Utah State has received a verbal commitment from University of North Alabama EDGE rush defensive end BJ Diakite. Diakite is 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, and following his graduation from North Alabama, will join the Aggies in June with two years of eligibility remaining.
Diakite recorded 5 tackles and a pass breakup in 4 games for the Lions in 2025 the redshirted the remainder of the season. According to 247sports, Diakite is rated as the 1,530th-best transfer portal player and the 135th-best EDGE rush defensive end. He chose the Aggies over offers from Alabama A&M and New Mexico.
Following the December 3rd early signing period, Diakite becomes the thirtieth transfer portal commitment and the fiftieth signing/commitment for the Aggies recruiting class of 2026, joining Bishop Gorman HS (NV) wide receiver Kaina Watson, New Mexico State defensive tackle Ta’avili Tuitama, University of Saint Thomas (MN) EDGE rush defensive end Jordan Pendleton, Wyoming cornerback Markie Grant, Oklahoma State University safety David “DK” Kabongo, byu quarterback McCae Hillstead, Oklahoma State University offensive lineman Matt “Chewy” Wade, byu cornerback Marcus McKenzie, Mississippi Valley State EDGE rush defensive end Adonis Jackson, University of Arizona wide receiver Rex Haynes, Purdue University offensive lineman John Randle Jr., William and Mary University offensive lineman Kadin Lynch, Coastal Carolina kicker Kian Afrookhteh, James Campbell High (HI) offensive lineman Chantz Chargualaf, The Citadel outside linebacker Jeremiah Holmes, Texas Tech University safety Chapman Lewis, Oklahoma State running back Sesi Vailahi, California linebacker Harrison Taggart, Georgia State University wide receiver Javon Robinson, University of Virginia quarterback Grady Brosterhous, University of Virginia wide receiver Eli Wood, Virginia Tech University EDGE rush defensive end James Jennette, Arkansas State University defensive tackle Quincy Wright, Elon University linebacker Asher Cunningham, Ashland University tight end Collin Remenowsky, Shippensburg University defensive tackle Tyler Masdea, Texas Tech University defensive end Kasen Long, University of North Dakota cornerback Antonio Bluiett, Baylor University defensive tackle Ronnie Mageo, Auburn University offensive lineman Seth Wilfred, and University of Cincinnati safety Kye Stokes as post-early signing period additions.