Cougar Tailgate

BYU's Associate Athletic Director of External Operations and Deputy Athletic Director Brian Santiago join the show. Lauren and David discuss what Cougar fans should expect going into the Big 12 and the big party this weekend. Lauren and Brian discuss the process of joining the Big 12 from his perspective and where excitement levels should be for Cougar fans.

Lauren and Cleon reminisce on their favorite moments from the Cougars time in Independance. They discuss what they will miss about the Cougars being in Independent and what Lauren and Cleon are looking forward to most joining the Big 12. They close with Independance/WCC trivia during BYU's time in the Big 12!

Should Cougar fans be worried about the Big 12? Don't worry! Lauren and Cleon are here to guide BYU fans through potential expectations. Cleon thinks you should keep those expectations low. The duo then votes on which former BYU players they would like back in Provo after former coaches John Wardenburg and Kelly Poppinga were hired to return. And they test their knowledge with some BYU sports trivia.

Everyone loves a good tailgate. This week on Cougar Tailgate, Lauren and Cleon rank which tailgates they would want to attend based on the six road games the Cougars have this season. They also discuss which college football program they would most like to tailgate at.

The Big 12 is hunting for more teams to join the conference. It's almost like an episode of The Bachelor, with some schools playing it cool and others desperately hoping to get that final rose. Lauren and Cleon list the realistically eligible schools and whether or not a rose should be given to them. Or should we give them a Cougar Tail? Also, BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts talks to us about his health and what we can look forward to next football season. And BYU Baseball's 3rd baseman Austin Deming prepares for his final home games at Miller Park.

BYU fans have talked about a nickname for Lavell Edwards Stadium, but what about the Marriott Center? Lauren and Cleon discuss their favorite nicknames for the Marriott Center. They also pick their favorite venue to watch a BYU sporting event. Plus, you'll hear from Cougar defensive backs Jakob Robinson and Malik Moore and tight end Ethan Erickson.

The transfer portal has put Cougar fans on a roller coaster of emotions. Lauren and Cleon dive in and dissect the latest BYU transfer portal news in men's basketball and football. They also get into Jaren Hall, Puka Nacua, and Blake Freeland getting drafted. A Cougar who has lived through the portal drama is new BYU basketball big man Aly Khalifa. He talks about why he chose BYU, his basketball influences, and the importance of his faith.

School is out for summer here at BYU. Lauren and Cleon dive into their BYU Sports yearbook superlatives, like the most likely to win a national championship or who could be the next president. Cougar outfielder Cole Gambill's career is coming to a close for the Bat Cats. He joins the show to talk about his final season and what it's like being married to a national champ.

The pressure is on for Jay Hill's defensive unit. All eyes will be on them in BYU Football's inaugural season in the Big 12. Newcomer Eddie Heckard and old-timer Tyler Batty give us the scoop on what to expect from Coach Hill's defense next season. If Hill's defenders play well, they might be favored in some games later in the season. But ESPN only favors the Cougar football team once in conference play and that BYU will win around five conference games. So, what do Lauren and Cleon think about those predictions?

Coach Shawn Olmstead has not had many down years as BYU's Men's Volleyball head coach, but last year was one of those years. He sits down to talk about how his #6 ranked Cougar team has bounced back this season. Lauren and Cleon also give their gut reactions on the most relevant top news from BYU's biggest sports teams.