Kalani Sitake refuses to let his football team get comfortable. The Brigham Young University head coach wrapped up a successful spring camp on Thursday, April 2, with a clear message for his returning veterans. Last year was spectacular, but it is not good enough for the standard he expects in Provo.
The winter transfer portal window dismantles successful collegiate rosters every year. Powerhouse programs routinely poach breakout stars from regional contenders with financial promises. BYU managed to avoid that roster attrition following its 12-2 season in 2025, the fifth 12-win campaign in program history.
Kalani Sitake’s BYU Transfer Portal Success Through Retention
“I thought we got a lot of things done,” Sitake told BYUtv Sports Nation this week. “I was impressed with how the leadership on our team took off, and that happened in January. It probably happened when we were just retaining the roster while going through the portal.”
Key foundational pieces like sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and senior center Bruce Mitchell chose to stay and build on their momentum. Bachmeier returns following a breakout freshman season where he threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 11 rushing scores. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick does not have to waste spring reps teaching basic terminology to a group of portal mercenaries. The offense is operating at an advanced level, with standout tight ends like Walker Lyons and Ryner Saleapaga expected to take on larger roles this fall.
Sitake credited the maturity of his players for creating an efficient practice environment. Players policed themselves during live team periods and held each other accountable for minor mental errors.
“I give a lot of credit to our players and all the upperclassmen,” Sitake explained. “I’ve been impressed with all of them.”
“From the first practice to the last one, I thought our team became a much better team,” Sitake said. “You know, we still have a long way to go, but I’m excited about where this is headed.”
“We just have to stay humble, stay hungry, and keep working,” Sitake demanded. “I think we can’t just rest on what we were able to do last year. We have to build on it.”
The Big 12 is up for grabs this season. Several prominent programs are breaking in new quarterbacks and overhauling coaching staffs. BYU boasts the rare combination of an established head coach, a rising star under center, and a unified locker room, factors contributing to BYU’s 26.7% chance to make the CFP, per PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter.
