Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

BYU basketball announced a two-game series with in-state rival Utah State. It will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2021.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts on the rivalry returning and some memories of the BYU-Utah State basketball series.

Mitch also dives into some early 2027 projections from Bart Torvik for Big 12 basketball. BYU checks into the middle of the pack as they continue to search for a center. The Big 12 looks like it could take a slight step back next year. Could BYU climb to the upper-crust?

Then, finally, the BYU football opponent spring tour continues. On this episode, we look at Arizona State with Damon Allred of ArizonaSports.com. Allredy is a co-host of the State of the Sun Devils podcast and is an Arizona State reporter.

BYU football will host Arizona State on Saturday, October 31 in Provo. It's the first meeting between the two programs since a memorable clash in 2024 in Tempe.

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 picked up a commitment from New Jersey native Ryan Wooten Jr., a cornerback in the class of 2027.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the commitment and his reaction to this addition in BYU's 2027 class.

The spring football opponent tour rolls on as we break down the UCF Knights in 2026 with Chris Boyle of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. 

It's year two for head coach Scott Frost in Orlando. What are the big takeaways for the Knights coming out of spring practices?

BYU travels to UCF on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Then, finally, BYU basketball missed out on Obinna Ekezie Jr. analysis of the recruiting miss, where Kevin Young moves forward, and resetting the roster for 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

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.

We kick off the month of May with news around BYU basketball as AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders were invited to the NBA draft combine.

Everyone knew Dybantsa, the potential No. 1 pick, would go to the combine, but Saunders, coming off a season-ending injury, speaks to the interest in the former BYU star.

Mitch also dives into the former BYU players who have found new landing spots in the transfer portal.

Then on the flip side, he looks at the future BYU basketball players, as one recruiting service has the Cougars 2026 recruiting class in the top-10.

The BYU football spring opponent tour rolls on. On this episode, Mitch chats with Eric Hansen of Blue & Gold, part of the On3 network, to get a breakdown of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2026.

BYU hosts Notre Dame for the first time in Provo since 2004, when the Irish travel to LES on Saturday, October 17.

It's a matchup of the highest-ranked non-Playoff teams last season.

Then, finally, Mitch closes out the show giving his television and kickoff time predictions for early-season and weeknight games for BYU football 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.

The recruiting trail is busy for BYU sports these days. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the latest for basketball and football on the trail, which includes the football staff making an in-home visit to quarterback Brody Rudnicki.

BYU football spring tour continues as we look at the TCU Horned Frogs entering the 2026 season. To get a better idea of the Horned Frogs this upcoming year, Mitch was joined by J.D. Andress of TCU on Sports Illustrated to break it down. BYU travels to TCU on Saturday, October 3.

Then, finally, Mitch caught up with Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave at the end of spring practices. Uluave looks ahead to the upcoming 2026 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.

BYU football is up to three commitments in the class of 2027, with the latest being Jeremiah Williams from Tustin, California.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on the recruiting trail for the Cougars.

He also discussed a quarterback who BYU offered for the class of 2028.

BYU basketball star AJ Dybantsa rolled out a new signature logo in partnership with Nike. What are your thoughts on the logo?

Then, finally, there are reports that the NCAA Tournament is set to expand to 76 teams starting with the 2026-27 season.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing for college basketball?

Mitch weighs in on the conversation and plays a soundbite from NCAA President Charlie Baker, who was asked by Mitch what the association gains from expanding the tournament.

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 the Cougar Tracks Podcast, KSL Sports BYU Insider MitchHarper breaks down the potential fallout from the gambling scandal involving Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby and what it could mean for BYU football's chances to win the 2026 Big 12 title.

Mitch also continues the 2026 BYU Spring Football Opponent Tour with a look at former WAC and MWC rival Colorado State.

Kevin Lytle from The Coloradoan joined Mitch to discuss the Rams in 2026 as they get set to kick off year one of the Jim Mora era in their transition to the Pac-12 Conference.

To wrap things up, Mitch broke down the potential top prospects from the BYU football program for the 2027 NFL Draft.

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 basketball hosted five-star center in the class of 2027 Obinna Ekezie Jr. over the weekend on an official visit.

Then on Monday, Ekezie put out his top five schools with BYU being in the mix.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts on Ekezie Jr., the possibility of reclassifying, and BYU's continued search for a center.

AJ Dybantsa expressed a heartfelt goodbye message to BYU on his personal LinkedIn page, days after officially declaring for the 2026 NBA draft.

Finally, BYU football produced two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft with Jack Kelly to the New York Giants and Carsen Ryan to the Cleveland Browns.

Mitch weighed in on the fits for those two former BYU football players as they get opportunities in the league.

Then, finally, the spring football tour continues as we look at the Arizona Wildcats in 2026 with Justin Spears of the Arizona Daily Star. BYU hosts the Wildcats on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in a week two Big 12 Conference showdown.

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 NCAA Transfer Portal window for men's college basketball is officially closed. It was a wild two weeks. What did we learn about BYU basketball from the portal window?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts, plus breaks down where the roster currently stands.

BYU has a powerhouse program within the athletic department, the Cheer Team. Mitch caught up with BYU Cheer Head Coach Jocelyn Allan to discuss her squad's National Championship victory in the Game Day Division IA in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's the second consecutive year BYU Cheer has won a National Championship.

Then, finally, you'll hear an interview Mitch had with BYU senior linebacker Isaiah Glasker. The senior decided to run it back for one final season with the Cougars.

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 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday and runs through Saturday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. How many BYU football players will hear their name called?

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into that.

The top candidates to be selected appear to be LB Jack Kelly, WR Chase Roberts, and DBs Mory Bamba and Tanner Wall.

One NFL General Manager discussed the age of prospects and how his franchise views that in preparing for a draft class. BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts enters the draft process at the age of 25 years old.

Finally, Mitch closes out this episode of the podcast by kicking off the spring football opponent tour.

BYU opens the 2026 season against the Utah Tech Trailblazers, who are moving to the Big Sky Conference this fall.

Mitch caught up with Devin Dixon, Host of "The Drive" on The Fan in St. George, to discuss the outlook for the 2026 Trailblazers, who roll into Provo on Saturday, 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.

BYU football quarterback Bear Bachmeier enters his sophomore season with the Cougars.

The reigning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year discussed how his life has changed since arriving at BYU less than a year ago.

He also went into how this offense will change in 2026. Also, in this episode of Cougar Tracks, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed BYU basketball's pursuit of a front-court player and the need to get a big man.

He also looked at recent trends in terms of size for Final Four teams over the past four years.

Then, finally, Mitch attended the Under Armour Next Camp at West High School with some of the top high school football players in the state and the region. He shared some observations and recruiting tidbits.

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.