BYU football: Kalani Sitake on Cougars' first spring practice

BYU has turned the page to 2026, with the Cougars holding their first of 15 spring practices on Friday.

“It was a nice day. I’m glad we were outside and I’m excited about the team. I thought we had a really good practice. It’s a really good start to 2026,” head coach Kalani Sitake told reporters.

“... We’re not in game shape yet, but we don’t have to be now. We’ll have to be in game shape by the time we get to fall camp, but they’re definitely stronger and a lot of guys are bigger, and so we’re going to keep working on that and trying to progress as a team.”

Here are the most notable highlights from Sitake’s comments to the press.

On how the team has dealt with the departure of Parker Kingston

“The team’s fine. The guys are great. We have a strong culture on the team, and so yeah, we’re fine.”

On the goals for spring ball

“I think the goal is to make sure we’re a better team by the time we finish the 15 practices ... I think we’ve got a good feel of things right now and got some great momentum.

“I think the key is to get everybody, especially the new (players) in a position where they can understand our scheme and then put them in a position to compete.”

On the wide receiver room

“They look good. We’ve got a bunch of talent. We retained some talent. I think we’re going to be really good in that position at receiver and be good at tight end. I like the backs. The O-line looks good, and quarterbacks look really good, too.”

On new transfer tight ends Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga

“We knew them before they came here. We knew them in high school. They’re exactly what we thought. They’re athletic, they’re big, they’re strong, they can run routes, they can catch and they can block.

“Right now we’re not in in pads yet, but I’m pretty sure with their athleticism, their talent, they’re going to be fine blocking.”

On the three offensive linemen BYU added from the transfer portal

“We’re going to play the best five linemen, but if you look at last year, we had a good rotation in there, too. I trust Coach (TJ) Woods and (offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick) on getting the O-line ready.

“These are guys that we knew from before, too, and so they’re a great fit for our program and for our culture and for the university.”

On facing higher expectations this season

“We’ve been staying humble and hungry from the beginning. I think it’s going to take an incredible amount of humility. We’re not doing things the same that we’ve done in the past.

“Every year we change a few things to get our team ready, but the thing that’s consistent is we have some great leadership on the team.”

On LJ Martin’s injury recovery

“He looks awesome. He’s right on target (to recover on time).

“... I like the way LJ’s leading. I mean, he’s so impressive with his leadership skills, just how he’s been getting better every year. I’m glad he came back because I think the team really needs him and I think it’s an opportunity for him to become an even stronger leader than he was before.”

On maintaining relationships with players who were previously recruited by BYU

“I hope people feel that when we recruit them, we try to connect with them and their families, and if they choose to come here, great, and if they don’t, then we’re not like petty or angry at them.

“I mean, it’s their decision. If we follow our Savior and just love people, it’ll come back to help you.”

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