If BYU football hopes to run it back on what was an electric 2025 football season, sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier is going to need some targets down the field. With the departure of senior wide-out Chase Roberts and the potential absence of Parker Kingston, the receiving corps could be the biggest question mark facing the 2026 edition of Kalani Sitake's program.
Carrying the expectations that the 2026 season will look much like the 2025 result, BYU football will need offensive firepower to pair with a strong defensive side. Against the best team in the Big 12, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, BYU's offense stalled out -- both in Lubbock and in Arlington. Bachmeier and Big 12 offensive player of the year LJ Martin return in the backfield, but a run game's potency is maximized with a complementary air attack.
Down two veteran options at wide-out, it's time to assess the strength of the Cougars' likely starting group.
BYU wide receivers ready to step up in the depth chart
Jojo Phillips, RS Junior
Phillips should be the first name that comes to mind, and likely has the most to prove in an upgraded role. 2025 was not the breakout campaign many had hoped for after an impressive freshman year, but much of that wasn't Phillips' fault.
Going out with injury early in the year, Jojo was a shell of his former self once he finally reappeared for the massacre in Lubbock. In six games, Phillips recorded 14 receptions for 116 yards, but had developed a tendency to drop routine passes downfield. Kingston, Roberts, and Ryan were the beneficiaries of Bear Bachmeier's attention during his freshman year, but with a season of experience and new primary receivers (by necessity) to scan through, 6-foot-5 Jojo Phillips will be a hard man to miss if he can create separation.
Cody Hagen, Junior
Many expected more from Hagen during his sophomore year. Like Kingston, Hagen was an excellent sprinter in high school and brought the promise of pure speed every time he got a touch. He was mostly utilized as a jet-sweep specialist, however, and was limited to just 12 receptions, 97 yards, and 0 touchdowns through the air.
His value on the ground cannot be denied, though, scoring two touchdowns as a runner against Portland State and Colorado, which would mark his only trips to the endzone during the 2025 season.
If Hagen can convert his rushing potency into a deep-ball threat, he'll be able to negate his relatively small 6-foot frame and push opposing secondaries a few yards deeper, creating more opportunities and room to work for the offense.
Tei Nacua, RS Sophomore
Yet another brother in the illustrious Nacua family, Tei was a 5A All-State First Team honoree out of Timpview High School, and the brother of Kai, Samson, and, yes, Puka.
Tei caught 131 passes for over 2,000 yards in high school, but didn't record a single snap in 2025.
But he is a hidden nightmare for opposing defenses, should he be unleashed this season. Given the opportunity, I think it's possible he becomes a featured wide-out in the A-Rod offense. You can view highlights of his senior season here.