Brigham Young University (BYU) continues to build momentum on the recruiting trail as it secured another key commitment for its 2026 football recruiting class. The latest addition is Adam Bywater, a talented linebacker from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bywater announced his pledge to BYU via social media on Monday, adding depth and versatility to the Cougars’ defensive unit of the future.
Adam Bywater is a three-star prospect according to national recruiting services. He is rated as the 20th-best player in the state of Utah and the 121st overall at his position in the national rankings. His commitment to BYU comes after fielding offers from several other prominent programs, including Boise State, Arizona State, and in-state rival Utah. This decision adds a familiar name to the BYU football lineage—Adam is the younger brother of Ben Bywater, a former standout linebacker who served as a team captain and was named the defensive MVP of the 2022 New Mexico Bowl during his time in Provo.
At 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Adam Bywater possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and football instincts. During his most recent season at Olympus High, he posted impressive stats: 80 total tackles, including six for loss, and broke up four passes. These numbers highlight his impact on both the run and pass defense, showcasing the type of all-around game BYU is looking to add to its linebacker corps.
Bywater becomes the second linebacker in BYU’s 2026 class, joining four-star recruit Braxton Lindsey. Together, these two prospects form a dynamic duo that is expected to strengthen the Cougars’ front seven over the coming years. Recruiting analysts believe that Bywater is just beginning to tap into his full potential. His performance on the field and at various camps has turned heads, especially at the prestigious Under Armour Next Camp in Utah.
Greg Biggins, a respected recruiting analyst at 247Sports, praised Bywater’s versatility and growth. He noted that Bywater began his high school career playing safety, which gave him valuable experience in coverage and space play. Now transitioning into a more traditional linebacker role, Bywater is seen as an ideal fit for the outside linebacker position at the college level. His long frame, natural instincts, and ability to cover in the open field make him a rare and valuable defensive asset.
Biggins highlighted several key strengths that make Bywater stand out. Not only does he have the size to play in the box, but he also has the athleticism to drop into coverage—a skill that many linebackers struggle with as they move to the college level. His performance at the Under Armour camp confirmed those abilities, as he held his own in space and was considered one of the best cover linebackers in attendance. His open-field tackling and physical toughness round out a well-balanced skill set that projects well for the Power Four level.
In addition to his athletic abilities, scouts and coaches have pointed to Bywater’s football IQ and competitive nature. He’s not just a physical presence—he’s also an intelligent player who understands schemes and positioning. These traits, combined with his strong family ties to the BYU program, make him a cultural and strategic fit for head coach Kalani Sitake’s team.
Speaking of Coach Sitake, his efforts in assembling the 2026 recruiting class are drawing significant attention. With Bywater’s commitment, BYU’s class now includes 21 players, headlined by five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons. Lyons, a highly coveted signal-caller, gives the class a strong offensive foundation. Paired with defensive additions like Bywater and Lindsey, the Cougars are establishing one of the most balanced and talent-rich recruiting classes in recent program history.
This group is currently ranked as the top class in the Big 12 Conference for 2026, a major accomplishment for BYU since joining the Power Four ranks. Even more impressively, BYU is 30 spots ahead of in-state rival Utah in the national rankings. Traditionally, the Utes have dominated local recruiting battles, especially within the Beehive State. But with high-profile commitments like Lyons, Lindsey, and now Bywater, BYU is not only challenging Utah’s supremacy but actively surpassing it in several areas.
This shift could signal a new era for BYU football. The Cougars are showing they can attract top-tier talent both locally and nationally. The coaching staff has been strategic in targeting players who fit their system, culture, and long-term development goals. By recruiting athletes like Adam Bywater—players with both physical tools and strong program ties—they’re laying a foundation that could sustain success in the Big 12 for years to come.
Moreover, recruiting success breeds competitive momentum. When recruits see peers like Lyons and Bywater committing to a school like BYU, it adds credibility and creates a magnetic effect. Other prospects take notice. They start to believe in the direction of the program and are more inclined to consider BYU a legitimate destination. That momentum is already being felt across the state and even among national recruits.
As for Adam Bywater, his development will be one to watch. With a collegiate body already in place and the experience of playing multiple positions in high school, he enters BYU with a versatile skill set that could see him contribute early. Whether he slots in immediately as a starter or becomes a key depth piece who grows into a larger role, his potential is hard to ignore. Coaches and analysts alike believe that with the right development, he could be a multi-year starter and difference-maker on the defense.
In summary, Adam Bywater’s commitment to BYU is a significant addition to the program’s 2026 recruiting class. He brings athleticism, football intelligence, and a strong family legacy with him to Provo. His presence bolsters an already impressive class that positions BYU as a rising power in the Big 12 and a growing force in national recruiting. With top recruits now regularly choosing the Cougars, the program under Kalani Sitake appears to be heading into one of its most promising chapters in recent memory.
