The BYU Cougars continued their strong 2026 recruiting cycle this week by landing a commitment from Isaiah Tupuola, a hard-hitting safety out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Tupuola, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound prospect from Bishop Gorman High School, becomes the latest defensive back to commit to Kalani Sitake’s growing class and brings a unique mix of athleticism, football IQ, and toughness to the program.
Tupuola chose BYU over offers from Arizona, Oregon State, and San Diego State. Known for his versatility, he’s played both strong and free safety in high school and has even taken reps as a hybrid linebacker. His ability to diagnose plays, deliver big hits, and cover in space made him a standout on the camp circuit this spring, where he clocked a 4.56 40-yard dash and displayed excellent ball-tracking ability.
BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who has emphasized speed and physicality in his secondary, played a key role in Tupuola’s recruitment. According to sources close to the program, Hill has been building a pipeline with West Coast programs and views Tupuola as a foundational piece for BYU’s evolving defensive identity.
“I felt the love from the coaches and the family atmosphere in Provo,” Tupuola said in his commitment post. “It just felt like home.”
This marks BYU’s third defensive back commitment in the 2026 class, signaling a clear strategy to strengthen depth and develop long-term talent on the back end of the defense. The Cougars have been aggressive on the recruiting trail in recent months, leveraging their Big 12 status and player development track record.
With momentum building, the addition of Tupuola further solidifies BYU’s reputation as a program on the rise — especially when it comes to developing smart, aggressive defenders for the modern game.
