Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

BYU star running back LJ Martin is healthy and ready to roll for his senior season.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

As BYU football opens fall camp this week, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the expectations for first-year defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga. With Jay Hill now at Michigan, "K-Pop" inherits a defense that ranked sixth nationally in returning production and helped BYU go 23-4 over the past two seasons. Poppinga discussed the influence of learning the defense under Hill and the experiences that have prepared him for this moment — 18 years of coaching that trace all the way back to a defensive internship under Bronco Mendenhall. Mitch dives into what that means for BYU in 2026, how much continuity BY...

BYU football is officially back.

The Cougars kicked off fall camp practice on Wednesday at the Student Athlete Building.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper was on the scene. He shared his observations and thoughts from camp.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?si...

BYU football running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker spoke to the media following day one of fall camp practice at the Student-Athlete Building in Provo, Utah, on August 5, 2026.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/sho...

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke with the media after day one of fall camp practice on August 5, 2026, at the Student-Athlete Building in Provo, Utah.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMu...

BYU football hired Kelly Poppinga as the new defensive coordinator to replace Jay Hill. Poppinga is excited for the talent he inherits in his first year as the defensive play-caller.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday...

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper reacts to the Cougars landing at No. 15 in the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll — their highest preseason coaches ranking in years and a significant jump from the No. 23 slot they occupied entering the 2025 season. BYU is the second-highest ranked Big 12 team behind No. 12 Texas Tech, with Utah slotting in at No. 21 and Houston at No. 24. Mitch breaks down what the ranking signals about national perception of the program after a 12-2 season, a Big 12 Championship Game appearance, and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory — and whether No. 15 is too high, too low, or just right for a te...

Kalani Sitake is back as BYU's head coach after being pursued by the Penn State Nittany Lions. It's year 11 for Sitake at his alma mater, and he lays out his top goal going into the 2026 season.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is...

BYU football is back. Leading the charge on offense for the Cougars is sophomore signal-caller Bear Bachmeier.

The Murrieta, California native knows expectations are high entering the 2026 campaign, but he isn't backing down from those lofty goals.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

...

Football season is officially here. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper kicks off the week with a loaded Monday edition of Cougar Tracks as BYU football players report for fall camp — the opening chapter of what could be a historic 2026 season in Provo.

Fall Camp Preview — Mitch breaks down everything you need to know as Camp Kalani gets underway. With Bear Bachmeier entrenched as a returning starting quarterback for the first time for BYU since 2023 without a QB competition, the spotlight shifts to wide receiver battles and Year 1 under new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.

How will...

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Nate Slack recapped their day participating in the BYU football media golf classic for the 2026 season at Timpanogos Golf Course.

The guys discussed their round, what they saw on the course, and also intel from their conversation with players and coach Kalani Sitake after the round.

They also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the BYU football program entering the 2026 season. Listen to Mitch and Nate weekly on Cougar Sports Saturday from Noon to 3 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio.

Subscribe to the...

BYU football fall camp is almost here. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the key storylines to watch for in camp.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: Managing the hype machine — BYU ranks 18th nationally in overall returning production and is generating legitimate Big 12 title contender buzz heading into Kalani Sitake's biggest season yet.

How does this coaching staff handle preseason expectations without letting them become a distraction? We talk about the fine line between confidence and complacency. Who steps up at wide receiver? — It's the single biggest question mark on the roster. After losing le...

Kevin Young's search for a center is finally over, or at least getting close to the finish line. BYU basketball has reportedly landed a commitment from 6-foot-9 Polish center Jakub Urbaniak, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

The 23-year-old played last season for Slask Wroclaw in Poland's top professional league, averaging 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24 minutes across the EuroCup and PLK, while also representing Poland's senior national team in FIBA World Cup Qualifying.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down how Urbaniak fills BYU's most glaring roster need heading into 2026-27, what his skillset...

On this episode of Cougar Tracks, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into the latest around BYU athletics with a heavy focus on BYU basketball and the upcoming BYU football season.

First, we break down BYU basketball’s 2026-27 nonconference schedule, looking at the key matchups, potential resume-building opportunities, and what the slate could mean for the Cougars before Big 12 play begins. We also take a summer outlook at the upcoming BYU basketball season, including roster questions, expectations, and what fans should be watching as the program continues to build momentum.

Then, we shift to...

BYU athletic director Brian Santiago spoke with KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper at the 2026 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.

They discussed the upcoming BYU football season, how he handles the stresses of watching these games, and his expectations for Kalani Sitake's team this fall.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube P...

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake is entering his 11th season at his alma mater. During an interview at Big 12 Media Days with Mitch Harper, Sitake discussed expectations for the upcoming season, injury updates, offensive tempo, defensive style of play, and more.

Also in this episode, Mitch breaks down BYU Athletics' new partnership patch with Entrata, which will be worn on BYU football uniforms beginning in 2026.

Then, finally, the Big 12 coaches believe BYU will win the Big 12 Conference this fall. Mitch explains why that could happen this season.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks...

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper recapped Day 1 of Big 12 Football Media Days, where BYU took center stage inside The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Mitch gave analysis and intel on things he heard around BYU on day one.

He also shared his thoughts on Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's state-of-the-conference address, in which Yormark introduced Monster Energy drinks as an entitlement sponsor. 

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p...

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke to reporters at the 2026 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7, 2026.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh

Download the KSL Sports app...

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark spoke to the media at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7, 2026.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh

Download the KSL Sports app

G...

Football season is here as the Big 12 Media Days have arrived. The annual event once again takes place at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the practice home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Unlike the previous three years in the Big 12, BYU football enters Media Days as one of the big storylines and is viewed as a league favorite.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the key storylines entering the Monster Energy Drink Big 12 Media Days.

Also, dives into his ballot for the Big 12 All-Conference football team.

Then, finally, BYU...

BYU football lands a commitment from four-star EDGE rusher Uhila Wolfgramm out of Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Wolfgramm picked BYU over the Oklahoma Sooners, in a tightly contested recruiting battle that went down to the finish line.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on BYU landing Wolfgramm and what it means for the Cougars 2027 recruiting class.

Who's next? There are some key decisions coming up.

When it comes to recruiting, everyone is keeping tabs on 2027, but don't sleep on the future signal-callers. Mitch caught...

BYU football picked up a commitment from four-star wide receiver Blake Wong out of Norco, California.

Wong hopped on the Cougar Tracks Podcast with KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper to discuss why he picked the Cougars over a final list of schools that included Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, and Utah.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...

BYU football continues to piece together its 2027 recruiting class. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down some of the recent moves with Blake Wong committing and the misses of Bode Sparrow (Oklahoma) and Brody Rudnicki (Cal).

Should BYU fans be panicking about where the 2027 recruiting class stands?

Mitch lays out thoughts on the class and areas where it can improve.

BYU basketball has a coaching change with Will Voigt taking a role at Boise State.

Also on the hardwood, Mitch caught up with BYU basketball returned missionary Brooks Bahr. Bahr...

BYU basketball star Richie Saunders was selected in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft at pick number 32 by the Memphis Grizzlies.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the landing spot for Saunders with the Grizzlies, and reflected on his college career with the Cougars.

Saunders' old BYU teammate, AJ Dybantsa, has a new jersey number in the nation's capital, as he's going with number four with the Washington Wizards.

Current BYU star guard Rob Wright III rolled up to a Pro-Am game in the Powder League and nearly had a...

Former BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa made history. The Brockton, Massachusetts native became the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Dybantsa was selected by the Washington Wizards with the top pick overall.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on draft night as BYU is the latest program to produce a No. 1 overall draft pick. Harper also goes into the fit of Dybantsa with the Washington Wizards rotation.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday...

BYU football closed out its big recruiting weekend of official visitors. What stood out and what's upcoming for the Cougars on the recruiting trail for the class of 2027?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the players who visited BYU.

This week, former BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa will find out where his basketball journey continues as the NBA draft takes place.

Where will AJ land, Washington, Utah, or somewhere else?

Also, what about former BYU star Richie Saunders? Mitch shares his thoughts on Saunders.

Then, finally, summer...

BYU basketball has summer practices rolling. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared some of his takeaways from head coach Kevin Young's commentary as he prepares for year three leading the program.

Mitch caught up with new BYU forward Jake Wahlin, who transferred from Clemson to BYU. Before playing at Clemson, he was at Utah. Wahlin discussed his path to Provo and expectations for the upcoming season.

Finally, BYU football summer school continues with a preview of the wide receiver unit. Who will emerge as wide receiver number one?

Subscribe to the Cougar...

BYU basketball guards Rob Wright III and Collin Chandler spoke to the media after a summer practice on June 16, 2026 at the Marriott Center Annex in Provo, Utah.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1...

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with the media following a summer practice at the Marriott Center Annex on June 16, 2026. Young is entering his third season as head coach of the BYU basketball program.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Sp...

Texas Tech and QB Brendan Sorsby mutually agreed to part ways. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his reaction to the final outcome in this story as the Red Raiders move forward without Sorsby, as he now sets his sights on the NFL Supplemental Draft.

BYU football picked up a commitment from Demichael Burks out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Burks was previously committed to Fresno State.

Then, finally, Mitch continues the Summer School series, breaking down BYU football position groups. In this episode, he looks at the safety position, which is headlined by Faletau...

The Big 12 Conference is facing potential legal action from the Texas Attorney General and Brendan Sorsby's attorney. What does the league do next?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts on the situation as it continues to develop.

BYU football recruiting is heating up as official visitors pick up, along with the camp season winding down.

BYU hosted an Elite Camp on Wednesday night, with a few offers coming out of it.

Then, finally, BYU basketball's Big 12 opponents for the 2026-27 season. Breaking down the opponents and the teams...

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is cleared to play despite gambling admissions after receiving a temporary injunction.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper unpacks the situation involving comments from the NCAA, Sorsby, Texas Tech, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, and more, in what is a jarring moment in college athletics.

The latest on BYU football recruiting as some key 2027 recruits set decision days for when they will announce.

Then, finally, Mitch kicks off the BYU Football Summer School series with position previews. He starts it off with the running back unit.

LJ...

BYU Cougars Athletic Director Brian Santiago completed his first year on the job.

It was an eventful first athletic season. But the job never stops.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with Santiago at the Big 12 Spring Meetings to discuss the future of LaVell Edwards Stadium construction, rev share, private equity, football scheduling, sponsorships, and more.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).<...

Kalani Sitake is entering his 11th season as the head coach of the BYU football program.

There might not be a season with higher expectations than the upcoming year.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with Sitake at the Big 12 Spring Meetings to discuss the upcoming season for his team, along with his thoughts on playoff formats, and the buzzing topics among coaches in the league.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday...

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper is back from his trip to Texas at the Big 12 Spring Meetings.

During his trip, he had the opportunity to catch up one-on-one with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark.

They discussed why the Big 12 wants the 24-team Playoff, the future of the Championship Game, and more.

Also, in this episode, you'll hear from Big 12 Chief Basketball Officer Brian Thornton.

They discuss the future of Big 12 basketball.

Then, finally, Mitch caught up with Big 12 Chief Football & Competition Officer Scott Draper to discuss scheduling, the Playoff...

The Big 12 spring meetings began on Tuesday, with men's basketball head coaches gathering at the Omni PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas.

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young was there. After the meetings concluded for the day, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with Young to discuss key topics, including roster construction, the search for a center, and more.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).<...

One of the most pivotal weeks on the college athletics calendar is here: Big 12 spring meetings.

This year's spring meetings will be taking place in Frisco, Texas. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper will be there to cover all of the action.

The stakes in college athletics are always high; these meetings are as critical as ever. The decisions being discussed could shape the future of college athletics, along with BYU's place in it, for years to come.

Mitch dives into the key storylines to follow at the Big 12 spring meetings, from a...

The BYU football team was at the 2026 Fan Fest in Farmington, Utah. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with linebacker Siale Esera at the Fan Fest and his thoughts on what it means to play for Cougar Nation.

Also in this episode, Mitch shared his takeaways from the Fan Fest.

Other topics discussed include BYU basketball missing out on Michael Ruzic to LSU and BYU football landing a commitment from Granger High defensive lineman Maa'imoa Havili.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

It's hard to believe, but Kalani Sitake has been the head coach of the BYU football program for 10 seasons.

During those 10 years, he's coached some excellent players.

Who are the best?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper ranks the 10 best players who have played for Sitake.

The list is loaded not only with the best players in the Sitake era but also with some of the best in BYU football history.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks...

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake recalled his talks with Penn State to On3's Pete Nakos. In Sitake's commentary, he noted, "It all works out the way it's supposed to." How critical was it for BYU to retain Sitake?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper explores that. Sitake turning down Penn State led to the Nittany Lions hiring former Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.

Campbell's old employer, ISU, made some headlines when AD Jamie Pollard said the SEC/Big Ten should break away. Would that be a good thing?

Athlon Sports has...