Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

BYU football gets to sit back and enjoy the Halloween holiday with the bye week. Kalani Sitake shared a funny story from a Halloween memory since becoming BYU's head coach. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper has a tradition around Halloween, where he begins piecing together the outlook for the following season. He shared some way-way-way-way-too-early thoughts on 2026. Also, in this episode, we get an insider look at the Villanova Wildcats as BYU Basketball prepares to take on the Big East powerhouse in Las Vegas on Monday night. Willy Annon from the "Full 40: A Villanova Basketball Podcast" joined the show to give us the rundown on the 'Nova. Finally, Mitch gives his week 10 Big 12 football picks as Utah-Cincinnati and Texas Tech-Kansas State highlight the slate. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

The most anticipated season in BYU Basketball history is about to tip off. BYU basketball enters the 2025-26 season ranked No. 8 in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. They are led by second-year head coach Kevin Young, who assembled a roster that features First Team All-Big 12 performer Richie Saunders. Young went to work and landed the No. 1 recruit in the country in AJ Dybantsa. The 6-foot-9 wing/guard could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft next June.  BYU also brings in Baylor transfer guard Rob Wright III to anchor the point guard spot. BYU boasts a loaded roster with a wealth of talent. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper previews the upcoming season with an interview with Kevin Young, along with sound from Rob Wright, Richie Saunders, and AJ Dybantsa in this season preview of the show. Mitch also gives his season predictions for the Cougars this season and the end destination. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football quarterback Bear Bachmeier is the driving force behind the Cougars 8-0 start in the 2025 season. The true freshman signal-caller is garnering attention from the Manning Award and FOX's Gus Johnson for his play in leading BYU to a perfect start heading into November. BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake addressed the media this week and didn't have any new updates on the status of running back LJ Martin. Sitake did discuss the increased workload for Bear Bachmeier. Will College Gameday be in Lubbock, Texas, for BYU versus Texas Tech? It's possible.  BYU football rolled out a new helmet for the Texas Tech game. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on the new lid. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke with reporters during the second bye week of the 2025 season. The Cougars are 8-0 Overall, 5-0 in Big 12 play. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football moves into the bye week with an 8-0 record after defeating the Iowa State Cyclones. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares some closing thoughts on the win. Harper also goes into detail about his weekly stock exchange report. Finally, BYU is now tied for 10th in the AP Top 25 poll—the disrespect from the pollsters. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

No. 11 BYU football stormed back from a double-digit deficit to find a way to take down Iowa State 41-27 at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cougars remain undefeated this season with an 8-0 overall record and 5-0 mark in Big 12 play. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper was in Ames for the game, and he broke down BYU's big win over the Cyclones. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier was excellent, throwing for more than 300 yards in the win. BYU wide receivers Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston each had more than 100 yards in receiving. Faletau Satuala had a game-clinching pick-six against Rocco Becht to put BYU up for good. This team finds ways to make adjustments and always pulls out victories despite the hurdles placed in front of them, including injuries, most notably to running back LJ Martin. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU Football players spoke to the media after the 11th-ranked Cougars defeated Iowa State, 41-27, at Jack Trice Stadium. Players who spoke to the media include: QB Bear Bachmeier DE Logan Lutui SAF Faletau Satuala WR Parker Kingston WR Chase Roberts 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke to reporters after the 11th-ranked Cougars defeated Iowa State 41-27 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, on October 25, 2025. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with reporters after No. 8 BYU defeated No. 25 North Carolina, 78-76, in exhibition play at the Delta Center on October 24, 2025, in Salt Lake City. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

No. 11 BYU football takes on the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Despite being undefeated and atop the Big 12 Conference standings, BYU enters the game against Iowa State as an underdog. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the matchup, highlighting key matchups and storylines. BYU has never defeated Iowa State in its history. Will the Cougars get a win on Saturday afternoon in Ames? Mitch shares his score prediction for a game that should be a tightly contested Big 12 clash. BYU basketball takes on the North Carolina Tar Heels tonight in an exhibition game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. It's a Top 25 clash in the preseason. Also, in this episode of Cougar Tracks, Mitch catches up with BYU athletics director Brian Santiago to discuss the football team and the upcoming season for BYU Basketball. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football coordinators Aaron Roderick (offense) and Jay Hill (defense) preview No. 11 BYU's Big 12 road matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones in Ames. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

Big 12 basketball coaches, including BYU's Kevin Young, participated in a roundtable conversation discussing college basketball and the Big 12. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

The 2025-26 BYU basketball team is the most anticipated season in Cougar hoops history. BYU enters the year with a preseason No. 8 ranking in the AP Top 25. They are picked to finish second in the Big 12 preseason poll, and have a preseason All-American on the roster in AJ Dybantsa. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper was in Kansas City for Big 12 Media Days. He shared his observations and notes from Media Days, along with interviews with Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa. In this episode of Cougar Tracks, you'll also hear breakout sound from head coach Kevin Young with the media. Also, Mitch shared his week nine Big 12 football predictions in this episode. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

The future of the College Football Playoff format is a hot topic in college sports as a deadline looms to figure out what the format will be for the 2026 season and beyond. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark shared some commentary on the College Football Playoff during Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on what the Big 12 and BYU need regarding the Playoff. BYU women's basketball went through the Big 12 Media Days event. You'll hear from head coach Lee Cummard in this episode. Then, finally, BYU football continues preparations for the Iowa State Cyclones this Saturday in Ames. Mitch caught up with BYU starting offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell to recap his performance in the win over Utah and get his thoughts on the Cyclones. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark had a press conference at Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center on October 21, 2025. Among the topics included were the SCORE Act, College Sports Commission, Big 12 basketball investment, and expansion in the NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

The big storyline for No. 11 BYU football this week in preparation for Iowa State is avoiding the post-Utah letdown. What are they doing differently this year compared to last season? KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed.  Big 12 Basketball Media Days are taking place this week in Kansas City. On Wednesday, BYU Men's Basketball will take center stage. On Tuesday, the BYU Women's Basketball team will take the spotlight at Big 12 Media Days as they continue preparations for year one under head coach Lee Cummard. To prepare you for the upcoming season, Mitch caught up with former BYU women's star and new assistant coach on Lee Cummard's staff, Paisley Johnson-Harding. Finally, Bear Bachmeier is the definition of BYU football's "Hungry and Humble" mantra. Why he continues to thrive at BYU. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football players Weylin Lapuaho (IOL), Parker Kingston (WR), and Jack Kelly (LB) spoke with the media on Monday, October 20, 2025, to preview the upcoming matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake spoke with the media on Zoom previewing the upcoming matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones in Ames. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football defeated rival Utah, 24-21, over the weekend. It was the Cougars third consecutive win over the Utes in the series. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper played sound from Kalani Sitake, Bear Bachmeier, and Chase Roberts following the Cougars' win. Harper also shared his in-depth observations from the rewatch of the BYU's win over the Utes that included the 22-yard touchdown run by Bear Bachmeier, Chase Roberts' touchdown, Parker Kingston's touchdown to get BYU back in front, and the final onside kick attempt. Finally, Mitch dove into the weekly stock exchange for what's trending up and trending down in the world of BYU football. What will always trend up for Kalani Sitake is his relationship with Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

BYU football defeated rival Utah for the third consecutive time in the series. The Cougars knocked off the Utes, 24-21, as an underdog on October 18, 2025. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper and Cougar Sports Saturday co-host Kyle Ireland shared their thoughts and reaction to BYU's big win over the Utes that improves the Cougars' record to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in Big 12 play. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier shined for BYU, particularly on his 22-yard touchdown run to put the Cougars in front by two possessions. BYU's defense had Faletau Satuala as the leading tackler. Safety Tanner Wall recorded an interception. BYU running back LJ Martin carried the ball 26 times for 122 yards in the win. What does this victory mean for the Cougars? Mitch and Kyle broke it down. 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). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593