BYU to Adjust Defensive Lineup Against Arizona State

Cornerback Evan Johnson remains sidelined following an injury sustained against UCF.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football

BYU to Adjust Defensive Lineup Against Arizona State

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BYU officially updated its team depth chart on Monday, removing cornerback Evan Johnson from the lineup for the upcoming game against Arizona State. Johnson sustained an injury during the final play of the contest against UCF and was carried off the field.

Why it matters

The change forces BYU to reconfigure its secondary as it prepares for a high-stakes matchup. While the injury is not season-ending, the team must adapt its defensive rotation to remain competitive in the upcoming game on Saturday.

Official roster updates show Cannon DeVries now listed as the starting nickel, while Jayven Williams and Therrian Alexander III take over the starting cornerback positions. These changes follow a week where the team evaluated injury recovery timelines.

The players

Evan Johnson

He is a BYU cornerback who was removed from the active depth chart following a late-game injury.

Kalani Sitake

He serves as the head coach of the BYU football program and provides official updates on player status.

Cannon DeVries

He is a defensive player for BYU who has been elevated to the starting nickel position.

Jayven Williams

He is a BYU cornerback moving into a starting role for the upcoming game.

Therrian Alexander III

He is a BYU cornerback who has been named a starter for the team's next game.

The details

Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed that while Johnson will miss the clash with Arizona State, the injury is not expected to end his season. The coaching staff is now relying on elevated defensive starters to manage the secondary against the Sun Devils.

BYU updated its official team depth chart on Monday.
The football team plays Arizona State on Saturday.

Season Trajectory

This lineup shuffle highlights the volatility of the BYU secondary as the program navigates a dense part of its conference schedule. Maintaining depth against high-octane passing attacks is critical for securing a favorable position in the end-of-season standings.

The promotion of Williams and Alexander III to starting roles will significantly alter the team's defensive coverage patterns on Saturday. Fantasy participants and observers should monitor how this new rotation manages Arizona State's passing game efficiency.

The takeaway

Sudden roster shifts during the season often require teams to rely on depth players to maintain defensive stability. Coaches focus on strategic adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive despite the loss of key personnel to injury.