When you transfer from the University of California, Berkeley, to Brigham Young University, you're bound to notice a few differences. For new BYU linebacker Cade Uluave, the contrast is as stark as it gets.

"I don't think you could get more polar opposite places," Uluave said with a grin after spring practice wrapped up in Provo. "It is crazy, but I love it. It is cool. I went from protests to prayers."

The South Jordan, Utah, native spent three standout seasons at Cal, where he earned All-ACC first-team honors in 2025 after posting 100 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, five quarterback hurries, and three sacks. Over his college career, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound tackling machine has racked up 237 stops in 34 games, starting 26 of them. In 2023, he was named the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a third-team All-Pac-12 selection by Phil Steele.

But after Cal fired head coach Justin Wilcox last November, Uluave entered the transfer portal and quickly became the top linebacker available, according to 247Sports. Michigan and Texas came calling, but Uluave chose to come home to Provo.

"My college career has been a good experience for me," he reflected. "Looking back at it, I think Cal and Berkeley was probably the best place for me out of high school. It did a lot for me, so I give a lot of credit to them. Since moving to Provo, it has been awesome, and a really great experience so far. Coming out of the portal, it is just what I wanted. I'm happy about all of it."

Uluave brings more than just speed and versatility to BYU's defense—he brings football instincts that make him a game-changer. Already one of the fastest players on the team, he's also a psychology major who will graduate next winter before turning his full attention to the NFL draft.

But first, he has one goal for his final season of eligibility: help BYU reach the College Football Playoff. With a player of Uluave's caliber in the middle of the defense, the Cougars just might have the horsepower to get there.