Cougar Sports Saturday (BYU)

In this week's show, Mitch Harper dives into BYU football’s biggest storylines — from SEC scheduling changes and College Football Playoff metrics to fall camp takeaways and game day traditions at Lavell Edwards Stadium. He also previews Bear Bachmeier’s first start, discusses offensive and defensive standouts, and shares listener stories about becoming Cougar fans. Plus, get updates on BYU commits and NFL alumni, and hear their playoff team predictions. The season begins next week!

Looking ahead to Bear Bachmeier’s first career start, Mitch Harper and producer Nate Slack share what they’re most excited to see from BYU in Week 1.

Mitch Harper and producer Nate Slack chat about their favorite game day traditions and share their wish list for the upcoming football season. They also discuss potential new wrinkles at LES, as hinted at by BYU’s Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Operations, David Almodova.

Mitch Harper shares his College Football Playoff predictions, breaking down which teams will earn automatic bids and which he thinks receive at-large selections.

Mitch Harper talks about the SEC moving to a 9-game conference schedule starting in 2026, which will require teams to play at least one Power 5 non-conference game each year—similar to what the Big 12 already does. He discusses what this could mean for BYU, including the chance to face Missouri in 2035 and whether it could lead to more frequent SEC opponents. Mitch also explains the College Football Playoff Committee’s new focus on Strength of Record (SOR) starting this year, noting BYU’s #7 ranking last season and how this metric could have helped the team.

Mitch Harper and producer Nate Slack discuss five-star BYU quarterback commit Ryder Lyons’ upcoming ESPN appearance and updates on former Cougars Kedon Slovis and Tyler Batty in the NFL.

Mitch Harper and producer Nate Slack share how they became BYU fans and read listener texts sharing their own origin stories.

Mitch Harper takes a closer look at some standout defensive superlatives for BYU Football as the 2025 season approaches — highlighting the top performer, most improved player, biggest depth chart climber, and a potential breakout candidate to watch this fall.

Mitch Harper breaks down some key offensive superlatives for BYU Football heading into the 2025 season — including the unit's top performer, the most improved player, a major depth chart riser, and a sleeper pick who could make an impact this fall.

BYU has never lost to an FCS opponent, but how have the Cougars fared against expectations and point spreads in those matchups? Mitch Harper takes a closer look at the numbers and performances.

Mitch Harper caught up with Kalani Sitake at the end of fall camp to get his thoughts on the past month of practices. Hear Kalani’s takeaways as BYU now turns its focus to the season opener against Portland State.

Mitch Harper shares his biggest takeaways from BYU’s fall camp. The defense looks strong and could be even better than last year. The team feels focused and ready heading into the 2025 season, building on the confidence they had a year ago. Expectations have shifted during camp as players and coaches made progress.

Mitch Harper breaks down BYU's decision to name Bear Bachmeier the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Bachmeier becomes the eighth freshman in program history to start at quarterback, and notably, the first ever to start a season opener for the Cougars.

Get caught up with all you need to know about BYU football and its Big 12 competition as the season kicks off in just two weeks.

Mitch Harper breaks down BYU's placement in the season's first AP ballot.

Producer Nate Slack joins Mitch Harper for this week's edition of Cougar Tales. Also, new BYU Football Intern for KSL Sports Jasmine Poppinga jumps on to introduce herself.

Mitch Harper caught up with Chase Roberts to get his thoughts on this upcoming season.

The Big 12 is as wild and unpredictable as ever, and prodcuer Nate Slack and Mitch Harper are here to break it all down.

Mitch Harper gives some predictions for the Big 12 Conference as he previews the upcoming football season.

Mitch Harper shares some of his thoughts from the BYU practice that was open to Cougar Club members on Friday in LES.

Mitch Harper spoke with BYU DB coach Jernaro Gilford after practice earlier this week about what he's seen out of his group this fall.

Mitch Harper breaks down the history of true freshmen starting at QB for BYU football.

Mitch Harper discusses Bear Bachmeier as potential Week 1 starting QB for BYU.

Catch the best of Cougar Sports Saturday from August 9, 2025.

BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill breaks down the defense's performance in today's scrimmage, the progress of the defensive line, and how the defense is shaping up as they prepare for the upcoming season.