Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast
Published on Aug 7, 2026, 7:44:19 PM
Total time: 00:32:45
BYU football fall camp is rolling, and KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper kicks off today's episode with the question on every Cougar fan's mind: Will Bear Bachmeier run the ball less in 2026? After rushing for 527 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman last season, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick gave some insight that there might be less running from the star quarterback.
Mitch breaks down what that means for the offensive game plan and whether Bear can balance protecting himself while still being a threat with his legs.
Next up, Cosmo the Cougar has finally been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, with the announcement coming live on Good Morning America. With three Guinness World Records, a 2020 National Mascot Championship, and viral stunts that routinely break the internet, the real question is: what took so long? Cosmo is only the second Utah-based mascot to enter the Hall of Fame, joining the Jazz Bear, who was inducted 20 years ago in 2006. Mitch discusses why this honor was long overdue.
In a quick-hitter segment, former BYU star and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa predicted what he thinks his NBA 2K27 rating should be — an 80 overall. The game's developers landed him at a 79. Close, but not quite. The Washington Wizards rookie led the nation in scoring at BYU with 25.5 points per game last season. On the NFL front, former BYU safety Tanner Wall has been signed by the Miami Dolphins after being waived by the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week. The All-Big 12 First Team honoree recorded 147 career tackles and seven interceptions in 45 games as a Cougar. Mitch shares his thoughts on Wall's path to sticking on an NFL roster.
And finally, BYU star running back LJ Martin is officially back on the practice field for fall camp after undergoing shoulder surgery last December. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, who rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, was cleared for full participation in June and said he's motivated and excited to be competing again. Mitch discusses what a healthy LJ Martin means for BYU's Big 12 title hopes.
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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.
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.