Exciting Changes Ahead for BYU in the Pop-Tarts Bowl!
On Tuesday, the Brigham Young University (BYU) football team unveiled their depth chart for the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl, where they will face off against Georgia Tech. This announcement brought several notable adjustments, especially within the running back positions, that fans should be aware of.
Unfortunately, BYU will head into this game missing their two leading running backs. Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed that LJ Martin has undergone shoulder surgery due to an injury sustained during the match against Iowa State, while Sione Moa has been battling injuries all season and will also be sidelined.
Here is a detailed look at the complete depth chart for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, along with some insightful commentary on the changes:
Quarterback
1. Bear Bachmeier
2. McCae Hillstead OR Treyson Bourguet
3. Emerson Geilman
There are no modifications to the quarterback lineup, allowing Bear Bachmeier one final chance to shine during his true freshman year.
Running Back
1. Enoch Nawahine OR Jovesa Damuni OR Preston Rex
With the removal of LJ Martin and Sione Moa from the depth chart, the order has been reshuffled. Enoch Nawahine now takes the lead position.
Wide Receiver
1. Chase Roberts
2. Tei Nacua OR Reggie Frischknecht
- Parker Kingston
Tiger Bachmeier
Cody Hagen OR Jojo Phillips
The only adjustment in the wide receiver category is that Reggie Frischknecht has been designated as a co-backup alongside Tei Nacua.
Tight End
1. Carsen Ryan
2. Keayen Nead OR Ethan Erickson OR Noah Moeaki
No alterations have been made to the tight end lineup.
Offensive Line
- Left Tackle
1. Isaiah Jatta
2. Kaden Chidister
Left Guard
- Weylin Lapuaho
- Sonny Makasini
- Weylin Lapuaho
Center
- Bruce Mitchell
- Trevor Pay
- Bruce Mitchell
Right Guard
- Kyle Sfarcioc
- Sonny Makasini
- Kyle Sfarcioc
Right Tackle
- Andrew Gentry
- Austin Leausa
- Andrew Gentry
BYU has implemented several changes to their offensive line depth chart. In a significant move, they have officially named starters for the first time this season. Additionally, Jake Griffin has been removed from the depth chart following his announcement to enter the transfer portal.
Defensive Line
- Defensive Ends
1. Bodie Schoonover OR Viliami Po'uha
2. Logan Lutui
3. Hunter Clegg
4. Tausili Akana OR Orion Maile-Kaufusi
Only minor adjustments were made in the defensive ends segment of the depth chart.
- Interior Defensive Line
- Keanu Tanuvasa
- Anisi Purcell
- Kaufusi Pakofe
- Keanu Tanuvasa
- John Taumoepeau
- Justin Kirkland
- Ulavai Fetuli
Justin Kirkland has made a return to the depth chart after sitting out this season as a redshirt, looking forward to the 2026 season.
Linebacker
1. Jack Kelly
2. Maika Kaufusi
- Isaiah Glasker
Nusi Taumoepeau OR Maika Kaufusi
Siale Esera
Miles Hall
Pierson Watson
Ace Kaufusi has been taken off the depth chart for linebackers, which may stir discussions among fans about the team's strategy moving forward.
Safety
1. Tanner Wall
2. Raider Damuni
3. Matthias Leach
- Faletau Satuala
- Talan Alfrey
- Jarinn Kalama
There have been no updates to the safety depth chart.
Cornerback
1. Evan Johnson
2. Jayden Dunlap
3. Jordyn Criss
- Tre Alexander OR Mory Bamba
True freshman Jordyn Criss has been added to the cornerback depth chart, a change that could excite fans looking for new talent.
Nickel
1. Jonathan Kabeya
2. Tayvion Beasley
3. Tommy Prassas
Tommy Prassas is back on the depth chart after recovering from an injury sustained in the game against Colorado.
Specialists
- Kick Return
1. Cody Hagen
2. Tiger Bachmeier
- Punt Return
- Parker Kingston OR Tiger Bachmeier
- Parker Kingston OR Tiger Bachmeier
As we gear up for the Pop-Tarts Bowl, these adjustments underscore the dynamic nature of college football and the ever-evolving strategies teams employ. What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you believe they will significantly impact BYU's performance in the bowl game? Share your opinions in the comments below!
