3 reasons why "This Could Be The Year" for BYU + Kalani shows emotion for players + Jojo Phillips interview

The 2026 BYU football season opener is days away and the buzz in Provo is electric. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper opens today's show by making the case for why this could be the year BYU football finally breaks through.

Mitch lays out three compelling reasons.

Next, Mitch recaps a powerful moment from the season premiere of BYU Football with Kalani Sitake, the weekly coaches show filmed live in Studio C at BYU Broadcasting with Voice of the Cougars Greg Wrubell. Sitake showed genuine emotion while discussing what this players mean to him.

Then, finally, Mitch caught up with BYU wide receiver Jojo Phillips after practice in preparation for week one against Utah Tech. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound redshirt junior from Lancaster, California, enters 2026 as a starter and he discusses the upcoming season ahead.

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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.

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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.