Cougar Tailgate

Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU basketball player and pro standout Jonathan Tavernari and BYUtv Sports Producer Hema Heimuli. In this episode of Cougar Tailgate, they discuss the recent hiring of Kevin Young as the new head coach of BYU men's basketball. They discuss their reactions to the hiring, the financial implications, and the unique challenges of recruiting at BYU. They also analyze Young's coaching background and his potential to build on the success of previous coach Mark Pope. They also express optimism about Young's ability to develop players and create a strong program at BYU.

This episode of "Cougar Tailgate" features host Lauren McClain discussing the BYU Cougars' off-season activities with former BYU football stars Mitch Juergens and Brian Logan. They delve into what players do during the break between spring football and summer workouts and explore offseason preparation strategies. The discussion also covers the BYU football team's readiness for their season opener against Southern Illinois, the ongoing quarterback competition, and the decision not to seek additional quarterbacks from the transfer portal. Additionally, the episode examines the depth and potential of the wide receiver group, evaluates the defensive challenges and needs, and debates the impact of NIL agreements and the transfer portal on college football. The conversation aims to provide insight into the complexities of managing team dynamics and continuity amidst the evolving landscape of college football.

BYU Football's Spring practices are coming to a close. Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson and BYU Radio producer Karter Baughan to discuss what excites them before the 2024 football season. Nelson also gives his take and perspective on BYU's current quarterback battle. Lauren, Riley, and Karter also play "Buy or Sell - BYU Football Edition," and close the show discussing their preferred trade destination for former BYU star QB Zach Wilson.

It's time for the Big Dance! The Cougars will face off against 11-seed and Atlantic-10 conference champion Duquesne. Lauren McClain is joined by BYUtv sports producer Hema Heimuli and former BYU basketball player Jonathan Tavernari. Lauren, Hema, and JT preview BYU's matchup against the Dukes and also discuss the potential benefits of not playing on Sunday. JT gives his perspective on what it will take for the Cougars to make a deep run and Lauren. Hema, and JT discuss how far they believe the Cougars can go in the Big Dance. They close the show with rapid fire question surrounding the tournament and each of them give their pick on who will cut down the nets in April.

Taking a quick pause from basketball, Lauren is joined by former football standout, Brian Logan and BYU Sports Producer Ben Bagley to discuss spring ball. All eyes are on the quarterback spot. So who is going to lead the Cougars next season? The trio breaks down where they are most confident and where they are concerned. Plus, a quick interview with Parker Kingston!

It's the end of the regular season so it's time for regular season awards! Lauren is joined by BYU Radio Producers Cleon Wall and Karter Baughan. They begin discussing BYU's heartbreaking loss on the road against Iowa State and then discuss your fan-submitted responses on what your concern about the Cougars rolling into Big-12 play. They close the show giving out regular season awards and playing "Would you Rather?" BYU Basketball edition.

Did BYU get their biggest regular season win in history at Allen Fieldhouse this week? Lauren, Brandon, and Ben debate whether this was the biggest win in BYU men's hoops history and they discuss your fan-submitted responses . They also break down what went well and the importance of the Cougars win over the Jayhawks. Lauren, Ben, and Brandon preview the upcoming TCU matchup, play a game of "Buy or Sell?" and the close the show discussing Pope's postgame comments discussing the importance of the Sabbath for this BYU men's hoops team.

The Cougars got a massive bounce-back win over the 11th-ranked Baylor Bears. Former BYU basketball star Jonathan Tavernari and BYUtv Sports Producer Hema Heimuli join Lauren to break down the positives from the Baylor game. They also discuss your fan-submitted responses and play "Buy or Sell?" regarding BYU men's hoops! They close the show with Jonathan discussing his relationship with his faith and how his faith has changed his life for the better.

Lauren McClain is joined by Carlie Ellett, wife of Chiefs Assistant RB Coach Porter Ellett. Carlie give a behind the scenes look of what Super Bowl day is like. Lauren is also joined by BYUtv producer Brandon Crow and BYUradio senior producer Cleon Wall to discuss all things BYU men's hoops! Lauren, Brandon, and Cleon briefly talk about their takeaways from BYU's narrow win over UCF. They also discuss fan-submitted responses on who the most important player on the team is and which team in the Big-12 should be BYU's rival. They close the show playing "Buy or Sell?" debating whether Fouss should start over Aly Khalifa, whether Dallin Hall deserves more minutes, and whether BYU can steal a win on the road at Iowa State and Kansas.

Check out Chief's assistant coach Porter Ellett's full interview with Lauren McClain as they talk about Kansas City getting ready for the Super Bowl, players watching out for him because he's a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and winning a bet with Travis Kelce.