Kalani Sitake and BYU entered the 2025 season with playoff aspirations, but those dreams were dashed after two losses to Texas Tech. However, the Cougars closed the year on a high note, beating Georgia Tech 25-21 to finish 12-2 overall and 8-2 in Big 12 play.
With the transfer portal opening Friday and set to remain open through Jan. 16, Sitake has now received some much-needed positive news.
Kalani Sitake Delivers Major Win as BYU Retains 3-INT Star Amid Potential Michigan Interest
Safety Faletau Satuala confirmed on Friday that he would return to BYU for the 2026 season. He currently owns an 83 rating in the PFSN College Football Safety Impact Metric.
Satuala’s announcement came only hours after Jay Hill was named Michigan’s new defensive coordinator. Hill is headed to Ann Arbor after serving as Kyle Whittingham’s defensive coordinator. He previously spent three seasons transforming BYU’s defense, helping the Cougars climb from one of the nation’s worst units to a top-30 group.
Keeping Satuala locked in even after Hill’s departure is a big win for Sitake. Given that Hill originally recruited Satuala to BYU, the safety was viewed as a potential candidate to follow him to Michigan. However, Satuala’s decision has proved Sitake’s strong program culture and signals that BYU’s defensive momentum can continue even without Hill on staff.
Satuala played a significant role in BYU’s 12-win season, which culminated in a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over Georgia Tech. He appeared in all 14 games, leading the team with 84 tackles and two forced fumbles, while also ranking third in interceptions (three) and tackles for loss (7.5). Among his standout performances was a five-tackle outing with his first tackle for loss in a 27-3 win over Stanford in September, along with a game-sealing 40-yard pick-six against Iowa State in October.
“He’s in his true sophomore year,” Sitake said of Satuala following the Stanford win. “We knew that he would help us out as a true freshman last year, and started to understand the scheme, understand the defense.
Satuala earned multiple postseason honors, including recognition from Phil Steele on Friday. He was also named a second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, First Team All-Big 12 by Sports Info Solutions, and Third Team All-Big 12 by the conference’s coaches.
Satuala is not alone in committing to another year in Provo, as several other BYU standouts also announced on social media that they will return for the 2026 season. The list included safety Raider Damuni, wide receiver Parker Kingston, defensive end Nusi Taumoepeau, and cornerback Tre Alexander.
