Why BYU Football Recruiting Is Soaring: A Deep Dive into Three Major Factors Driving Historic Success
Brandon Gurney, a longtime observer of BYU football recruiting, has been closely watching the evolution of the Cougars’ approach to building their football program. According to Gurney, what’s happening with BYU’s 2026 recruiting class is unprecedented in school history. With two recent major commitments — offensive lineman Jax Tanner and linebacker Adam Bywater — BYU has climbed to the No. 20 spot in the national recruiting rankings, a first since modern recruiting services began tracking such data in the late 1990s.
Tanner, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman, received offers from big-name programs such as Michigan, Oregon, and Tennessee. Bywater, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker and younger brother of former BYU standout Ben Bywater, had offers from Utah, Boise State, and Arizona State. These two players bring BYU’s total number of 2026 commitments to 21, which is nearly a complete class, as most programs typically sign around 25 players.
While rankings can fluctuate — with decommitments always a possibility — there’s a strong belief among insiders that this class will go down as BYU’s best in history. Gurney, who has covered BYU recruiting for over two decades, says he’s never seen this level of talent and momentum.
So, what’s driving this historic rise? Gurney identifies three key factors fueling BYU’s recent success on the recruiting trail: resources, on-field performance, and the leadership of head coach Kalani Sitake.
1. A Surge in Resources
Perhaps the most immediate and impactful change to BYU’s recruiting fortunes has come from increased resources — much of it linked to the program’s transition into the Big 12 Conference. With Power Five status comes a significant upgrade in financial backing, infrastructure, staffing, and visibility.
For years, BYU lagged behind regional competitors like the University of Utah when it came to recruiting efforts. High school coaches often commented that BYU didn’t seem as serious or aggressive in pursuing top talent. That narrative has now flipped. With a much larger recruiting staff, better facilities, and more organized operations, BYU is now seen as a serious contender in the recruiting landscape.
One of the biggest game-changers in this area is the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities now available to players. BYU has positioned itself well in this arena, thanks to strong support from donors and collectives. As a result, the school can now offer competitive — and sometimes superior — NIL packages to recruits compared to traditional recruiting powers. In the current era of college football, where NIL plays a crucial role in decision-making, this boost has elevated BYU to a new tier of competitiveness.
2. On-Field Success and Credibility
While financial resources and staffing improvements are important, they’re meaningless if not backed up by results on the field. Fortunately for BYU, recent performances have aligned with its off-field momentum.
A defining moment came in December when BYU dismantled Colorado 36–14 in the Alamo Bowl. The Buffaloes entered the game with considerable hype, driven by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and the celebrity presence of Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite being considered underdogs, the Cougars controlled the game from start to finish in what Gurney calls one of the most dominant bowl wins in program history.
More than just a big win, this game showed that BYU could not only compete with, but outclass, teams led by national media darlings. It was a statement — one that resonated with recruits looking for a program that can deliver on big stages.
The Alamo Bowl win wasn’t a fluke, either. BYU’s 2024 season was strong overall. The Cougars came within just a few plays of reaching the Big 12 Championship Game and were in the College Football Playoff conversation deep into the season. That kind of performance matters to elite high school athletes who want to join a program on the rise — one that can compete for conference titles and national recognition.
As Gurney emphasizes, recruits want to see proof that a program can help them succeed, both individually and as part of a winning team. BYU is now providing that proof, week after week, season after season.
3. Kalani Sitake’s Charismatic Leadership
Of all the elements powering BYU’s recruiting revolution, none may be more important than head coach Kalani Sitake himself. A former Cougar player and one of the most respected coaches in college football, Sitake brings an authenticity and charisma that connects deeply with recruits and their families.
Gurney notes from personal experience that Sitake is one of the most sincere and relatable individuals in the sport. Whether he’s interacting with media members, players, or visiting recruits, Sitake has a way of making everyone feel valued. That emotional intelligence and human touch go a long way in the recruiting world, where relationships often make the biggest difference in a player’s final decision.
With increased support and staffing, Sitake has had more time and resources to personally connect with prospects during their visits. And when he gets that face-to-face time, his personality shines. Recruits and parents often walk away from meetings with Sitake feeling confident that they would be joining not just a football team, but a family.
The head coach’s leadership also shows up in BYU’s team culture. The Cougars are known for their unity, work ethic, and genuine love for the game. Sitake has cultivated an environment where development matters — not just in terms of football skills, but also personal growth. That resonates with both athletes and parents looking for a well-rounded college experience.
Final Thoughts
While every recruit has their own priorities — whether it’s immediate playing time, NIL money, coaching staff, academics, or personal comfort — the combination of resources, on-field results, and a magnetic head coach has put BYU in a position it has never occupied before: as a legitimate national player in football recruiting.
The 2026 class is shaping up to be not only historic, but also a turning point for BYU football’s long-term trajectory. If the school can maintain (and build on) its current momentum, future classes may climb even higher, and the Cougars could soon find themselves regularly competing for conference championships and College Football Playoff berths.
Gurney concludes that while many variables affect recruiting, the three pillars currently driving BYU’s success — enhanced resources, on-field credibility, and Kalani Sitake’s leadership — have established a foundation that could sustain elite-level recruiting for years to come.
