25 days until BYU football: 4-star Kennan Pula and Devaughn Eka - both No. 25 - should contribute as true freshmen

The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2026 season in 25 days against Utah Tech. As we count down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the players who wear No. 25 - freshman running back Devaughn Eka and freshman safety Kennan Pula.

Kennan Pula's background

Lone Peak standout Kennan Pula was one of BYU's crown jewels in this year's outstanding freshman class. Pula was a four-star safety with offers from the likes of Oregon, Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Miami, Texas Tech, and a host of other Power Four programs.

He originally committed to Utah along with his twin brother, Jaron. After the brothers originally committed to Utah in July 2025, they reversed course by decommitting from the Utes in December of last year before committing to BYU. There was much rejoicing in Provo.

In previous years, Kennan Pula would probably be contending for a starting safety spot as a true freshman. He's that good and has that much potential. But this year BYU has two solid safeties in Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala, who will likely be NFL-bound after this season. But given Pula's skills and potential, he very well could end up on the two-deep roster behind Raider Damuni and earn snaps throughout the season. If you aren't familiar with Pula's big-play potential, I'll let Sports Center introduce you to him:

He has the potential to not only be a long-term starter at BYU, but a star. That process begins this year as he cuts his teeth against Power Four competition.

Devaughn Eka's background

Playing for Lehi High School, Devaughn Eka has been one of the most productive prep running backs in the state of Utah for the last couple of years. He churned out 3,276 rushing yards at Lehi plus 861 receiving yards, putting him in the 4,000-plus yard club in high school.

But his production exceeded his recruiting profile for some reason. He was a solid three star recruit with an 84 rating from 247 Sports, making him the No. 29 prospect in Utah last year. BYU was his only Power Four offer but other scholarships came from the likes of San Diego State, Utah State, San Jose State, and others.

There have been rumblings that despite being a freshman, Eka could see the field this year. LJ Martin will get the lion's share of the carries and a now-healthy Sione Moa should get most of what's left over. But running back is a punishing position, and the third man on the depth chart is always just one carry away from filling a prominent role. That role could go to Devaughn Eka this year.

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