The BYU Cougars continue to make noise on the recruiting trail, this time adding a promising playmaker to their 2026 defensive backfield.
On Tuesday, the Cougars secured a verbal commitment from 4-star safety Koby Hanson, a versatile prospect out of Chandler, Arizona, who’s quickly rising on national recruiting boards.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 185 pounds, Hanson brings size, speed, and a physical edge to BYU’s future secondary. He’s the latest addition to what’s shaping up to be a strong 2026 class for the Cougars, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
A Rising Star in the Desert
Hanson is coming off a breakout sophomore campaign at Basha High School, where he recorded 78 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. He’s known for his high football IQ and closing speed, frequently lining up as both a free and strong safety in a hybrid role. His ability to cover sideline-to-sideline and make plays in space has drawn comparisons to former BYU star Daniel Sorensen.
What makes Hanson stand out isn’t just his production, but his mentality. Coaches at Basha describe him as a film junkie and a weight room leader — a tone-setter with natural leadership traits.
Why BYU?
In his commitment post on social media, Hanson cited the program’s culture, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to compete at a high level in the Big 12 as reasons for choosing BYU over other Power Four offers. He reportedly held offers from Arizona, Oregon State, and Utah, but BYU’s early interest and consistent communication paid dividends.
“I feel like BYU is building something special,” Hanson said. “The staff believes in me, and I feel like I can grow a lot there as a player and a person.”
Defensive backs coach Jernaro Gilford has been instrumental in BYU’s recent success recruiting the secondary, and Hanson marks the second safety the Cougars have landed in the 2026 cycle, joining 3-star Utah product Miles Fa’amoe.
Strengthening a Key Position
BYU’s secondary is a point of emphasis heading into the Big 12 era. With the growing speed and complexity of offenses in the conference, depth and versatility in the defensive backfield are more critical than ever. Hanson fits that mold: he can play deep in coverage or walk up into the box to support against the run.
He’s also been praised for his tackling form and rarely misses in one-on-one situations — a key trait in a league where open-field tackles can mean the difference between a third-down stop and a touchdown.
What’s Next for the Class of 2026?
With Hanson on board, BYU’s 2026 class now features seven commits, four of whom are defensive players. Recruiting analysts have taken notice of BYU’s strategic push to stockpile long, athletic defenders, especially in the secondary and along the edge.
The Cougars aren’t done yet, either. Sources close to the program say BYU is in strong position with a handful of other top-300 prospects, including a highly regarded linebacker out of California and an offensive tackle from Texas.
For now, though, Cougar Nation can celebrate the addition of another tone-setting defender with upside — one who seems determined to bring the “Boom Squad” energy back to Provo.
