Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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 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).

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.