The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2026 season in 56 days against Utah Tech. As we count down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the player who wears No. 56 - sophomore guard Zak Yamauchi.
Zak Yamauchi's background
Yamauchi played his high school ball at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a high three-star talent with an 89 rating, so just a hair below four-star status, in the class of 2023. He was the No. 5 prospect in the state of Nevada and the No. 56 interior offensive lineman in the country coming out of high school.
He reeled in scholarships from the likes of Stanford, Nebraska, Arizona, Cal, Colorado, Maryland, and a host of non-Power Four schools like Utah State. Interestingly, BYU doesn't appear on his offer list despite Yamauchi being LDS and playing in Las Vegas, which isn't all that far from Provo, Utah.
Back in 2023 he made the decision to commit to Stanford. But before beginning his college career he decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil.
Upon returning from his missionary service he appeared in eight games for the Cardinal last year, including three starts as a true freshman. Despite being a true sophomore, he brings Power Four starting experience with him to Provo.
Welcome to the Family, @ZakYamauchi 🤙 pic.twitter.com/mzaOI1eKYq
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 13, 2026
Yamauchi's present and future with BYU
At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Zak has a classic guard physique. He'll be competing this year for a starting spot on BYU's interior offensive line. While right guard will likely be claimed by Kyle Sfarcioc, left guard is up for grabs. Yamauchi will be competing against talented teammates like Sonny Makasini, Trevin Ostler, Joe Brown, and Andrew Williams.
But a path for playing time in 2026 clearly exists.
Even if he doesn't immediately claim a starting spot, injuries happen. Special teams needs big bodies like Yamauchi's on extra points and punts. And if BYU goes run-heavy this year, which is a distinct possibility given the uncertainty at wide receiver, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick might opt for some jumbo run packages at times. Zak could be effectively deployed in those situations. He's a road grader that just needs to see the pavement.
Adding a player of Zak Yamauchi's profile of talent, experience, and youth is a major transfer portal win for BYU. Don't be surprised if he contributes this year and puts himself on a trajectory to be a starter in years to come.
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