“There were, like, three days of phone calls,” Poppinga said on the “BYU Sports Nation” television show about a week later. “I mean, I have just learned so much, but the base of the defense will be what it’s been. “But I am just excited and honored for the opportunity, and grateful.”Here’s where BYU’s defense in 2025 finished in some other key statistical categories:No. Defensive tackles coach Sione Po’uha was not only retained, but elevated to associate head coach. Coupled with the returns of Isaiah Glasker, Siale Esera and Nusi Taumoepeau, linebacker should again be the strength of the BYU defense.