Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

The recruiting trail is busy for BYU sports these days. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the latest for basketball and football on the trail, which includes the football staff making an in-home visit to quarterback Brody Rudnicki.

BYU football spring tour continues as we look at the TCU Horned Frogs entering the 2026 season. To get a better idea of the Horned Frogs this upcoming year, Mitch was joined by J.D. Andress of TCU on Sports Illustrated to break it down. BYU travels to TCU on Saturday, October 3.

Then, finally, Mitch caught up with Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave at the end of spring practices. Uluave looks ahead to the upcoming 2026 season.

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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 is up to three commitments in the class of 2027, with the latest being Jeremiah Williams from Tustin, California.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on the recruiting trail for the Cougars.

He also discussed a quarterback who BYU offered for the class of 2028.

BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa rolled out a new signature logo in partnership with Nike. What are your thoughts on the logo?

Then, finally, there are reports that the NCAA Tournament is set to expand to 76 teams starting with the 2026-27 season.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing for college basketball?

Mitch weighs in on the conversation and plays a soundbite from NCAA President Charlie Baker, who was asked by Mitch what the association gains from expanding the tournament.

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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).

On this episode of the Cougar Tracks Podcast, KSL Sports BYU Insider MitchHarper breaks down the potential fallout from the gambling scandal involving Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby and what it could mean for BYU football's chances to win the 2026 Big 12 title.

Mitch also continues the 2026 BYU Spring Football Opponent Tour with a look at former WAC and MWC rival Colorado State.

Kevin Lytle from The Coloradoan joined Mitch to discuss the Rams in 2026 as they get set to kick off year one of the Jim Mora era in their transition to the Pac-12 Conference.

To wrap things up, Mitch broke down the potential top prospects from the BYU football program for the 2027 NFL Draft.

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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 hosted five-star center in the class of 2027 Obinna Ekezie Jr. over the weekend on an official visit.

Then on Monday, Ekezie put out his top five schools with BYU being in the mix.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on Ekezie Jr., the possibility of reclassifying, and BYU's continued search for a center.

AJ Dybantsa expressed a heartfelt goodbye message to BYU on his personal LinkedIn page, days after officially declaring for the 2026 NBA draft.

Finally, BYU football produced two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft with Jack Kelly to the New York Giants and Carsen Ryan to the Cleveland Browns.

Mitch weighed in on the fits for those two former BYU football players as they get opportunities in the league.

Then, finally, the spring football tour continues as we look at the Arizona Wildcats in 2026 with Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star. BYU hosts the Wildcats on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in a week two Big 12 Conference showdown.

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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).

The NCAA Transfer Portal window for men's college basketball is officially closed. It was a wild two weeks. What did we learn about BYU basketball from the portal window?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts, plus breaks down where the roster currently stands.

BYU has a powerhouse program within the athletic department, the Cheer Team. Mitch caught up with BYU Cheer Head Coach Jocelyn Allan to discuss her squad's National Championship victory in the Game Day Division IA in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's the second consecutive year BYU Cheer has won a National Championship.

Then, finally, you'll hear an interview Mitch had with BYU senior linebacker Isaiah Glasker. The senior decided to run it back for one final season with 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).

The NFL draft kicks off on Thursday and runs through Saturday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. How many BYU football players will hear their name called?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into that.

The top candidates to be selected appear to be LB Jack Kelly, WR Chase Roberts, and DBs Mory Bamba and Tanner Wall.

One NFL General Manager discussed the age of prospects and how his franchise views that in preparing for a draft class. BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts enters the draft process at the age of 25 years old.

Finally, Mitch closes out this episode of the podcast by kicking off the spring football opponent tour.

BYU opens the 2026 season against the Utah Tech Trailblazers, who are moving to the Big Sky Conference this fall.

Mitch caught up with Devin Dixon, Host of "The Drive" on The Fan in St. George, to discuss the outlook for the 2026 Trailblazers, who roll into Provo on Saturday, September 5.

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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 quarterback Bear Bachmeier enters his sophomore season with the Cougars.

The reigning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year discussed how his life has changed since arriving at BYU less than a year ago.

He also went into how this offense will change in 2026. Also, in this episode of Cougar Tracks, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed BYU basketball's pursuit of a front-court player and the need to get a big man.

He also looked at recent trends in terms of size for Final Four teams over the past four years.

Then, finally, Mitch attended the Under Armour Next Camp at West High School with some of the top high school football players in the state and the region. He shared some observations and recruiting tidbits.

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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).

After securing a signing from Rob Wright III to withdraw from the Transfer Portal and landing Collin Chandler and Jake Wahlin, BYU basketball continues to build out the roster for the 2026-27 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the latest with roster construction for the Cougars as they gear up for year three under head coach Kevin Young.

BYU football recruiting is heating up for the class of 2027. Mitch shares some updates on the recruiting trail. He also discussed the uncommitted prospects BYU has offered, who he is high on in the class of 2027.

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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 gets Rob Wright III to return out of the Transfer Portal, spurning the Kentucky Wildcats in the process. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the return of Wright to BYU and what it means for the Cougars in 2027. BYU also received a commitment from Clemson Tigers transfer Jake Wahlin. Mitch broke down that addition as Wahlin returns home to Provo. Then, finally, breaking down where the roster stands for the 2026-27 season after these moves.

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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 picked up a commitment from Syracuse transfer forward Tyler Betsey. The Windsor, Connecticut native was a former Top-50 recruit in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the commitment. He also discussed the official signing of Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler to BYU.

Then, the latest portal possibilities and options for BYU basketball in the 2026 cycle.

On the football front, there's a new billboard featuring head coach Kalani Sitake that you'll see when driving Northbound on I-15.

Finally, Mitch caught up with BYU star cornerback Evan Johnson as he prepares for his final year as a Cougar.

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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 picked up its first transfer portal commitment of the 2026 cycle over the weekend when Kentucky combo guard Collin Chandler announced he's returning "home" to play for BYU.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts on Chandler committing to BYU.

A total of eight BYU players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, the latest being Aleksej Kostic.

Also, could BYU get Rob Wright III to exit the portal and come back to Provo? He's on a visit to Kentucky right now.

Then, Mitch looks at potential portal prospects as portal activity continues at a fast pace.

Finally, on the BYU football front, a conversation with captain and star defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, who is returning for one final season in 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).

Spring football is in the rearview mirror for BYU football. Coming up will be summer conditioning, followed by Fall Camp.

To get a sense of who the top players are in the program right now, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his post-spring depth chart projection for the 2026 season.

Harper broke down the offense, defense, and special teams units coming out of spring practices.

Mitch also discussed the Big 12 Conference moving Saturday games to weeknights. BYU football's game against Iowa State was moved to a Friday night.

Then, finally, the latest in basketball transfer portal talk as former BYU player Xavion Staton finds a new landing spot. And all eyes on the decision from Collin Chandler.

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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).

The transfer portal isn't slowing down for anyone. BYU basketball has six players in the portal as of Thursday, with Kennard Davis Jr., Tyler Mrus, and JUCO transfer KJ Perry the latest entries.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the entries.

He also goes into the discussion around Kentucky combo guard Collin Chandler. Will BYU land the former Farmington High star, who was once a BYU commit in high school? 

Also, in this episode of the podcast, Mitch is joined by BYU Sports Network studio host/play-by-play voice Matt Baiamonte. Mitch and Matt were co-hosts of KSL NewsRadio's Cougar Sports Saturday and Cougar Nation from 2019 to 2025.

They get into the basketball portal activity. Matt gives his thoughts on Rob Wright III entering the portal. What BYU needs to add out of the portal.

Also, they get into BYU football talk as spring practices wrapped up in Provo last week.

Then they close out the conversation with an update on BYU baseball. Matt has called a lot of games for Trent Pratt's squad. He shares what the trajectory of the program is looking like right now.

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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 guard Rob Wright III and forward Dominique Diomande entered the NCAA Transfer Portal.

What's next for BYU basketball in building up the roster for the 2026-27 season?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke it down in the latest episode of the Cougar Tracks Podcast. Also, exploring players BYU could target in the Transfer Portal from the guard line.

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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).

The Transfer Portal is officially open for Men's College Basketball, and BYU basketball has one player who has entered the portal.

That player is center Xavion Staton, who, at the time he committed, was once the highest-rated recruit BYU landed in the internet era. What about players BYU is pursuing?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared some players who would make sense for BYU basketball as it navigates the transfer portal.

When one season ends, it's time to start looking ahead to the next one. Immediately after the Michigan Wolverines won the National Championships, Way-Too-Early Top 25 polls for the 2026-27 were starting to come out.

BYU was among the teams that national pundits ranked among the Top 25 next season.

Switching over to the gridiron, Mitch breaks down the 10 players who he believes improved their stock during BYU's 15 spring practices.

Then finally, Mitch caught up with BYU football starting center Bruce Mitchell to recap spring and preview Mitchell's final year as a BYU Cougar.

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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).

The NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal window is set to open on April 7 and run until April 21. BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young has said this is a "buckle up" type of deal.

Setting the stage for the upcoming two weeks of portal activity.

Staying with basketball, BYU star AJ Dybantsa was named the winner of the Julius Erving Award, given to the best small forward in college basketball. What this means for Dybantsa long-term with BYU.

BYU football closed out spring practices with an Alumni Game in which Team Royal defeated Team Navy 29-22. Norm Chow coached Team Royal and Robbie Bosco coached Team Navy.

Then, finally, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with BYU running back LJ Martin to close out spring practices.

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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 wrapped up spring practices for the 2026 season. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his takeaways from what he learned in spring ball about this BYU squad.

Some of the key takeaways centered around the wide receiver group, tight ends, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier.

Also, year one under defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.

Then, finally, what does Indiana's National Championship do to inject hope and optimism that BYU could reach those same heights?

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke with reporters via Zoom on April 2, 2026, to close out spring practices.

Sitake is entering his 11th season as BYU's head coach.

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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 defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick spoke with the media on April 2, 2026, on the final day of spring practices.

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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 star AJ Dybantsa has not formally announced the next move in his career. Many assume it will be the NBA, as he is projected to be the No. 1 pick in next June's NBA draft.

But Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg offered an interesting perspective during an interview with Pat McAfee that Dybantsa should consider as he makes his decision.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts. Also, in this episode of Cougar Tracks, Mitch broke down the performance of BYU basketball commit Bruce Branch III in the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game.

Then, he also dove into the NCAA, proposing potential suspensions and fines for "Ghost Transfers." Will this actually work?

Also, Mitch caught up with BYU cornerback Jayven Williams, a new transfer from Mississippi State. Along with a conversation with 2027 commit Tytan Dejong from Mountain Ridge High School.

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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 has a lot of star power returning, with Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin leading the way on offense. But what about the guys behind those players? BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shared his thoughts on the depth at QB and RB for the 2026 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on those position groups. BYU football gets on the board for the class of 2027 with its first commitment. Mountain Ridge High School standout Tytan Dejong committed. 

Then, finally, BYU basketball five-star commitment Bruce Branch III is preparing to play in the McDonald's All-American Game tonight in Glendale, Arizona.

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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).

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with BYU Sports Network analyst Hans Olsen to discuss spring practices. Olsen shared his thoughts on the offensive line's growth, BYU's tight end unit, and more in this conversation with Harper.

They also discussed the new contract extension for head coach Kalani Sitake.

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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).

The offseason never sleeps on Cougar Tracks, and neither do we.

In this episode, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into BYU football's initial SP+ rating entering the 2026 season and what those early analytics might be telling us about expectations for the Cougars in the Big 12 and nationally.

Mitch also dives into basketball, where the women's basketball team advanced to the WBIT Semifinals after defeating Stanford.

He also shares his thoughts on some transfer portal prospects who have caught his attention.

Then, finally, he caught up with BYU football sophomore EDGE rusher Hunter Clegg.

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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 nears the finish line of spring practices for the 2026 season. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper gives the latest updates from spring camp.

Kalani Sitake believes new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga has exceeded expectations so far in spring ball.

Also, one of the challenges of spring is finding a nice balance between achieving goals and keeping players healthy in the roster limit era. Returning production numbers by ESPN's Bill Connelly.

BYU ranks among the nation's best in returning production entering the 2026 season. What does that mean for the floor for this BYU team in 2026?

College Basketball is entering a golden era for viewership in the NCAA Tournament. What does that mean for BYU hoops going forward? 

Then, finally, Mitch Harper caught up with BYU wide receiver Reggie Frischknecht at spring practices as he prepares for his redshirt sophomore season.

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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 is now in the offseason. When one season ends, it's already time to begin looking ahead to the next one.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper takes an early look at 2026-27 roster construction for year three under head coach Kevin Young.

Mitch goes player-by-player and also plays clips from Kevin Young and Dawson Baker.

Also, in this episode, Mitch shares some takeaways from BYU football Pro Day. 

Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly were expected to show well, and they did. But players such as Mory Bamba and Tanner Wall impressed with their testing results.

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).