The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2026 season in 99 days against Utah Tech. As we count down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the player who wears No. 99 - redshirt freshman defensive tackle Ulavai "Vai" Fetuli.
 Vai Fetuli's background
Fetuli came to BYU last year as a true freshman. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle was listed as an athlete since he played both sides of the ball in high school, dominating on the defensive line while also playing tight end. At 247 Sports he was a high three-star talent with an 88 rating and was ranked as the No. 72 prospect out of California in the class of 2025.
Despite the near four-star rating, Fetuli's offer sheet was lighter than is usually seen by players of his stature. He received offers from some FCS schools like San Jose State, Fresno State, and New Mexico State, among others. His only other Power Four offer listed at 247 Sports came from Cal.
Fetuli's BYU career - past and present
As a redshirt last year, Fetuli played in three games but doesn't have any stats recorded on his player profile at BYU's team page. He most likely got some special teams or other limited work on a great team that went 12-2.
The most memorable part of Fetuli's 2025 season didn't happen on the field though. In November of last year he was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors the school. BYU Football's X account shared a photo of the joyous occasion with Vai surrounded by supportive teammates and coaches.
BROTHERHOOD 💙
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 17, 2025
grateful for the opportunity to attend @ulavaifetuli1's baptism today. pic.twitter.com/IxHci2zgUB
These types of faith promoting experiences really resonate with the BYU community. Brigham Young University actively strives to create an environment where students and athletes are encouraged to pursue their faith, whatever it may be. BYU basketball recently had three Muslim players observe Ramadan in the midst of the Cougars season. Former quarterback Jake Retzlaff expressed appreciation for BYU's faith-centered ethos and said the environment helped him to grow in this Jewish faith.
It's especially moving for BYU fans to see somebody not of the school's predominant faith decided to join the church, and Vai gave us that opportunity last year.
When it comes to his on-field role in 2026, he's something of a wildcard. He is talented but a bit undersized for an interior defensive lineman at 285 pounds. BYU's starters will be Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland, provided Kirkland has recovered from the injuries that caused him to miss most of last season. Veteran Anisi Pursell will get his share of reps, as will Viliami Po'uha.
But the interior defensive line needs depth as players tire quickly and need to sub out for plays here and there to catch their breath. BYU has traditionally struggled to have solid depth across the defensive line, including during last year's 12-2 campaign.
This year's team is looking deeper in the trenches, but there are still opportunities for guys like Vai Fetuli to rise up the depth chart, earn snaps, and play some meaningful reps this upcoming season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google