A Jaw-Dropping Recruiting Surge

In a thrilling twist of events within Big 12 recruiting, BYU recently soared to the top of the 2026 class rankings—only to be quickly dethroned by Texas Tech after they secured a commitment from a five-star offensive tackle. However, the Cougars weren’t down for long! Just last Monday, they snatched up two exceptionally talented athletes, catapulting their class back to the No. 1 spot according to 247Sports.

Climbing the Ranks Fast

As of Tuesday, BYU's 2026 class sits at an impressive No. 19 nationally, leapfrogging from 26th to 23rd, and then to 19th in a mere five days. This remarkable ascent showcases the program's growing clout, especially under the guidance of head coach Kalani Sitake.

Key Commitments Strengthening the Roster

The two remarkable recruits that sparked this resurgence are linebacker Braxton Lindsey from Arkansas and defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone from Oklahoma. Both players turned down multiple Power 4 offers, casting their lot with BYU, which promises to boost the team's competitiveness. Kolone’s impressive offers came from high-profile programs like Michigan State and Oklahoma, while Lindsey was pursued by notable SEC schools.

Speedy Additions and Bright Futures

In an electrifying decision just a day later, Jaxson Gates, a 6-foot-1 corner known for his blistering 100-meter dash speed of 10.39 seconds, committed to BYU. This rapid succession brought the Cougars three standout recruits in just 24 hours: Kolone, a three-star as the No. 104 defensive lineman; Lindsey, a four-star ranked at No. 23; and Gates, a three-star corner, ranked No. 49.

Historic Power 4 Offers