Kennan and Jaron Pula raced down the steps, preparing to break the news to their family.
“One, two, three ... go,” the identical twins from Lone Peak High School started nervously, forcing themselves to say the words aloud.
“We told them we were going to be de-committing from UCLA,” Jaron said.
Jaron, a four-star receiver, and Kennan, a three-star wideout, had planned on playing for the Bruins in Pasadena next year before having a change of heart.
A two-hour family meeting later, the Pulas’ parents “eventually agreed.”
The Pula twins officially announced their decision to reopen their recruitment on July 26. Seven days later — following a tight battle with in-state rival BYU — the Pula twins committed to the Utes.
With Jaron and Kennan’s commitments, Utah’s 2026 class now ranks 51st in the nation and 11th in the Big 12. Jaron is currently ranked as Utah’s second-best recruit behind four-star offensive tackle Kelvin Obot. He said he wants to play wide receiver and safety with the Utes.
Their path to Salt Lake City came down to several factors, the brothers said. Utah wide receivers coach Micah Simon built a strong relationship with them. Kennan and Jaron also “wanted to stay at home,” and, of course, “the money part,” played a factor.
Kennan said his and his brother’s minds started changing after they took an official visit to Utah’s training facility on June 20.
“I think that was really important,” Kennan said. “If we didn’t go to that OV, I don’t think we would be there.”
The Pulas said their tour of the U.’s facilities helped them connect with some of Utah’s current players. They also sat in on a film study with Simon for two hours, watching him break down tape of Utah’s current room of wide receivers.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lone Peak wide receiver Jaron Pula during practice, on Monday, August 25, 2025.
“I love Micah, and I love his humor, as well,” Jaron said. " I think he’s in his 20s or 30s, and he gets all of our humor, so we can joke around with him on certain levels."
Simon was also able to sell the Pulas on his and Jason Beck’s vision of creating a high-powered offense in Salt Lake City. Utah’s offense has ranked near the bottom of its conference the last two years.
“Micah really bought us into [the idea] that they have not had great receivers ... but he really wants us to play and really change the game over there,” Kennan said. “We really want to change that, and we have a lot of fans already. We have a lot of people on our side.”
After announcing their decision to leave UCLA, the Utes were still in a heated battle with BYU to earn the Pulas’ commitments. Before transferring to Lone Peak High School this offseason, the Pulas went to Timpview High School, which is just 6 miles from the Cougars’ campus.
“BYU and Utah, that was probably the toughest,” Jaron said. “BYU is like family to us, basically.”
Kennan added: “There was really a lot going on with BYU, and the receiver room was packed. We didn’t really want to be in that environment.”
Once again, the Pula twins said their relationship with Simon helped keep Utah over BYU in the final days of their second recruiting battle.
“It was actually the coaches,” Jaron said. “It came down to the Utah coach or BYU coach.
“Utah made it on top for some reason.”
With their recruiting decision put to bed, at least until national signing day in December, the Pulas are excited to continue their already strong start to the season. Lone Peak High started the season with back-to-back wins.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lone Peak wide receiver Kennan Pula during practice, on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Their goal is to win a state title with the Knights.
“We’re trying to win state,” Jaron said. " I think it’s going to happen."
And then they’ll be ready to carry their talents to Salt Lake City.
“It’s a dream come true,” Jaron said. “Me and Kennan have talked about this since we were 8 years old.
“Now it’s slowly becoming a blessing.”
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