BYU Recruiting Hot Board Leading Up to Signing Day

BYU is taking a completely different approach to the 2024 recruiting class. Historically, BYU would go into December with relatively few unknowns. The overwhelming majority of the classes were 80%-90% finished by the end of the regular season. That's not the case this year. BYU is still competing for over a dozen recruits. Frankly, that's what recruiting as a Power Five program looks like. BYU is swinging for the fences and competing for top prospects. Could they swing and miss? Of course, but they could also connect and hit some home runs.

With less than a week before signing day, there is more movement happening in the 2024 class than any recruiting class in recent memory. As we approach signing day, here is a hot board of 12 uncommitted players that you need to know (in no particular order).

1. Kekai Burnett - DL

Kekai Burnett will be one of the top storylines to follow leading up to signing day. Burnett was one of the first players that BYU's new defensive staff offered clear back in January. Burnett, a high three-star recruit, reeled in competing offers from Oregon, Stanford, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State and many others before committing to Oregon State. When Oregon State Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State a few weeks ago, Burnett decommitted from Oregon State. BYU swooped in and set up an official visit. Burnett was on campus last weekend.

Mahalo to the @BYUfootball staff for the love and hospitality! My family and I had an amazing time in Provo! Thank you 🤙🏽🤟🏽 @kalanifsitake @Pouha91 @CoachJayHill @JackDamuni @Chevas_Gregory @RBcoachChev pic.twitter.com/ww7So0ixS9
— Kekai Burnett (@braddahkekss) December 11, 2023

Burnett will take an official visit to Michigan State before making his college decision. Michigan State will be tough to overcome in this one since Burnett originally committed to Jonathan Smith, but BYU set a high bar last weekend. If BYU is able to pull off the last-minute signing, it would be one of the better recruiting wins in recent memory at a position of need. Burnett could contribute early in his BYU career should he pick the Cougars.

2. Kinilau Fonohema - DL

BYU priority target Kinilau Fonohema named his top three schools on Tuesday and BYU made the cut alongside Utah and Oregon State. Fonohema, who took an official visit to BYU last weekend, will announce his college decision on signing day. Fonohema has already taken an official visit to Oregon State and he has an official visit to Utah on deck.

3. Tei Nacua - WR

Tei Nacua, the younger brother of Kai, Samson, and Puka Nacua, is the highest-rated wide receiver in the state of Utah in this class. Nacua improved a lot from his junior season to his senior season and his genetics suggest he will get even better. Nacua holds competing offers from Utah, Washington State, Hawaii, Utah State, and San Diego State.

4. Ephraim Asiata - DL

Linebacker/edge prospect Ephraim Asiata is the son of former Utah legend Matt Asiata. The Asiata name is synonymous with Utah football, so the Utes have been viewed as the heavy favorite to land Ephraim's services. However, that hasn't stopped BYU from recruiting him hard and making him a priority. Ephraim recently took a visit to BYU and he holds competing offers from Utah, USC, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and San Diego State.

5. Naki Tuakoi - DL

Yet another defensive lineman, Naki Tuakoi is a four-star defensive end prospect that recently backed off his commitment to Stanford. BYU hosted Tuakoi for an official visit a few weeks ago and the Cougars are pushing hard to land his signature. Tuakoi is one of a handful of players on this list that could change the outlook of the BYU defensive line.

When Kalani Sitake was hired as BYU's head coach, the expectations of the defensive line were elevated. During his tenure, the defensive line has never been able to live up to those lofty expectations. This is the kind of recruiting class that could turn things around in the defensive trenches.

6. Sani Tuala - DL

Did someone say defensive line? Sani Tuala is ANOTHER potential impact defensive lineman that BYU is pursuing in this class. Tuala just took an official visit to BYU and he has a visit with Washington on deck. Tuala is one of the fastest rising prospects out West. He holds competing offers from Washington, Utah, Cal, Houston, Hawaii, Eastern Michigan, and North Texas.

BYU Target Sani Tuala Recaps Official Visit

7. Faletau Satuala - ATH

Bountiful product Faletau Satuala is a special player. A four-star prospect, he is one of the top recruits in the state and he holds a bunch of offers. This one looks like a classic BYU-Utah battle. Faletau could play safety, linebacker, wide receiver, or even tight end at the next level.

8. Tonga Lolohea - DL

Another highly-rated defensive lineman? You bet. Tonga Lolohea just wrapped up his BYU official visit last weekend. He holds competing offers from Big 12 foes Kansas State and Baylor. His recruitment is turning out to be a Big 12 showdown.

9. Rustin Young - OL

Like Kekai Burnett, Rustin Young (another four-star prospect by the way) was an Oregon State commit before Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State. Young backed off his commitment and BYU entered the picture. BYU has a need for more offensive linemen in this class so they will push for Young until he makes his college decision.

10. Luke Bryant - DB

Olympus High School standout Luke Bryant took an official visit to BYU last weekend. He also holds a competing offer from Utah.

11. Jonah Miller - OL

JUCO offensive lineman Jonah Miller is one of the top JUCO players in the country. Miller recently picked up an offer from BYU, but he has a long list of schools to choose from.

12. Rakeem Johnson - OL

Boise, Idaho native Rakeem Johnson is the third and final player that was once committed to Oregon State. Like the other two on this list, Johnson backed off his commitment when Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State. BYU extended Johnson an offer one day after he opened up his recruitment.

13. Flip season

BYU is still recruiting a handful of players that are committed to other schools. Flipping recruits on signing day is common practice in college football, although BYU has rarely pulled off signing day flips in the past. BYU will try to change that trend this year.

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