BREAKING: Kaue Akana Commits to BYU, Bolstering 2026 Class with Elite Two-Way Talent
Orem, Utah — In a move that electrified Cougar Nation and sent shockwaves through the high school recruiting landscape, Kaue Akana — the versatile, hard-hitting, and high-IQ two-way standout from Orem High School — has officially committed to Brigham Young University. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior announced his decision late Monday night via social media, donning a navy BYU cap and declaring, “I’m staying home. Go Cougs!”
Akana’s commitment gives BYU a cornerstone recruit in the 2026 class — a player regarded by many scouts as one of the most complete prospects in the Mountain West region. Rated a high 4-star by several outlets and teetering on the edge of 5-star status, Akana has earned his reputation as a game-changer on both sides of the ball. He played linebacker and wide receiver during his breakout 2024 season at Orem, racking up 82 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 total touchdowns, and more than 1,000 all-purpose yards.
What separates Akana isn’t just his stat line — it’s his versatility, football IQ, and motor. Defensively, he’s a sideline-to-sideline enforcer who diagnoses plays with the instincts of a veteran. Offensively, he’s a mismatch nightmare — quick enough to line up in the slot, strong enough to break tackles, and athletic enough to high-point the football over defenders.
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and defensive coordinator Jay Hill prioritized Akana early in the process, attending multiple games in Orem and making in-home visits. Their pitch to him wasn’t just about staying close to family — it was about building something lasting. Akana cited the staff’s genuine belief in his dual-threat potential and their commitment to development as major reasons for choosing BYU over offers from Oregon, Utah, Washington, and USC.
“They didn’t just want me as an athlete,” Akana told ESPN. “They wanted me as a leader, as someone who can be the face of the program for this class. I felt that love from the whole staff, and I knew this is where I belong.”
Akana’s commitment is a major win for BYU’s 2026 recruiting class, which now jumps into the Top 20 nationally. It also signals the Cougars’ growing ability to keep top-tier in-state talent — a strategic priority as they continue their transition into Power Five football in the Big 12.
With his commitment now official, Akana is expected to be a vocal peer recruiter for the 2026 class. He’s already reached out to several fellow blue-chip prospects across Utah and Arizona.
For BYU fans, the future just got brighter. And for opposing offenses and defenses? It just got a whole lot tougher.
Kaue Akana is coming. And he’s bringing Cougar pride with him.
