IRVING, Texas – BYU linebacker Cade Uluave was today named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his role in BYU’s 28-24 win over then-No. 2 ranked Notre Dame on Saturday.
In addition, the Big 12 named quarterback Bear Bachmeier Offensive Player of the Week, while the BYU offensive line was honored as Offensive Line of the Week.
Uluave, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior from South Jordan, Utah, recorded a team-high nine tackles, including six that were solo, in the win over the Irish. He also had a season-high three quarterback hurries and a tackle for loss in the game.
Led by Uleave, the BYU defense held Notre Dame to just 115 yards rushing, well below its season average of 195 yards per game. The Cougar defense also held the Irish, who were averaging 44 points a game, to just 24 points.
Through six games in 2026, Uluave leads BYU in tackles with 35 and quarterback hurries with six. He has also recorded an interception, 3.5 tackles for loss and a half a sack.
Prior to the 2026 season, Uluave was selected as a candidate for the Lombardi Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy. He was also named preseason All-America by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports as well as Preseason All-Big 12 by the conference, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Uluave is in his first year at BYU after transferring from Cal. Uluave, a 2025 All-ACC First-Team linebacker, played in 34 games for the Bears over three seasons, starting 26. He led Cal with 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries in 2025 while amassing 237 career tackles, 21.5 TFL, six sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in three seasons at Cal.
In addition to earning first-team all-conference honors in 2025, Uluave received All-ACC honorable mention in 2024 and was a first-team Freshman All-American selection by The Athletic, FWAA and College Football News in 2023. He was also named the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, Super West Sports Defensive Freshman of the Year and a Phil Steele All-Pac-12 Third Team honoree.
Through six games of the 2026 season, six BYU football players have earned nine Big 12 Player of the Week honors. In addition, the BYU offensive and defensive lines have earned Big 12 weekly awards.