Early Look At BYU Football’s Top Prospects For 2026 NFL Draft
May 7, 2025, 11:13 AM
PROVO, Utah – BYU football will look to get back on track with the NFL Draft in 2026.
The Cougars were one of six power conference programs to not produce a draft pick in 2025. Out of those six teams, BYU was the only one that had a double-digit win season last year.
So, it was a setback for a program that had four consecutive years with at least one pick.
However, it wasn’t a complete surprise.
Last year, we noted that there wasn’t a clear-cut day one or day two prospect in the 2025 class.
The good news is that the 2026 class should get BYU back in the business of producing picks. There is already early buzz for Keanu Tanuvasa to be a first-rounder in the 2026 class.
There’s more depth in BYU’s potential 2026 class.
Here is an early look at some of the top draft-eligible prospects from BYU for the 2026 NFL draft.
BYU Football players to watch for the 2026 NFL Draft
Listed alphabetically
* = denotes remaining eligibility after the 2025 season
Mory Bamba, CB
6-3 | 190 lbs
Mory Bamba received a medical redshirt year from the NCAA, allowing him to return for one more season. This extra year could pay off, as he could earn an NFL opportunity next year.
Bamba has always had the measurables and speed to be a potential NFL draft pick. Now he needs the weekly production.
The Alamo Bowl performance, which included two pass deflections, one of which came against Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, was a step in the right direction.
Bamba is projected as one of BYU’s starting cornerbacks this season.
Will Ferrin, K
6-3 | 175 lbs
Ferrin enters the 2025 college football season as one of the best kickers in the country. He tied for fourth nationally in most field goals made last season with 24.
Of the 21 kickers who made more than 20 field goals last season, Ferrin had the fourth-best percentage at 88.9%. He was an impressive 4-of-5 on field goals from 50+ yards last season.
Don’t forget he can hit clutch field goals. Ferrin booted a game-winner against rival Utah last season to help keep BYU’s undefeated record intact.
Isaiah Glasker, LB*
6-5 | 235 lbs
The Big 12’s leader in tackles for loss last season, Isaiah Glasker, considered the NFL this past winter. But he’s running it back at BYU.
Glasker finished with 14.5 tackles for loss last year and led BYU in tackles with 70.
The size and athleticism of Glasker were a revelation last year. There were signs of his ability during spring and fall camps in previous years, but injuries and learning the linebacker position made it a slow launch. Last year, Glasker made everyone a believer.
A former wide receiver in high school, Glasker began his college career at safety before moving down into the box as a linebacker. He hasn’t looked back since.
Jack Kelly, EDGE
6-2 | 240 lbs
Jack Kelly is another excellent example of talent in the FCS ranks. Kelly transferred from Weber State to rejoin BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill, and he was an immediate impact performer for BYU’s defense, which finished No. 1 in the Big 12 last year.
He considered the NFL this past year, but decided to return to BYU for one more year.
Kelly is the player designated within BYU’s defense who wears the helmet communication.
According to Pro Football Focus’ advanced stats, Kelly has had 99 pressures over the last three years at Weber State and BYU. Last season at BYU, he finished with five sacks.
A former BMX star, Kelly is a gifted athlete with an excellent combination of speed and strength.
Weylin Lapuaho, IOL
6-4 | 310 lbs
Weylin Lapuaho has only known being a starter at the FBS level. He has started in 37 games over three seasons with Utah State (one) and BYU (two). Lapuaho played left and right guard during the 2023 season for BYU.
He settled in as left guard last year until late in the season when he was called into action as an offensive tackle for the first time.
Lapuaho has an excellent base and is probably BYU’s most aggressive offensive lineman.
LJ Martin, RB*
6-2 | 220 lbs
BYU’s leading rusher for the past two seasons, the junior Martin, looks poised to take a bigger step in 2025.
Martin has rushed for 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons at BYU.
Since arriving on campus, Martin has gained more than 15 pounds. He plays with patience and has good vision out of the backfield.
Last December, he earned Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP honors for a two-touchdown performance.
Martin is an underclassman. But if he has a big year, as many expect, he could have a decision to make.
Jake Retzlaff, QB
6-1 | 205 lbs
BYU’s coaching staff believes Retzlaff could be one of the top five quarterbacks in college football this season. If that happens, there’s no reason why Retzlaff couldn’t be an NFL draft pick.
Retzlaff showed improved arm strength last season. He had impressive deep touchdown passes, highlighting his arm strength against Southern Illinois and Baylor.
BYU coaches have challenged Retzlaff to reduce his interceptions. Last year, he finished with 12. He also needs to improve his completion percentage, which was 57.9% last season.
Retzlaff is a dual-threat prospect who isn’t afraid to take off and run. He has racked up nine touchdown runs in his two years at BYU.
After beginning his BYU career with a 0-4 record as a starter, Retzlaff is now 11-7 and comfortably BYU’s QB1 entering the 2025 season.
Chase Roberts, WR
6-4 | 210 lbs
Roberts considered a move to the NFL last season. Instead, he opted to return to BYU for one final season.
Roberts’s stats improved in each of his previous three seasons at BYU. Last year, he posted career highs in receptions (52) and yards (854).
Roberts has shown an ability to be a deep threat for BYU in the passing game. He also improved his ability to make catches in traffic.
I would expect a bigger workload for Roberts in 2025.
Keanu Tanuvasa, DT*
6-4 | 300 lbs
There are high expectations for Keanu Tanuvasa, who is an early favorite to be BYU’s top NFL draft prospect for the 2026 class.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic tabbed Tanuvasa to go in the first round of his initial 2026 mock draft.
BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill said Tanuvasa could be the best defensive tackle in the country.
Tanuvasa, a transfer from the University of Utah in the 2025 cycle, was limited to only seven games last season due to injury. But he was excellent when he was on the field for the Utes last year, particularly in the BYU game last November.
Tanuvasa will be looked upon as a leader of BYU’s defense next season.
Others considered: Siale Esera (LB)*, Isaiah Jatta (OT), Justin Kirkland (DT), Bruce Mitchell (IOL)*, John Taumoepeau (DT), Choe Bryant-Strother (LB), Tanner Wall (DB), Carsen Ryan (TE).
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.
