Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

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

BYU star running back LJ Martin is healthy and ready to roll for his senior season.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

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Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT).

As BYU football opens fall camp this week, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the expectations for first-year defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga. With Jay Hill now at Michigan, "K-Pop" inherits a defense that ranked sixth nationally in returning production and helped BYU go 23-4 over the past two seasons. Poppinga discussed the influence of learning the defense under Hill and the experiences that have prepared him for this moment — 18 years of coaching that trace all the way back to a defensive internship under Bronco Mendenhall. Mitch dives into what that means for BYU in 2026, how much continuity BYU fans should expect, and where Poppinga plans to add his own flavor with a talented and deep roster on that side of the ball.

On the offensive side of the ball, Mitch dives into the wide receivers with Fesi Sitake. Who will emerge as WR1? The leaders, the young guys, Sitake gives insight into his room in a one-on-one conversation with Mitch.

Also on today's episode, Mitch discusses BYU basketball, where the Cougars concluded summer practices. They also officially announced the signing of 6-foot-9 Polish center Jakub Urbaniak. The 23-year-old big man averaged 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds across the EuroCup and PLK last season for Slask Wroclaw and brings FIBA national team experience with Poland. Head coach Kevin Young called Urbaniak a versatile player on both ends of the floor, praising his motor and competitiveness. With BYU still carrying two open roster spots, Mitch explores what Urbaniak's signing means for the Cougars' frontcourt and what Kevin Young may still have in the works before the 2026-27 season tips off.

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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 officially back.

The Cougars kicked off fall camp practice on Wednesday at the Student Athlete Building.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper was on the scene. He shared his observations and thoughts from camp.

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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 running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker spoke to the media following day one of fall camp practice at the Student-Athlete Building in Provo, Utah, on August 5, 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 head coach Kalani Sitake spoke with the media after day one of fall camp practice on August 5, 2026, at the Student-Athlete Building in Provo, Utah.

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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 hired Kelly Poppinga as the new defensive coordinator to replace Jay Hill. Poppinga is excited for the talent he inherits in his first year as the defensive play-caller.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

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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 reacts to the Cougars landing at No. 15 in the 2026 US LBM Coaches Poll — their highest preseason coaches ranking in years and a significant jump from the No. 23 slot they occupied entering the 2025 season. BYU is the second-highest ranked Big 12 team behind No. 12 Texas Tech, with Utah slotting in at No. 21 and Houston at No. 24. Mitch breaks down what the ranking signals about national perception of the program after a 12-2 season, a Big 12 Championship Game appearance, and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory — and whether No. 15 is too high, too low, or just right for a team that finished No. 12 in the final coaches poll a year ago. With the AP Top 25 preseason poll still two weeks away, Mitch discusses where BYU could land there given that composite projections have the Cougars around No. 13 nationally.

He also examines what preseason poll positioning means for BYU's College Football Playoff math come November, and how Kalani Sitake's staff plans to manage the highest expectations in program history without letting them become a distraction.

Then, as players report for fall camp meetings and equipment fittings today with on-field practices beginning Wednesday, Mitch spotlights the under-the-radar names he's most intrigued to watch during media observation periods this August: Siosiua Latu-Finau, Bott Mulitalo, Trevin Ostler, Devoux Tuataga, Maverick McManus, Adney Reid, TJ Johnson, Cole Shuman, Rayden Heintz, and Brody Laga.

Also in this episode, Mitch goes on the recruiting trail to discuss the reclass announcement from five-star basketball recruit AJ Williams, who BYU has offered.

Then, on the gridiron, Mitch sat down with Maple Mountain High star Uhila Wolfgramm to discuss his commitment to BYU and his goals for his upcoming senior year.

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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).

Kalani Sitake is back as BYU's head coach after being pursued by the Penn State Nittany Lions. It's year 11 for Sitake at his alma mater, and he lays out his top goal going into the 2026 season.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

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).

BYU football is back. Leading the charge on offense for the Cougars is sophomore signal-caller Bear Bachmeier.

The Murrieta, California native knows expectations are high entering the 2026 campaign, but he isn't backing down from those lofty goals.

This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app.

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).

Football season is officially here. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper kicks off the week with a loaded Monday edition of Cougar Tracks as BYU football players report for fall camp — the opening chapter of what could be a historic 2026 season in Provo.

Fall Camp Preview — Mitch breaks down everything you need to know as Camp Kalani gets underway. With Bear Bachmeier entrenched as a returning starting quarterback for the first time for BYU since 2023 without a QB competition, the spotlight shifts to wide receiver battles and Year 1 under new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga.

How will Kalani Sitake's squad handle what may be the loftiest preseason expectations in program history coming off a 12-2 campaign? Mitch identifies what is keeping Kalani Sitake up at night entering the season.

1-on-1 with Andrew Gentry — Mitch sits down with BYU starting right tackle Andrew Gentry (#75) for an extended conversation. The 6-8, 315-pound RS-Senior and Michigan transfer discusses what was accomplished during summer conditioning and the offensive line's goals entering camp. Plus, Gentry opens up about his NFL aspirations and using 2026 as his final audition for scouts — following a 2025 season where he started all 14 games and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

New ROC Ticketing Policy Reaction — BYU Athletics dropped major changes to the student ROC Pass system just days before passes go on sale today at 10 a.m. MT. Mitch reacts to the overhaul: football and men's basketball ticket claims will no longer be first-come, first-served, all ticketed events now require individual ticket claims, and students who claim tickets but don't show up will face reduced access going forward. With ROC Passes now priced at $250 and the student section consolidated into the south end zone at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Mitch weighs in on whether these changes fix long-standing frustrations — or create new ones — heading into a season with blockbuster home games against Arizona, Iowa State, and Notre Dame.

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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 and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Nate Slack recapped their day participating in the BYU football media golf classic for the 2026 season at Timpanogos Golf Course.

The guys discussed their round, what they saw on the course, and also intel from their conversation with players and coach Kalani Sitake after the round.

They also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the BYU football program entering the 2026 season. Listen to Mitch and Nate weekly on Cougar Sports Saturday from Noon to 3 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio.

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).

BYU football fall camp is almost here. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the key storylines to watch for in camp.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: Managing the hype machine — BYU ranks 18th nationally in overall returning production and is generating legitimate Big 12 title contender buzz heading into Kalani Sitake's biggest season yet.

How does this coaching staff handle preseason expectations without letting them become a distraction? We talk about the fine line between confidence and complacency. Who steps up at wide receiver? — It's the single biggest question mark on the roster. After losing leading receiver Parker Kingston and the retirement of Cody Hagen after spring camp, BYU has multiple starting spots up for grabs at wideout. We dive into what Jojo Phillips and Kyler Kasper bring, and which newcomers could emerge as difference-makers when the pads come on.

Kelly Poppinga, Year 1 as defensive coordinator — Jay Hill is gone to Michigan, and now the former Cougar linebacker takes the reins of a defense that returns the sixth-most production in the country.

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).

Kevin Young's search for a center is finally over, or at least getting close to the finish line. BYU basketball has reportedly landed a commitment from 6-foot-9 Polish center Jakub Urbaniak, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

The 23-year-old played last season for Slask Wroclaw in Poland's top professional league, averaging 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24 minutes across the EuroCup and PLK, while also representing Poland's senior national team in FIBA World Cup Qualifying.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down how Urbaniak fills BYU's most glaring roster need heading into 2026-27, what his skillset brings to the table, and how many roster spots the Cougars still need to fill before the season tips off.

Then, the conversation shifts to the gridiron. Harper identifies five BYU football players who are ready to take a jump and elevate their games 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).

On this episode of Cougar Tracks, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into the latest around BYU athletics with a heavy focus on BYU basketball and the upcoming BYU football season.

First, we break down BYU basketball’s 2026-27 nonconference schedule, looking at the key matchups, potential resume-building opportunities, and what the slate could mean for the Cougars before Big 12 play begins. We also take a summer outlook at the upcoming BYU basketball season, including roster questions, expectations, and what fans should be watching as the program continues to build momentum.

Then, we shift to football recruiting with the commitment of Orem High EDGE rusher Jag Ioane to BYU and what his addition means for the Cougars’ future.

Finally, Harper discusses expectations for quarterback Bear Bachmeier in 2026, his development, and what his role could look like as BYU continues to shape its offensive future.

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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 athletic director Brian Santiago spoke with KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper at the 2026 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.

They discussed the upcoming BYU football season, how he handles the stresses of watching these games, and his expectations for Kalani Sitake's team this fall.

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).

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake is entering his 11th season at his alma mater. During an interview at Big 12 Media Days with Mitch Harper, Sitake discussed expectations for the upcoming season, injury updates, offensive tempo, defensive style of play, and more.

Also in this episode, Mitch breaks down BYU Athletics' new partnership patch with Entrata, which will be worn on BYU football uniforms beginning in 2026.

Then, finally, the Big 12 coaches believe BYU will win the Big 12 Conference this fall. Mitch explains why that could happen this season.

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).

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper recapped Day 1 of Big 12 Football Media Days, where BYU took center stage inside The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Mitch gave analysis and intel on things he heard around BYU on day one.

He also shared his thoughts on Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's state-of-the-conference address, in which Yormark introduced Monster Energy drinks as an entitlement sponsor. 

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).

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke to reporters at the 2026 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7, 2026.

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).

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark spoke to the media at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7, 2026.

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).

Football season is here as the Big 12 Media Days have arrived. The annual event once again takes place at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the practice home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

Unlike the previous three years in the Big 12, BYU football enters Media Days as one of the big storylines and is viewed as a league favorite.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the key storylines entering the Monster Energy Drink Big 12 Media Days.

Also, dives into his ballot for the Big 12 All-Conference football team.

Then, finally, BYU football picked up a few more commitments in Kyle Nabrotzky and Peyton Higginson. Mitch dove into those commitments. 

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).

BYU football lands a commitment from four-star EDGE rusher Uhila Wolfgramm out of Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Wolfgramm picked BYU over the Oklahoma Sooners, in a tightly contested recruiting battle that went down to the finish line.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on BYU landing Wolfgramm and what it means for the Cougars 2027 recruiting class.

Who's next? There are some key decisions coming up.

When it comes to recruiting, everyone is keeping tabs on 2027, but don't sleep on the future signal-callers. Mitch caught up with American Fork High QB Jake Matsen, a class of 2029 prospect, to discuss his recruitment.

Then, finally, EA Sports College Football 27 is out. Mitch shares the 10 highest-rated BYU players over the last 25 years in 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 football picked up a commitment from four-star wide receiver Blake Wong out of Norco, California.

Wong hopped on the Cougar Tracks Podcast with KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper to discuss why he picked the Cougars over a final list of schools that included Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, and Utah.

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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 piece together its 2027 recruiting class. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down some of the recent moves with Blake Wong committing and the misses of Bode Sparrow (Oklahoma) and Brody Rudnicki (Cal).

Should BYU fans be panicking about where the 2027 recruiting class stands?

Mitch lays out thoughts on the class and areas where it can improve.

BYU basketball has a coaching change with Will Voigt taking a role at Boise State.

Also on the hardwood, Mitch caught up with BYU basketball returned missionary Brooks Bahr. Bahr discussed his experience serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his expectations for the upcoming season as a freshman.

Then, finally, the 32nd annual Phil Steele College Football Preview thinks highly of BYU football.

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).

BYU basketball star Richie Saunders was selected in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft at pick number 32 by the Memphis Grizzlies.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the landing spot for Saunders with the Grizzlies, and reflected on his college career with the Cougars.

Saunders' old BYU teammate, AJ Dybantsa, has a new jersey number in the nation's capital, as he's going with number four with the Washington Wizards.

Current BYU star guard Rob Wright III rolled up to a Pro-Am game in the Powder League and nearly had a triple-double with 45 points.

Mitch was on location at the game and shared his thoughts on the performance. 

There are changes taking place to the College Football calendar, along with the impact of 5-in-5 eligibility from the NCAA.

Finally, EA Sports College Football 27 ratings leak. Who are the top 10 players for BYU football in this year's video game? Mitch dove into that.

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).