Brigham Young University secured two key defensive pledges within hours, adding Arkansas linebacker Braxton Lindsey and Oklahoma defensive lineman Nehemiah Kolone to its 2026 football recruiting class. Lindsey, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound edge rusher from Rogers High, announced his decision on 7 July after weighing offers from Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. Kolone, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound interior lineman from Stillwater High, followed late on 8 July, turning down hometown Oklahoma State and several Big 12 rivals. Lindsey, rated the No. 37 linebacker in the nation and the No. 9 overall prospect in Arkansas by 247Sports, logged nine sacks and 14 touchdown receptions last season as a two-way athlete. Kolone recorded 99 tackles, including 14 for loss, and five sacks over the past two years, ranking No. 19 among Oklahoma prospects. Their commitments give BYU 18 pledges for 2026 and lift the class to No. 27 nationally in the 247Sports team rankings, reinforcing head coach Kalani Sitake’s push to deepen defensive talent ahead of the program’s second season in the Big 12.