Kelly Poppinga makes his debut as BYU's defensive coordinator Saturday when the Cougars open their 2026 season against Utah Tech, Deseret News reports. Poppinga took over the role after serving as linebackers coach and brings a different defensive philosophy to the program.

The season opener will be the first public test of Poppinga's scheme and playcalling. BYU is in its third year in the Big 12 Conference and looking to improve defensively after inconsistent results in recent seasons.

Poppinga played linebacker at BYU from 2003 to 2007 and later in the NFL. His appointment represents head coach Kalani Sitake's effort to refresh the defensive staff.