Is This BYU’s Strongest Linebacker Unit Under Kalani Sitake?
Kalani Sitake has coached some solid linebacker groups since taking the helm at BYU in 2016, but the 2025 unit might just be his best yet. Between raw talent, experience, depth, and versatility, the Cougars’ linebacker corps has the potential to be a game-changing force in the Big 12 this season.
What sets this group apart is a rare combination of proven veterans and rising stars. Leading the charge is Ben Bywater, a seasoned leader who’s back and healthy after injuries cut short his 2023 campaign. Bywater’s football IQ, sideline-to-sideline speed, and physical presence make him the heartbeat of the defense. He’s the kind of linebacker who not only racks up tackles but also makes game-altering plays in crucial moments. His return instantly elevates the unit’s ceiling.
Next to Bywater is the fast-rising star AJ Vongphachanh, who transferred from Utah State and made an immediate impact last season. His size and strength allow him to take on blocks and plug gaps, while his mobility makes him a threat in coverage. Together, Bywater and Vongphachanh form one of the most balanced linebacker duos in the conference.
But the depth doesn’t stop there. The emergence of players like Harrison Taggart and Isaiah Glasker has given the Cougars flexibility they haven’t had in years. Taggart, a former four-star recruit, brings elite athleticism and the ability to drop into coverage or rush off the edge. Glasker, long and rangy, is turning heads with his speed and nose for the ball. Add in reliable contributors like Max Tooley, who’s been a consistent playmaker in Sitake’s system, and you start to see why this group is generating so much buzz.
Beyond talent, the unit’s football IQ and leadership are unmatched. Many of these players have been in the program for years, know Jay Hill’s defense inside and out, and are capable of making on-field adjustments that younger teams might struggle with. That kind of veteran savvy can be the difference between a good defense and a great one.
It’s also worth noting that Sitake himself is a former linebacker—and he takes this position group personally. Under his leadership, linebacker play has always been a focal point, but this year’s group feels different. More athletic. More versatile. More ready to lead.
While past units have had standouts—think Fred Warner, Sione Takitaki, or Zayne Anderson—this year’s group might be the deepest and most well-rounded Sitake has coached. If they stay healthy and play to their potential, they could anchor one of the top defenses in the Big 12.
So, is this BYU’s strongest linebacker unit under Kalani Sitake? On paper, it certainly looks like it. Now it’s up to the players to turn that potential into production—and prove that this isn’t just hype, but a defining strength of a team looking to make noise in 2025.
