Breaking Down Poppinga As DC + Bear Continues To Roam Provo + First Portal Commit

Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

Breaking Down Poppinga As DC + Bear Continues To Roam Provo + First Portal Commit

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Published on Jan 8, 2026, 1:55:14 PM
Total time: 00:26:09

Episode Description

BYU football promoted Kelly Poppinga as defensive coordinator.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke that news down in this edition of Cougar Tracks with four reasons that excite him about Poppinga being promoted as DC.

BYU basketball crushed Arizona State 104-76 behind a career night from Richie Saunders.

Harper shared his thoughts on the performance, featuring Kevin Young and Bobby Hurley sound. Back on the gridiron, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier announced that he is "Running it back" for his sophomore season.

Then, BYU landed its first commitment out of the 2026 Transfer Portal with the addition of Oregon Ducks wide receiver transfer Kyler Kasper.

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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.

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More about Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

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.