BYU Adds Three-Star Linebacker Adam Bywater in 2026 Recruiting Class

The BYU Cougars landed another player in the 2026 recruiting class. Olympus High (Salt Lake City) linebacker Adam Bywater announced his commitment to BYU on social media on Monday.

Bywater, a 3-star recruit, is noted as the 20th-ranked prospect in the Beehive State and 121st at his position. He chose BYU over Boise State, Arizona State, Utah and others. The Bywater surname is familiar to Cougars fans. Adam's older brother, Ben, played at BYU, earning team captain honors and was the defensive MVP of the 2022 New Mexico Bowl. 

At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Bywater recorded 80 tackles (six for loss) and four pass breakups last season. He's the second linebacker to join the Cougars' future class, along with four-star Braxton Lindsey. 

"Bywater is one of the most versatile linebackers in the region," according to 247Sports Greg Biggins "Played a lot of safety early on in high school but projects as an ideal outside linebacker at the college level. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, has a big frame with plenty of length and shows some natural cover skills.

"Was a standout at the Under Armour Next Camp in Utah back in Maui where he looked very comfortable in space and was among the better cover ‘backers in the camp. He’s a very good open field tackler as well and has the toughness and physicality you have to have to excel playing in the front seven in college. When you combine his frame, natural athleticism and versatility, we think Bywater has the upside to be a multi-year starter at the Power 4 level." 

BYU’s 2026 recruiting class is led by five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, which now stands at 21 players. Kalani Sitake and his staff have to the top class in the Big 12 and 30 spots ahead of Utah, who traditionally takes the top spot in the Beehive State.