2026 BYU football fall camp preview: Key storylines to follow

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 leading receiver Parker Kingston and the retirement of Cody Hagen after spring camp, BYU has multiple starting spots up for grabs at wideout. We dive into what Jojo Phillips and Kyler Kasper bring, and which newcomers could emerge as difference-makers when the pads come on.

Kelly Poppinga, Year 1 as defensive coordinator — Jay Hill is gone to Michigan, and now the former Cougar linebacker takes the reins of a defense that returns the sixth-most production in the country.

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

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US

 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

Cougar Tracks gives you a daily insider look into BYU Cougars football and basketball.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper hosts the show. Harper has been covering BYU athletics for more than a decade. He brings you everything from the latest happenings in the BYU football and men's basketball programs, to the latest insight on the recruiting trail. 

Cougar Tracks is your go-to podcast for the best daily BYU conversation.