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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 6: Faletau Satuala #11 of the BYU Cougars reacts after the Texas Tech Red Raiders missed a field goal during the first half of the Big 12 Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 6, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 Sports Info Solutions Preseason All-Big 12 Team was released on Wednesday. Several BYU Cougars are getting the preseason hype they deserve.
Four Cougars earned Preseason First Team All-Big 12 designations ahead of the season. Reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in LJ Martin leads the way. He is fresh off of leading the Big 12 in rushing yards, with over 1,300. He spearheads BYU’s offensive attack once again in 2026. Martin was named to the postseason First Team for the Big 12 last year. There is a decent chance Martin replicates or even improves upon his stellar 2025 campaign with a full season of health.
Also on the offensive side, Bruce Mitchell was also First Team All-Big 12 last year, blocking for Martin. He too, earned the preseason First Team distinction. The veteran center leads a BYU offensive linemen going through a few changes this year, with the Cougars needing to replace their left tackle and left guard from a year ago. Mitchell will stabilize things in the middle.
Defense is where BYU shone brightest last season. Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Jay Hill, the Cougars look to be strong on defense once again. Cornerback Evan Johnson was one of two BYU defenders named to the Preseason First Team. This comes after grading out as the fifth-best cornerback in the Big 12 last season. He tied for the conference lead in internceptions.
Safety Faletau Satuala also earned First Team preseason honors. Many view him as a possible NFL prospect after this season. Per Pro Football Focus, he was the fourth-highest graded safety in the Big 12 last year. It seemed like when BYU needed a big play, Satuala was right in the thick of things. He was named Third Team All-Big 12 last year, which seemed low for how well he played. Now, he looks like he is getting the respect he deserves.
Who was left off the list that deserved to be mentioned?
The Big 12 certainly has a solid crop of quarterbacks, so the competition is stiff for the incumbent BYU signal caller Bear Bachmeier. Arizona’s Noah Fifita earned that title this go-around.
Linebacker Cade Uluave transferred in from Cal to be the de facto replacement for Jack Kelly. He comes in very high esteem. Perhaps lack of familiarity hurt him in the preseason polls.
Clearly, BYU has earned some respect among voters and media members. Will it translate to another double-digit win season?
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