The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2026 season in 5 days against Utah Tech. As we count down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the player who wears No. 5: sophomore defensive end Nusi Taumoepeau.
Nusi Taumoepeau's background
Nusi played his high school ball at Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs, Utah, so he was on BYU's radar for a long time. He was a four-star prospect with a 91 rating from 247 Sports, making him the No. 3 player in the state of Utah in the class of 2025.
He was a Top 250 national prospect and his offer list reflects his immense potential.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive menace reeled in offers from the likes of Miami, Washington, Stanford, Cal, and several Big 12 schools, among others. He originally committed to Stanford in August 2024, but then decommitted in March 2025 to sign with Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars.
He was an important get in BYU's freshman class last year, and one that could pay dividends for years to come.
Nusi Taumoepeau and @BYUfootball with the CRAZIEST forced fumble of @BowlSeason 😱 #Big12FB | 📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/lP2BPXLjGM
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) December 27, 2025
Taumoepeau's past and present with BYU
Nusi's 2025 freshman campaign got off to a shaky start due to injury. He injured his Achilles during fall camp last year and ended up missing the first five games of the season while he recuperated.
His first action came against Arizona. He was brought along with baby steps so as to not aggravate his injury, the somewhat cautious approach from BYU's staff was the right one. Nusi's impact seemed to grow on a weekly basis. His biggest game of the season to that point came in a bounce-back win as the Cougars trounced TCU 44-13. Taumoepeau had four tackles and his first career sack in that game.
His first start of the season came in the Pop Tarts Bowl, and his raw talent jumped off the screen. Against Georgia Tech he had a season high and team-leading six tackles, a tackle for loss, plus a forced fumble in helping BYU end their season on a high note with a big bowl win.
Taumoepeau ended last year on fire, but he needed to have surgery in February 2026 to clean up the Achilles injury he suffered the year before. He appears to be healthy heading into this upcoming season.
Given his performance as a freshman last year, it won't be surprising to not only see Nusi play a lot this year, but to make the "sophomore leap" and even dominate some games. BYU has been in desperate need for years now of defensive ends who can rack up sacks and pressures, and Taumoepeau could be the answer. Look for a strong sophomore campaign from this young, talented Cougar.
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