Did you think BYU football was done securing top talent from the 2026 recruiting class? Oh ye of little faith, welcome to the modern age of Cougar gridiron football, where the athletes donning a stretch Y across their helmets are among the very elite.
Jax Tanner, a three star blocker with a royal blue bloodline, has committed to Kalani Sitake's squad.
Out of Meridian, Idaho, this offensive line prospect caught the attention of many of the strongest names in the nation. His offer list included squads like Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Penn State, and, of course, his local Boise State Broncos.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 IOL Jax Tanner has Committed to BYU, he tells me for @rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 13, 2025
The 6’4 285 IOL from Meridian, ID chose the Cougars over Oregon, Michigan, & Tennessee
“Rise & Shout the secret is out, Go Cougs!”https://t.co/sHq7I1kEm8 pic.twitter.com/F7waJ4Oouz
How is someone supposed to keep up with all that pedigree?
Tanner was a dominant lineman in the state of Idaho, being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2024 season with 115 pancake blocks and a grand total of zero sacks. I mean, come on, that's not even fair.
With the quarterback position up for grabs in the BYU football program, offensive linemen are an absolute necessity. Developing a strong line before he joins the program could help lay healthy soil for growth. Now adding Ryder Lyons, a 5-star quarterback and highest rated player in BYU football recruiting history, protecting the head of the offense will be top priority.
Tanner, the newest commit to the program, will be critical in offensive functionality.
A legacy addition to the football program, BYU football is in his blood. His father played for the Cougars in the early 2000s and his brother, Gage, is already committed to the team as of 2023. He'll be a mission-first player, so expect to see his return in 2028.