College football's preseason rankings are always a hot topic, but Phil Steele's latest projections have left BYU fans and analysts scratching their heads. Ranking the Cougars 53rd nationally and a perplexing seventh in the Big 12 Conference, Steele has seemingly provided Kalani Sitake and his squad with an abundance of bulletin board material. This podcast dives into why this assessment is baffling, especially after BYU's stellar 11-2 record last season, a performance that far outstripped any preseason expectations.

We'll dissect the numbers and the narrative. How can a team that finished 11-2, showcasing significant improvement and competitiveness in its inaugural Big 12 season, be relegated to the middle of the pack? We'll analyze what factors might be contributing to Steele's conservative outlook and why it appears to overlook BYU's on-field success and the tangible progress made under Sitake. Remember, last year, BYU surprised many by excelling in the Big 12, often surpassing their initial conference projections.

This episode will explore the psychology of "disrespect" in sports. For a program like BYU, which often thrives as an underdog, such a ranking can be a powerful motivator. We'll discuss how the Cougars have historically used perceived slights to fuel their performance and rally the team. Is this low ranking exactly what BYU needs to maintain its edge and prove doubters wrong in the upcoming season?

We'll also examine the context of BYU's 11-2 record. Was it a fluke, or a legitimate indication of the program's upward trajectory? We'll consider the returning talent, the coaching staff's continuity, and the impact of recent recruiting and transfer portal additions that suggest continued competitiveness. While the Big 12 is undeniably deep, placing BYU at seventh seems to discount their recent accomplishments.

Join us as we break down Phil Steele's mystifying preseason ranking for BYU, discuss the implications for the Cougars, and ponder whether this "snub" will ignite an even stronger fire within the program, turning skepticism into motivation for another surprising season.

The NCAA's landmark House Settlement, set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, promises a new era of direct athlete compensation. While the newly formed College Sports Commission (CSC) and its NILGo clearinghouse are designed to police these new rules, a critical concern looms: What happens if enforcement is ineffective, and money begins to flow "under the table" once again? This podcast dives into how BYU, a program committed to playing by the rules, could find itself at a significant competitive disadvantage in such a scenario.

The settlement is a monumental shift, allowing schools to directly pay athletes up to $20.5 million annually and subjecting outside NIL deals over $600 to review. The CSC and NILGo are touted as the new sheriffs, tasked with ensuring fair market value and curbing "pay-for-play." However, historical precedent in college sports suggests that where there's a will (and a deep pocket), there's often a way around regulations.

We'll explore the risks of an ineffective policing body. If the CSC struggles to enforce compliance, the integrity of the new system could quickly erode. This opens the door for boosters and programs willing to operate in the shadows, creating "under the table" payments that circumvent the intended caps and scrutiny.

This is where BYU's commitment to compliance becomes a potential Achilles' heel. The Cougars have consistently emphasized operating within guidelines, aligning with university and Church values. In a landscape where some rivals might choose to "play the bag man game," BYU's adherence to the rules could mean they miss out on top-tier talent lured by illicit incentives. We'll discuss how this ethical stance, while commendable, could create an uneven playing field in recruiting and roster construction.

Join us as we dissect the potential pitfalls of the House Settlement's enforcement, the very real threat of unregulated money, and the unique challenge this poses for BYU as they strive for excellence while maintaining their integrity in the evolving, and potentially murky, world of college athletics.

Prepare to witness a generational talent arrive in Provo! Jane Hedengren, the high school phenom with nine national records in cross country and track & field, is set to join BYU, and the question on everyone's mind is: Could she have a "Caitlin Clark-like" impact on her sport, albeit on the track and trails?

This podcast dives into the unparalleled high school career of Jane Hedengren. We'll break down her incredible achievements, including shattering national records in the mile (4:23.50), two-mile (9:17.75), 5000 meters (14:57.93), and the 5K cross country (15:50.01). Her dominance isn't just about winning; it's about rewriting record books and captivating audiences with her extraordinary performances. She even holds the U.S. U20 outdoor mile record.

We'll draw compelling parallels to Caitlin Clark's transformative effect on women's basketball. Clark didn't just play; she elevated viewership, fan engagement, and national conversations around her sport. Can Hedengren, with her captivating talent and national profile (including being named the 2024-25 Gatorade National Cross Country Player of the Year), bring a similar spotlight to collegiate cross country and track & field at BYU?

This episode explores what Hedengren's arrival means for BYU's already elite women's cross country and track & field programs, which recently won an NCAA Cross Country team title. We'll discuss how her presence can elevate the team's competitiveness, attract even more top talent, and boost the program's national recognition. Her commitment to BYU, joining her brother, also highlights the unique appeal of the university.

Join us as we discuss Jane Hedengren's potential to become a collegiate icon, her immediate impact on BYU athletics, and whether her dominance could usher in a new era of mainstream attention for her sports, much like Caitlin Clark did for basketball.

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