The Holy War rival between Utah and BYU is heated on and off the field. BYU appears to have won a big recruiting battle against there in state rival. Early reports say that BYU has flipped twin Jaron and Kennan Pula from the Class of 2026.
This isn’t just any recruiting flip. These are the No. 1 and No. 2 wide receivers in Utah, and they just ditched the Utes for their biggest rival. Kalani Sitake and his staff pulled off what might be the most brutal recruiting gut punch in recent Holy War history.
The numbers back up the hype. Jaron Pula torched defenses for over 900 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season at Lone Peak High School. His twin brother Kennan wasn’t far behind, posting 596 yards and six scores of his own.
Both brothers showcased elite athleticism that had college scouts drooling. Now they’re both headed to Provo instead of Salt Lake City.
BYU’s Recruiting Machine Hits Different
According to 247Sports, this flip catapults BYU to the No. 21-ranked recruiting class in the 2026 cycle. That’s not accident – that’s systematic dominance in their own backyard.
The Pula twins join quarterback Ryder Lyons in what’s shaping up to be one of the most promising recruiting classes in program history. When you’re pulling elite talent from your biggest rival’s doorstep, you’re doing something right.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for BYU’s momentum. The Cougars just demolished Utah 24-21 earlier this season, proving their superiority where it matters most – on the scoreboard.
Utah’s Recruiting Nightmare Continues
This has to sting for the Utes. Losing the top two wide receivers in your own state to your biggest rival? That’s not just a recruiting loss, that’s a statement about which program has the juice right now.
Both Utah (No. 15) and BYU (No. 11) finished as top programs in the Big 12 this season, but the Cougars are clearly winning the perception battle. When local kids are choosing the rival over the hometown team, that tells you everything about momentum.
The Holy War rivalry just got a whole lot more interesting. These twins will be wearing BYU blue when they face Utah in future years, and you know those games are going to be absolutely electric.
What’s Next for Both Programs
BYU heads into the Big 12 Championship Game against No. 4 Texas Tech with all the momentum in the world. A recruiting class this strong suggests the Cougars aren’t just having a good season – they’re building something sustainable.
For Utah, this flip should be a wake-up call. When you’re losing elite local talent to your biggest rival, changes need to happen fast. The Utes better figure out their recruiting pitch, because BYU just showed they can poach talent from anywhere in the state.
The 2026 season just became must-see TV. These twins will be suiting up in enemy territory, and the Holy War crowd will be absolutely unhinged when they take the field.
