The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2026 season in 82 days against Utah Tech. As we count down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the player who wears No. 82 - redshirt sophomore tight end Noah Moeaki.
Noah Moeaki's background
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end is a local product. He played his high school ball at American Fork High School and was listed as an "athlete" coming out of high school for playing both tight end and linebacker. His 247 Sports profile listed him as a linebacker for the Caveman in the class of 2022. He was the No. 9 prospect in the state of Utah that year with an 87 rating and was BYU's third-highest in-state commit behind Aisea Moa and Cody Hagen.
He's a true "BYU guy" and committed to the Cougars quite early, which prevented him from garnering an impressive list of offers that otherwise would have come his way. His father, John, played linebacker at BYU back in the day. His uncle is Harvey Unga, BYU's running backs coach. He has other family members who have played or worked for the Cougars, and it was a win for BYU to keep him local.
After high school he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Brazil.
Moeaki's past and present with BYU
After redshirting upon returning home from his mission in 2024, Noah saw the field for the Cougars last season. He appeared in all 14 of BYU's games but played a limited role.
Last year he had two receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown. His score came in BYU's opening game last season, a lopsided affair against Portland State.
that was smooooth @bearb47
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 31, 2025
ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/iIUCbm5GeZ
After cutting his teeth in BYU's offense last season, Moeaki should be in the two-deep lineup again this year. While transfers Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga will almost assuredly lock down the two starting spots, the team will need depth behind them. This could be especially true if the Cougs don't get the production they need from their unproven wide receivers in 2026 and rely more heavily on two tight end sets.
Senior tight end Keayen Nead will also be battling for snaps as he enters his final season of college football, so Noah Moeaki has his work cut out for him to see the field on offense.
But still a redshirt sophomore, Noah could have something of a repeat of last season where his contributions were minimal, but he contributed nonetheless. Looking long term, this could be another solid year of development for Moeaki as he positions himself for a more consistent, impactful role as an upperclassman in years to come.
Don't be surprised to hear his name again in 2026. Given his solid high school pedigree and already finding the end zone in a BYU uniform, Noah Moeaki is a name to remember this year and in seasons to come.
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