BYU Football Focuses on Run Defense Ahead of 2026 Season

Salt Lake City, UT, August 23, 2026 —

SALT LAKE CITY – As BYU football prepares for the 2026 season, a central question looms over the team’s defensive strategy: the ability to effectively stop the run.

The responsibility for this critical aspect of the defense falls to new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga. Poppinga’s approach is a direct continuation of the philosophy established by his predecessor, Jay Hill, who also prioritized a stout run defense. This continuity suggests that bolstering the team’s ability to contain opposing ground attacks is deemed essential for competitive success in the upcoming season.

A significant factor in achieving this defensive goal is expected to be the team’s interior defensive line. The unit is anchored by a group of experienced seniors whose performance is considered vital. Their leadership and physical presence in the trenches are anticipated to be the bedrock upon which the run defense will be built.

The focus on stopping the run is a strategic imperative, aiming to create a more balanced and formidable defensive unit capable of competing against a variety of offensive schemes. The effectiveness of this strategy will be closely watched as the 2026 season unfolds.

Story summarized from the original created by Jay Drew on www.deseret.com, see more information here.