Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

BYU basketball suffered its first loss in Big 12 Conference play in the 2025-26 season as it dropped a game against No. 15 Texas Tech in Lubbock.

The 11th-ranked Cougars fell 84-71 to the Red Raiders. The setback ends a 13-game win streak for Kevin Young's squad.

BYU guard Robert Wright III had a career-high 28 points in the loss, while Texas Tech star JT Toppin led the way for the Red Raiders with 27 points.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his takeaways from the game and how the Cougars squandered a nine-point lead in the final eight minutes of the game.

We've reached the final day of the 2026 Transfer Portal window in college football. Where do things stand for BYU football? KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper goes over the latest movement in the portal for the Cougars, including a commitment from Mississippi State transfer cornerback Jayven Williams.

Also, in this episode of Cougar Tracks, Michigan cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford sent a kind departing message to BYU as he settles in with the Wolverines.

Then, finally, BYU basketball preview for the Top-15 showdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Mitch caught up with Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Texas Tech basketball beat writer Nathan Giese to get the lowdown on the Red Raiders.

Mitch also gave his score prediction for the game.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball defeated the TCU Horned Frogs. It was a gut-check win for Kevin Young's squad.

Mitch shared closing thoughts on the win, including his take on KY referencing former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

AJ Dybantsa still dropped 25 points on a night he wasn't feeling well and Richie Saunders poured in 18 points.

Then, finally, BYU quarterback signee Ryder Lyons left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday, Mitch shared thoughts on the future of the quarterback position for the Cougars.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

No. 11 BYU basketball defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 76-70 in a late-night game at the Marriott Center.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Kyle Ireland shared their takeaways from the game as the Cougars extend their win streak to 13 games.

AJ Dybantsa was under the weather, there were a lot of fouls called, yet BYU still found a way to hold off the upset-minded TCU Horned Frogs.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

TCU basketball head coach Jamie Dixon and BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke to the media after No. 11 BYU defeated TCU 76-70 at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on January 14, 2026.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU Basketball legend Jimmer Fredette is going up in the rafters. It was announced that Fredette will have his jersey retired next month.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on Fredette joining the BYU legends that hang in the Marriott Center.

BYU Football transfer portal needs after a wave of key additions that includes linebacker Cade Uluave.

Reviewing the running back position from the 2025 season.

Then, finally, a preview of BYU basketball vs. TCU tonight, along with a score prediction.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football picked up a pair of linebackers out of the Transfer Portal in Cal's Cade Uluave and Jake Clifton from Kansas State.

Uluave had interest from programs such as Michigan and Texas. He's ranked as the No. 1 LB transfer in the portal for the 2026 cycle.

Clifton is a returned missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after serving for the past two years, following two years of playing with the Kansas State football program.

BYU football also landed Paki Finau, Jr Sia, and Zak Yamauchi, a trio of offensive linemen in the portal.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the commitments and what it means for the Cougar football team in 2026.

BYU Basketball dropped in the AP Top 25 poll this week despite winning both of its Big 12 games over Arizona State and Utah.

Kevin Young, like everyone in Cougar Nation, was confused by the drop in the rankings. No. 11 BYU is preparing to take on the TCU Horned Frogs.

Mitch welcomed TCU beat writer Steven Johnson from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to get the lowdown on this Horned Frogs squad.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with the media via Zoom on January 12, 2026. Topics discussed include Richie Saunders, the upcoming matchup against TCU, former BYU basketball player Tanner Toolson, and AJ Dybantsa.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football received an announcement from Evan "Shmev" Johnson that he would be returning for the 2026 season.

It's another key performer returning to a BYU team that finished last year at 12-2.

BYU has thrived in roster retention during the transfer portal window.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke it down in this latest episode of the Cougar Tracks Podcast.

The latest in the Transfer Portal as BYU zeroes in on transfer portal prospects such as Zak Yamauchi, Jr Sia, and Paki Finau.

Looking back at the 2025 season, position groups with the defensive and offensive lines.

What did we learn from those units? Mitch weighed in. Then, finally, BYU basketball took down Utah at the Huntsman Center.

Sharing thoughts on the win and what's trending up and trending down in the Cougar Stock Exchange.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

No. 9 BYU Basketball defeated rival Utah at the Huntsman Center, 89-84, to improve to 15-1 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper was in attendance for the game and shared his thoughts on BYU's victory over the Utes in this Cougar Tracks Postgame Podcast.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young and players Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa spoke to the media after No. 9 BYU defeated rival Utah 89-84 at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 10, 2026.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football continues to build for the 2026 season. The biggest piece announced his return as star running back LJ Martin is running back next season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down what that means for the Cougars and LJ Martin.

Former USC Tight End Walker Lyons signed with BYU. The impact of that transfer portal addition for next season.

Then, finally, No. 9 BYU basketball takes on Utah at the Huntsman Center. Previewing the matchup.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

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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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football promoted from within for the next defensive coordinator. The Cougars hired Kelly Poppinga to replace Jay Hill as DC.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Kyle Ireland discussed the promotion of Poppinga and shared their takeaways on the move.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

No. 9 BYU basketball dominated Arizona State at the Marriott Center to extend its winning streak to 11 games. BYU's "Big Three" of Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa, and Rob Wright outscored Arizona State on their own, scoring 81 of BYU's 104 points. 

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Kyle Ireland shared their thoughts from BYU's dominant victory.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young and Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley spoke with reporters after No. 9 BYU defeated Arizona State 104-76 on January 7, 2026, at the Marriott Center.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football continues to receive announcements from players who plan to "lock in" or "run it back" with the Cougars for the 2026 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts on the lack of a transfer portal commitment from BYU so far in the 2026 cycle.

He also shares his thoughts on what it means that BYU is able to retain these players in a transactional era of college football.

Mitch then previews the BYU-Arizona State basketball game. BYU looks for its 11th consecutive victory as it hosts the Sun Devils, who are on a three-game losing streak.

BYU center Keba Keita is listed as "DOUBTFUL" entering the Big 12 Home Opener. Who could start at center if Keita doesn't play?

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with reporters via Zoom on January 6, 2026. Topics discussed included Rob Wright III, thoughts on the rivalry with Utah, an Arizona State preview, Brody Kozlowski, and more.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU Football linebacker Isaiah Glasker is returning for his senior season. The breaking news occurred at the end of this episode.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on Glasker announcing that he is running it back.

Also, exploring the transfer portal activity for BYU football so far. The Cougars are up to 10 players in the portal after NICKEL Tayvion Beasley announced he is going portaling.

Harper shared some thoughts on players who are in the portal that would make sense for BYU.

Also in this episode, Mitch kicked off his season-in-review series for BYU football, looking at the wide receiver unit in 2025.

Then, finally, BYU basketball hosts Arizona State at the Marriott Center on Wednesday night. To get an insider look at the Sun Devils, Mitch was joined by Damon Allred of ArizonaSports.com to get to know Bobby Hurley's squad, and also check-in on ASU football's portal activity.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football lost Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford to Michigan. Despite those moves, BYU has retained some key defensive personnel.

Many BYU players shared "Run It Back" messages, making it clear they would be returning for the 2026 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed those announcements and also the latest on the defensive coordinator search to fill the void left by Jay Hill.

Also, what went right and what went wrong for BYU football in 2025. Harper discussed that.

Then, finally, Cougar Stock Exchange looks at BYU Basketball as the Cougars move up in the AP Top 25 poll. But the talent of AJ Dybantsa shines bright after a road win at Kansas State.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball defeated Kansas State 83-73 to open Big 12 play for the 2025-26 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his takeaways from the win as BYU secures its 10th consecutive win this season.

It's the first 10-game win streak for the Cougars since 2011.

AJ Dybantsa scored 24 points for the Cougars while Rob Wright III dropped 18, and Richie Saunders contributed 13 points. BYU's defense limited Kansas State to only three 3-pointers in the victory.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with reporters on January 1, 2026, to preview the upcoming matchup against Kansas State, Big 12 play, and also the player movement of NBA Draft picks coming to college.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Revisiting the situation between BYU, Jay Hill, and Michigan, and looking at the history of BYU's defenses under Kalani Sitake.

KSL Sports BYU Insider dove into the numbers and examined how BYU has performed historically on defense.

Then, BYU football is expected to lose a quarterback to the transfer portal in McCae Hillstead. He becomes the fifth BYU player who is expected to go portaling when the Transfer Portal opens up on January 2.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Speculation continues to heat up with BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill and the Michigan Wolverines.

What to make of the situation and what could be next for BYU football.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts.

Also, BYU football capped off the 2025 season with a Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Georgia Tech.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

BYU football stormed back from an 11-point deficit to take down Georgia Tech, 25-21, in the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed BYU's big win, the key moments, and other aspects of the Pop-Tarts Bowl victory.

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier was a star in the game, earning Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP honors. Evan Johnson sealed the win with an interception on Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King.

Harper broke down all of the key moments from BYU's win that gave the Cougars a 12th victory in the 2025 season.

Mitch also discussed rumors that BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill as a potential target to join the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff alongside Kyle Whittingham.

Then, he dove into an outlook on personnel for BYU in the 2026 season by position.

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).