five carries against Utah Tech. The fifth-year RB has been decently efficient, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However, he has struggled the last two weeks with just 53 yards across 15 carries.
Rex has proven to be a capable receiver out of the backfield with six catches for 43 yards this season. He has at least one catch in three games, and tallied a season-high three receptions for 23 yards against Iowa State.
Others to watch: Devaughn Eka, Sione Moa (questionable; returning from injury)
Receivers
Kyler Kasper
One of Bachmeier’s top targets this season has been the Oregon transfer in his first year at BYU. Kasper, a redshirt junior, originally committed to the Ducks as a four-star recruit out of Chandler, Arizona. The Irish did have interest and offered the receiver as a recruit. Kasper’s NFL genetics are obvious from his 6-6, 212-pound frame, as his father, Kevin, played receiver at Iowa and in the NFL for eight seasons.
Through five games played at BYU, including two starts, Kasper has 14 receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt junior has at least one catch and 20 yards in each game, and recorded a season-high four catches, 51 yards, and two touchdowns against Arizona.
Touchdown #2 vs. Arizona
Given his elite mix of height and length, Kasper is a true red zone mismatch, as he demonstrated on his touchdown last week against Iowa State. The Oregon transfer’s 12.7 yards per catch are solid, but he is not a very high-volume receiver yet.
Red zone touchdown vs. Iowa State
Legend Glasker
BYU’s leading receiver through five games has been standout true freshman Legend Glasker. The 6-1, 175-pound versatile weapon committed to the Cougars as a three-star recruit out of Lehi High School in Utah.
Glasker has racked up 378 yards and three touchdowns on 19 receptions this season, including at least three catches in each game. He tallied a season-high 131 yards on five catches at Colorado State and recorded a season-high two touchdowns on three receptions for 65 yards against Utah Tech.
The freshman has also produced in the ground game with 11 carries for 83 yards and two touchdowns this season. Glasker has at least one carry in each game, and finished with a season-high four carries and 26 yards at TCU.
Highlights vs. Utah Tech (3 total TDs)
Glasker has repeatedly shown off his elite big-play ability, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He owns a 61-yard catch against Arizona, a 70-yard snag against Colorado State, and a 75-yard touchdown against Iowa State. Legend Glasker will be a name to know in a few years if your favorite NFL team is looking for a receiver once he develops physically.
61-yard catch vs. Arizona
75-yard touchdown vs. Iowa State
Jojo Phillips
Another red zone threat that Bachmeier has at his disposal is this 6-5, 205-pound redshirt junior. Phillips is in his fourth year at BYU after originally committing to the Cougars as a three-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High School in California.
This season, the Lancaster, CA, native has recorded nine receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown in five games played, including two starts. Phillips has at least one catch in each game, and tallied a season-high three receptions and 21 yards against Iowa State last week.
Touchdown vs. Utah Tech
Phillips possesses a strong, physical frame but has not consistently produced enough to establish himself as a true threat. His longest reception this season is just 14 yards, and 7.3 yards per catch and 13.2 yards per game are not going to help his case for more targets.
Others to watch: Reggie Frischknecht
Tight Ends
Walker Lyons
BYU’s featured TE this season has been USC transfer Walker Lyons. The Folsom, California native originally committed to the Trojans out of high school as a four-star recruit and 2023 Under Armour All-American. Lyons, in his first year with the Cougars, is a BYU legacy as his father, Tim, formerly played in Provo. Additionally, Walker’s brother, Ryder, is a highly-touted BYU QB signee.
Lyons has started all five games played this season, posting 13 receptions for 150 yards during this time. The 6-4, 245-pound TE has at least one catch in each game and recorded a season-high five receptions and 61 yards against Iowa State last week. He has shown he can be a reliable receiver, and his 11.5 yards per catch demonstrates he can do more than just checkdown. The USC transfer has benefited from his experience with the Trojans and uses his solid, physical frame in an effective manner.
Others to watch: Roger Saleapaga II
Offensive Line
LT Paki Finau
BYU’s starting LT this season has been 6-5, 310-pound redshirt sophomore, Paki Finau. The Hesperia, California native is in his first season with the Cougars as a transfer from Washington.
After starting four of 12 games played at guard with the Huskies in 2025, Finau has made the transition to tackle at BYU in ‘26. He has a good frame and size for a tackle, while also offering the versatility to move inside if needed. Overall, Finau has played well this year.
LG Sonny Makasini
Another piece of this line that has played well this season is LG Sonny Makasini. The redshirt senior is in his fifth year at BYU after originally committing to the Cougars as a three-star recruit out of Timpview High School in Provo.
Last season, Makasini allowed no sacks across 14 games played, including two starts. The 6-4, 315-pound lineman possesses a good mix of size and strength that has lent to his strong start to 2026.
C Bruce Mitchell
After starting all 14 games a year ago, Mitchell entered 2026 with expectations as one of the better overall centers in the country. The 6-4, 305-pound redshirt senior has not necessarily met these expectations as of now, especially after a rough TCU performance featuring multiple errant snaps and penalties.
Mitchell is in his fifth year at BYU after originally committing to the program out of South Summit High School in Kamas, Utah. Prior to the 2024 season, he changed sides of the ball from defensive to offensive line. In general, this move has paid off as Mitchell does remain one of the better centers that the Irish will go against this year.
RG Kyle Sfarcioc
Starting at RG this season for the Cougars has been the 6-4, 305-pound redshirt senior. Sfarcioc is in his second year at BYU as a former Southern Utah transfer.
The Peoria, Arizona native started five of 14 games played in his debut season in Provo last year. Sfarcioc has good size and excels as a pass blocker compared to the run.
RT Bott Mulitalo
The right tackle position has been one of uncertainty for the Cougars since Andrew Gentry has been out with injury. Mulitalo and Siosiua Latu-Finau have shared snaps at this position in Gentry’s absence.
Bott Mulitalo is a 6-5, 310-pound true freshman who committed to BYU as a four-star recruit out of Lone Peak High School in Utah. The Lehi, UT native possesses good size but is clearly still adjusting and developing at the college level. He finished with two false starts in his first start at TCU.
Others to watch: RT Siosiua Latu-Finau
BYU DEFENSE
As we move to the defensive side of the ball, the playcaller of this highly-touted defense is Defensive Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach Kelly Poppinga. Poppinga is a BYU legacy as his father, Dennis, played TE from 1968-71 and his older brother, Brady, played Defensive End from 2001-04 in Provo.
As for himself, Kelly Poppinga began his collegiate playing career at Utah State before transferring to BYU for the 2006 and ‘07 seasons, when he was named a 2007 Second-Team All-Mountain West Linebacker. After spending one year bouncing around in the NFL, he returned to Provo in 2009 as a defensive intern. After spending time in various assistant roles at BYU from 2010-15, Poppinga followed Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall to Virginia in 2016. He was eventually elevated to co-DC at Virginia from 2018-21 until Mendenhall stepped down from coaching and Poppinga was not retained by the new staff. Then, he spent the 2022 season at Boise State as co-Special Teams Coordinator and EDGEs Coach. Prior to the 2023 season, Poppinga was finally hired back at BYU as the team’s STC and DE Coach. He served in these roles through the 2025 season, and is now in his first year as the program’s DC and ILB Coach.
Under Poppinga, the BYU defense has been stout and ranks not just among the best in the Big 12, but the entire country. Below are some key defensive statistics for the Cougars this season:
Stat | Amount | Big 12 Rank | FBS Rank |
Total Yards per Game Allowed | 254.4 | 1st | 8th |
Total Yards per Play Allowed | 4.3 | 1st | 12th |
Total Points per Game Allowed | 13.4 | tied-2nd | tied-9th |
Total Touchdowns Allowed | 8 | tied-2nd | tied-5th |
Passing Yards per Game Allowed | 174 | 4th | tied-27th |
Passing Touchdowns Allowed | 5 | tied-4th | tied-24th |
Interceptions | 6 | tied-2nd | tied-20th |
Passing Yards Allowed per Attempt | 5.54 | 1st | tied-4th |
Rushing Yards Allowed per Game | 80.4 | 3rd | 10th |
Rushing Touchdowns Allowed | 3 | tied-2nd | tied-9th |
Rushing Yards per Carry Allowed | 2.9 | tied-1st | 19th |
Now, we will go over BYU’s defensive personnel by position group:
EDGEs
Nusi Taumoepeau
The first Cougar defensive player to highlight is 6-3, 242-pound sophomore, Nusi Taumoepeau. He is in his second year at BYU after originally committing to the program out of Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Nusi’s brother, Daniel, is also on the team’s roster.
This season, Taumoepeau has recorded nine tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one sack across five games played, including four starts. The sophomore has at least one tackle in four games, and tallied a season-high five tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one sack in the win at TCU.
Sack vs. TCU
Taumoepeau offers the versatility to line up at linebacker, and he possesses a good motor. He has good pass rush potential and is capable of making plays behind the line of scrimmage; however, the Utah native has been limited in these facets and needs to be more consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
Tausili Akana
BYU’s more explosive pass-rushing EDGE is Tausili Akana. The 6-3, 235-pound redshirt junior is in his second year with the Cougars as a former Texas transfer. Akana originally committed to the Longhorns as a four-star recruit out of Laie, Hawaii.
Akana has started all five games played this season at BYU, entering Saturday’s matchup with 11 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. He has at least two tackles in four games and recorded a season-high four tackles and 2.5 sacks against Arizona.
Highlights vs. Arizona
I’m sure BYU would like to see a little more pass rush production outside of the Arizona game, but Akana remains a threat regardless. The former Longhorn is strong and athletic, and plays with good physicality and speed. He has been solid against the run and is obviously capable of creating negative plays.
Interior Linemen
Keanu Tanuvasa
On the interior, BYU was able to retain some key experienced starters from a year ago, beginning with Keanu Tanuvasa. The 6-4, 300-pound lineman is in his second with the Cougars as a former Utah transfer. Tanuvasa originally committed to the Utes out of high school as a native of Mission Viejo, California.
This season, the redshirt senior has 10 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, and two PBUs. Tanuvasa has recorded at least one tackle in four games, including a season-high four tackles, two TFLs, and two PBUs in last week’s win against Iowa State. The former Ute also had a nice outing against Arizona when he finished the victory with three tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and was credited with half a sack.
Tanuvasa is a powerful presence who is able to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. He offers the versatility to line up at nose tackle or three-technique and gained valuable experience from starting all 14 games in 2025. The lineman did a good job affecting passing lanes against the Cyclones; however, he can get moved off his feet easily at times, and his pass rush production has been somewhat limited this season.
Bodie Schoonover
This 6-3, 275-pound redshirt senior is more of a natural DE who rotates inside. Schoonover is in his fifth year at BYU after originally committing to the program as a three-star recruit out of American Fork High School in Utah.
Across five games played this season, including one start, Schoonover has recorded 12 tackles and two TFLs. He has tallied at least three tackles in each of the past three games, including a season-high of six on the road at TCU. Schoonover also had solid performances against Colorado State and Iowa State, notching three tackles and one TFL in each of these wins.
The redshirt senior possesses good size and physicality, and he holds valuable experience from starting 10 of 14 games played in 2025. Schoonover is capable of creating negative plays, as evidenced by his 6.5 TFLs a year ago, but the Cougars would like more consistency in this aspect in 2026. The lineman has been solid against the run this year.
Others to watch: Viliami Po’uha, Justin Kirkland, Anisi Purcell
Linebackers
Cade Uluave
BYU’s most impactful transfer from this past offseason was this 2025 First Team All-ACC LB from Cal. Cade Uluave is a 6-1, 230-pound senior in his first season with the Cougars. The South Jordan, Utah, native was also named the 2023 PAC-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year during his time with the Golden Bears.
Uluave has started all five games played this year, tallying 26 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, and one interception. He had three tackles and a season-high two TFLs against Utah Tech, while also notching at least three tackles in each game played. The Cal transfer impressed with six tackles and an interception against Arizona, and against Iowa State when he finished the win with six tackles and was credited with half a sack.
Interception vs. Arizona
BYU’s star LB is clearly a consistent and productive tackler; however, his physical playing style can lead to some missed tackle opportunities. He obviously has good experience from his time at Cal and plays with good instincts. In general, Uluave is a solid playmaker in coverage with limited pass rush production who needs to become a more consistent backfield disruptor.
Jake Clifton
As Isaiah Glasker, Legend’s brother, sets to return from injury, it has been Jake Clifton stepping up in his place. The 6-2, 230-pound LB made his presence known to the Notre Dame public when he mentioned giving Notre Dame QB CJ Carr “a little elbow every now and then,” during his Wednesday media availability. Time will tell how that comment fares.
Clifton is a Kansas State transfer in his first season at BYU. The junior LB originally committed to the Wildcats out of high school as a native of Owasso, Oklahoma.
In two starts across five games played this year, Clifton has 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two PBUs. He has at least one tackle in each game, including a season-high six tackles and one sack against TCU. The junior also impressed last week against Iowa State when he finished the win with five tackles, half of a sack, and two PBUs.
Sack vs. TCU
Clifton is a physical playmaker with good pass rush potential who offers the versatility to play across any linebacking position.
Others to watch: Braxton Lindsey, Isaiah Glasker (likely game-time decision)
Defensive Backs
S Faletau Satuala
BYU’s featured safety, and potentially one of the best in the country, is Faletau Satuala. The 6-4, 215-pound junior is in his third year with the Cougars. Satuala originally committed to the program as a four-star recruit out of Bountiful High School in Utah.
Satuala has started all five games played this season, recording 23 tackles, two TFLs, two passes defended, and one interception. He has at least one tackle in each game, but his best performance came against TCU when he finished the rain-filled win with four tackles, one TFL, and an interception. Additionally, Satuala impressed with seven tackles and one TFL against Arizona, and last week against Iowa State when he had seven tackles and one PBU.
Interception vs. TCU
The junior safety possesses elite size with good length and frame. He also has good ball skills and offers the versatility to help against the run and as a pass rusher. Satuala has also been a reliable tackler this season.
S Tommy Prassas
Next to Satuala in the BYU secondary this season has been redshirt sophomore Tommy Prassas. The 6-2, 200-pound safety is in his third year with the Cougars after originally committing to the program as a three-star recruit out of Basha High School in Chandler, Arizona.
This season, Prassas has 20 tackles and three PBUs across five games played, including four starts. He has at least four tackles in four games, and tallied a season-high of seven tackles at TCU. The Arizona native impressed in last week’s win over Iowa State when he finished the game with four tackles and a season-high two PBUs.
Overall, Prassas has good coverage instincts and is a dependable tackler; however, his takeaway and backfield production have been limited this season.
Fourth-down stop vs. Arizona
CB Evan Johnson
BYU’s top, and most feared, corner is redshirt senior Evan Johnson. The 6-0, 185-pound CB is in his fifth year with the Cougars after originally committing to the program as a three-star recruit out of Monterey, California.
No. 7 player on this preseason list
The 2025 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention has recorded seven tackles, three passes defended, two PBUs, and one interception through five games this season. Johnson has at least one tackle in three games, including a season-high four-tackle performance against Arizona. The California native opened the year with a season-high two passes defended and one interception against Utah Tech.
Interception vs. Utah Tech
Johnson has good ball-hawking instincts, as evidenced by his 2025 season when he tied for the conference lead with five interceptions to go along with his eight PBUs. He obviously gained valuable experience during that 2025 season, starting 13 games for the Cougars' highly regarded defense. Additionally, Johnson has good athleticism; however, his 2026 production has declined from a year ago, perhaps a result of not being targeted as often.
CB Therrian Alexander III
Another full-time starting corner for the Cougars is this 6-2, 175-pound junior. Alexander is in his third year at BYU after originally committing to the program as a three-star recruit out of Southwest Dekalb High School in Georgia.
This season, the Ellenwood, GA native has recorded 10 tackles, one TFL, two passes defended, and one interception. Alexander has at least one tackle in four games, including a season-high four tackles, 0.5 TFL, and one pass defended against Iowa State. The junior tallied his interception in the team’s season-opener against Utah Tech.
Alexander is another DB in this group with good size, featuring valuable length and frame. He gained valuable experience last season when he started 12 games for the Cougars. His pass defense production has been somewhat limited this season, which could be something to keep an eye on Saturday.
CB Jayven Williams
Jayven Williams has been tasked with stepping up in the wake of some DB injuries for the Cougars. The 6-2, 175-pound redshirt senior is in his first year at BYU as a former Kennesaw State and Mississippi State transfer.
This season, the Mobile, Alabama native has recorded 12 tackles, one TFL, and three PBUs in five games played, including two starts. Williams has at least one tackle in four games, including a season-high of six tackles against Arizona, where he also added a PBU in the win. The Bulldog transfer tallied a season-high two PBUs in last week’s victory over Iowa State.
Williams possesses good length and speed, and his pass defense production has been solid this season. He could see his role reduced this week with the expected return of Cannon Devries.
Others to watch: Nickel Cannon Devries (likely returning from injury), S Raider Damuni (likely returning from injury)
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