At least that was the message conveyed by Head Coach Kalani Sitake as he fielded questions from the media following the mostly-closed practice session.

“We’re way further ahead than we were last year. So that’s a good sign,” Sitake said. “And even with the new guys that have come in … you can’t even tell that they’re new anymore … you can tell that the guys worked really hard in the off-season. They worked really hard in the summer, and it’s paid off a lot.”

Sure, the comments above largely reflect past comments, although one could argue Sitake was particularly upbeat and forthright with his overall assessment compared with what he’s presented over the course of his prior 10 practice sessions as BYU’s head coach.

But why wouldn’t that be the case?

Courtesy BYU Photo

Kalani’s team is flush with returning talent off of a team that went 12-2 a season ago while coming within one win of a berth to the College Football Playoff. This year they’ve added some key new faces like linebacker Cade Uluave, who transferred in from Cal, along with tight end transfers Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapaga (Oregon) and several others who enter fall having all but established themselves as starters and heavy contributors in the spring.

Perhaps what was even more notable is how Sitake led off his press conference talking about an overall facet of this year’s team that could bring some smiles to the faces of a lot of BYU fans.

“We definitely have faster teams,” Sitake offered as his very first observation to the media. “So I like the team speed.”

Yes, the Cougars should be presenting a team that can display more speed than most teams in recent history, and perhaps particularly on the defensive side of the football where Sitake has been pleased with the turnover of his coaching staff, at least initially.

“It’s just good to see the continuity that we have from last year, it’s rolling over,” Sitake observed. “So, the momentum on all three phases, even with some new guys there like Justin Ena with the special teams — I’m just really happy with what he’s done from January to now. And then, (Kelly Poppinga) is doing a great job with the defense, so the transition’s been really, really good going into fall camp.”

Courtesy BYU Photo

His players seemed to agree with Sitake’s assessment, including running back LJ Martin who fielded questions from the gathered media after Wednesday’s practice session.

“I think we’re really motivated,” Martin said. “I think we’re really excited to be out here. I think we’re having a great time, and you see all the guys out here — we’re all enjoying just being back out here competing with each other. So, I think we’re really excited to play football again.”

Specific insights aren’t always available to be gleaned from day one of any practice session, although Martin may have offered a fairly surprising observation for a team that is having to replace its top three receivers from a year ago.

“I think we’re going to be able to throw the ball. We threw the ball well last year, but I think it’s going to be a lot better this year,” Martin stated when asked which specific aspect of the offense he feels will be improved. “You know, we got a lot of targets coming back, and we added a lot of targets, too. So, yeah, I’m really excited. We got a lot of guys with a lot of ability out there. (It’s) just getting familiar right now, and in Game 1, we’ll have to go out there and showcase it.”

Of course big things are expected from Martin himself, who made a somewhat surprising return to BYU following his exceptional play last year when he was named as the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. But as for personal stats, the senior tailback is putting it aside in pursuit of a larger goal.

“We’re not really worried about stats or anything. We’re just really worried about wins,” he said. “I mean, every time I try to touch the ball the goal is a touchdown, so yeah, if I’m doing my part, we should win, and I’ll have whatever I need.”

“We’re focused on winning games … That’s the most important stat,” Sitake summed up. “So we’ll do whatever it takes for all three phases to complement each other and put ourselves in position to get the victory. That’s what we’re focused on the most. And I think the stats will work out the way it’s supposed to. But I like the versatility that we have in all three phases as well. And so this should be a lot of fun this year.”

BYU linemen go through drills during the first day of fall practices at BYU on August 5, 2026. (Courtesy BYU Photo)

New BYU defensive backs coach Lewis Walker takes players through drills during the first day of fall practices at BYU on August 5, 2026. (Courtesy BYU Photo)

BYU senior running back LJ Martin catches a pass during the first day of fall practices on Wednesday at BYU on August 5, 2026. (Courtesy BYU Photo)