Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

BYU basketball picked up a commitment from former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler.

Kohler picked BYU over Kentucky, Kansas, and Louisville. He gives BYU a big man who competed in the NBA Summer League over the past summer.

Kohler, an American Fork, Utah native is eligible due to a court injunction that gives him the ability to take advantage of a fifth year in the new 5-in-5 rule.

During his senior season at Michigan State, Kohler was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his reaction to the commitment and what it could mean for BYU's potential lineup in the 2026-27 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).

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

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 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

A big storyline for BYU football entering the 2026 season is at wide receiver. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discusses the latest with the wide receiver unit and who might be the top five players emerging in that position group.

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shared some thoughts on the receivers who are performing well during fall camp practices. From Jojo Phillips to Reggie Frischknecht and Tiger Bachmeier, Mitch breaks down the latest with that wide receiver unit that looks to replace Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston.

Also, offensive line talk as the Cougars continue to navigate fall camp with third-year offensive line coach TJ Woods.

Then, finally, CFB Twitter is buzzing about fall weddings. Mitch gives his thoughts and his personal experience with fall weddings.

His experience might surprise you.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper starts today's show from the practice fields after another eventful day at BYU football fall camp. Day 11 took place Tuesday at the Student-Athlete Building, where media were allowed to watch the final 20 minutes. 

Mitch shares his observations from the media window — who flashed, which position battles are tightening up, and how the Cougars are shaping up entering the final stretch before the September 5 opener against Utah Tech. With BYU checking in at No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25, the expectations are real, and the on-field product at practice is reflecting that.

Then Mitch pivots to the hardwood, where the 5-in-5 eligibility injunctions have turned BYU basketball's roster construction into one of the most fascinating storylines in college hoops. A temporary restraining order in California allows for Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler to be able to enter the portal and have another year of college eligibility. Could BYU get him?

The American Fork, Utah, native who started for Tom Izzo and played in the Utah Jazz Summer League is considering Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, and BYU for his fifth year. Mitch breaks down how the injunction works, why the transfer portal rules add another layer of complexity, and what landing Kohler would mean for a BYU basketball team building around Rob Wright, Bruce Branch III, and Collin Chandler.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with some BYU football players at fall camp practice.

At the beginning of this episode, you'll hear a combined interview with BYU's special teams unit. Kicker Matthias Dunn and Punter Fuller Shurtz. Then long snapper Ty Smith joins the mix later in the episode.

The episode closes out with Mitch catching up with cornerback Kevin Doe. An athletic corner who continues to learn the game of football and appears primed to have a role this season in the cornerback room.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

The preseason AP Top 25 is out and BYU checks in at No. 14, tied with USC with 839 points. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper reacts to the Cougars' highest preseason ranking since the 1985 season, the year after BYU's national championship. It's only the 13th time in program history BYU has appeared in the preseason AP poll and just the second time in the Kalani Sitake era. Four Big 12 teams made the cut — Texas Tech at No. 12, BYU at No. 14, Utah at No. 21, and Houston at No. 23 — and BYU's October 17 home date with No. 4 Notre Dame is already circled in red. Historically, BYU has finished higher than its preseason AP ranking only twice (1981, 2009). Can the Cougars make it a third? Mitch discusses what this ranking means for expectations, the College Football Playoff picture, and how voters are viewing BYU's returning production, headlined by Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier.

The ongoing Kalani Sitake–BYU football resources and athletic department remains front and center for pockets of Cougar Nation. The speculation that dominated the past two weeks shows no signs of fading, even as the season draws closer. Since Sitake told reporters at picture day, "I'm easy to get along with as long as you take care of our football team," the conversation has only intensified. Sitake's earlier comment that BYU has been "given the challenge of doing the most with the least" added fuel. The hiring of Kentucky's Marc Hill as deputy AD and Santiago's need to post on CougarBoard to debunk firing rumors have kept this story in the backdrop of fall camp.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts and insight into the situation and makes it clear that BYU has to take care of Kalani Sitake.

Finally, Mitch recaps an eventful scrimmage as BYU enters week three of fall camp. The Cougars ran 102 plays at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, and the offense had the upper hand. Bear Bachmeier was in a "great rhythm," according to Sitake, who gave the offense a "slight edge" over the defense. 

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

First-year BYU assistant QB coach Tyler Hughes worked under Bill Belichick at the New England Patriots. Belichick is one of the mentors in Hughes' coaching career.

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).

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

Despite being a big question mark, BYU football coaches are quietly optimistic for the BYU wide receiver unit entering the 2026 season. What should expectations be for this group that lacks a proven No. 1 receiver this season?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts and broke down the receiver unit that includes Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Legend Glasker, Tiger Bachmeier, Reggie Frischknecht, and others. 

In this episode, Mitch also caught up with BYU tight end Roger Saleapaga II. The Oregon transfer has settled in nicely within the BYU offense and is expected to be one of the top players on the team.

The 2026-27 NBA schedule was out. We now know when AJ Dybantsa's debut will take place, the games with former BYU players rolling into Salt Lake City, and more.

Then, finally, the top BYU football recruits to watch during the 2026 Utah High School Football season. From the current commits with Uhila Wolfgramm from Maple Mountain to top uncommitted prospects such as Jake Matsen from American Fork, Mitch gives you a primer on prep prospects to follow this fall on KSL Sports.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

It was a busy Wednesday at the BYU Student Athlete Building, and KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper unpacks all of it.

The biggest headline: Kalani Sitake met with reporters at team photo day and addressed the elephant in the room — his relationship with athletic director Brian Santiago and his recent comments about BYU's resources. After saying on a recent radio interview that BYU has been "given the challenge of doing the most with the least," Sitake was pressed on what that means going forward. His answer was direct: "My agent's going to handle all of that stuff. I'm going to focus on this year's team. As long as I'm the head coach at BYU, I'm going to fight like crazy to make this a premier program." And on his relationship with Santiago? "I'm easy to get along with as long as you take care of our football team."

Mitch breaks down the context — Sitake turning down Penn State last winter, the recent Santiago rumors, the hiring of new deputy AD Marc Hill from Kentucky — and what it all signals about the current state of the BYU athletic department heading into a critical season.

Also on today's episode, Mitch chats with BYU assistant quarterbacks coach Tyler Hughes. The Salt Lake City native joins the Cougars in his first year after a career that includes four NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, a stint as an offensive analyst at Alabama under Kalen DeBoer. Hughes also brings local roots as a former head coach at Bountiful High School and Snow College. In the interview, Hughes discusses working alongside offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick to develop Bear Bachmeier heading into his sophomore campaign, what he's seen from the quarterback room through fall camp, and his journey from the NFL back to the college game.

And to close things out, Mitch recaps Picture Day inside the Indoor Practice Facility. BYU football took a day off from practice as players and coaches gathered for the official team photo on the outdoor practice field before heading inside the IPF. Mitch shares the scene, the vibe, and notes from a midweek break in the second week of camp as the Cougars continue building toward their September 5 opener against Utah Tech.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

Big news in the BYU Athletics front office. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the hiring of Marc Hill as BYU's new deputy athletic director. Hill arrives in Provo after spending 27 years at the University of Kentucky, where he served as deputy director of athletics since 2019 and was the football sport administrator since 2012.

Hill was widely considered the frontrunner to succeed longtime Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart before the school went with an external hire in J Batt. At Kentucky, Hill helped spearhead major facility projects, including a $130 million football stadium renovation, a $49 million baseball stadium, and a $19 million soccer/softball complex. BYU AD Brian Santiago called Hill "a great fit" who brings "a wealth of experience from the highest level of collegiate athletics." BYU advancement VP Keith Vorkink added that Hill's "experience, leadership and alignment with BYU's values" make him an excellent addition. This hire comes just days after the athletic department had to publicly shut down false rumors about Santiago's job status. Mitch discusses what Hill's arrival means for BYU's administrative infrastructure, Kalani Sitake's desire for additional support at the top, and how this fits into the bigger picture of the program's growth in the Big 12.

Also on today's episode, Mitch sits down with BYU football outside linebackers coach Chad Kauha'aha'a. The veteran defensive coach, a former Utah defensive lineman, was promoted from senior analyst to outside linebackers coach in February after spending two seasons behind the scenes on Kalani Sitake's staff. Kauha'aha'a brings over two decades of coaching experience at programs including USC, UCLA, Wisconsin, Utah, Oregon State, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, and Weber State. He and Sitake have a long coaching history together, dating back to their time on the same staff at Oregon State and at Utah. In the interview, Coach Kauha'aha'a discusses developing BYU's edge rushers heading into 2026, what he's seen from his outside linebackers group through fall camp, and what it means to be coaching on the field after two years as an analyst.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

Rumors spread like wildfire across social media and fan message boards over the weekend that BYU athletic director Brian Santiago could be fired. It wasn't true. But did it add to the speculation? KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down what happened, how BYU's athletic department took the unusual step of having Associate AD for Communications Jon McBride post directly on CougarBoard to officially shut down the speculation.

Santiago, who was named BYU's athletic director in May 2025 after Tom Holmoe's retirement, was spotted on the sideline at a BYU women's soccer game over the weekend and was at fall camp practice on Monday in a navy blue bucket hat.

Co-worker Tyson Hutchins confirmed BYU created the official message board account earlier this year as a way to meet fans where they are — and called the rumor "ridiculous." In his first year leading the department, BYU finished No. 25 in the Learfield Directors' Cup Standings, the highest-ranked athletic department in the Big 12. Mitch shares his thoughts on the situation.

Mitch shares his observations and notes from BYU football fall camp as the Cougars enter their second week of practice at the Student Athlete Building.

True freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker continued to flash with the first-team offense, catching a deep ball from Bear Bachmeier during the media observation window. The tight end duo of Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga is emerging as a focal point of BYU's 12-personnel packages, with both making plays in team drills. Kelly Poppinga is settling into his first fall camp as defensive coordinator, and Kalani Sitake has praised the overall team speed as a noticeable improvement from a year ago. Mitch unpacks what he's seeing on both sides of the ball as BYU prepares for a season opener against Utah Tech on September 5.

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

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.