BYU Scores Big with Commitment from In-State LB Adam Bywater

Listed at 6‑foot‑4 and 210 pounds (some outlets report 212), Bywater earned a national grade of 86 and ranks as the No. 20 recruit in Utah. As a junior, he played safety and linebacker, recording 78–80 tackles, six tackles for loss, and several pass breakups for his high school team. Scouts praise his natural instincts, range, and physicality, traits that project him as an ideal outside linebacker at the next level. 

This marks BYU’s 22nd pledge in the 2026 class, which sits inside 247Sports’ top‑25 nationally and ranks highest within the Big 12. It also caps a recruiting weekend that brought in nine of ten uncommitted visitors on campus.

Head coach Kalani Sitake and defensive coordinator Jay Hill have emphasized adding length, athleticism, and football IQ to the linebacking corps, and Bywater fits that mold perfectly. His commitment signals BYU’s intent to reload through the region and continue building physical depth on defense.

As a legacy recruit from a strong local background, Bywater brings both community roots and upside. His addition gives the Cougars another dependable piece in a rising class, one that’s shaping up to play a meaningful role in BYU’s next Big 12 campaign.