What should we expect from K-Pop's first game as DC + BYU games with Alex Kirry + Big 12: Week 1 preview

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper is loaded with content to get you ready for the 2026 BYU football season.

Mitch opens the show with a deep dive into the biggest on-field storyline of Saturday's opener: Kelly Poppinga calling a defense for the first time as BYU's defensive coordinator. "K-Pop" takes over for Michigan-bound Jay Hill, inheriting a unit that ranked in the top 20 in scoring defense each of the past two seasons and produced eight defensive touchdowns over three years.

Poppinga, a former BYU linebacker star and 18-year coaching veteran, has promised to keep the foundation Hill built while adding his own flavor — swapping Hill's word "chaos" for his own mantra of havoc.

His first depth chart features 13 defensive positions, signaling a multiple-front approach with five-DB packages and a nickel look.

Kalani Sitake has praised Poppinga all camp, calling him "probably the hardest-working coordinator I've ever been around".

Next, Mitch is joined by KSL colleague Alex Kirry for a conversation about BYU football heading into the season. Kirry, the host of "KSL Brightside" on KSL NewsRadio and former Cougar Tracks host, joined the show to preview the season and play a game of "Bear or Bull."

To close the show, Mitch goes around the Big 12 Conference with his Week 1 picks. From Colorado at Georgia Tech to Baylor vs. Auburn in Atlanta, and every other game in between around the league.

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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.