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BYU football enters the 2026 season with expectations unlike anything the program has seen in years and Matt believes the Cougars have a legitimate path to an 11-1 record, another Big 12 Championship Game appearance and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

In this 2026 BYU Football Preview, Matt breaks down what the Cougars lost from last season, why the roster has enough continuity to remain near the top of the Big 12, and which position groups could determine how far this team goes.

The wide receiver room gets plenty of attention, including Jojo Phillips and Legend Glasker, while the completely rebuilt special teams unit emerges as one of the biggest concerns. Matt also looks at Bear Bachmeier's development, LJ Martin's importance to the offense, the talented tight end room featuring Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, and the defensive players who could make a major impact.

The 2026 schedule gets a full breakdown as well, including Arizona, TCU, Notre Dame, UCF, Arizona State and Utah. Matt explains why Notre Dame will be the defining game of the regular season and why BYU could realistically enter the Big 12 Championship Game at 11-1.

The episode also includes a prediction that could be far more controversial than any win-loss projection: Matt believes the relationship between Brian Santiago and Kalani Sitake could lead to Sitake leaving BYU after the 2026 season.

The final prediction? BYU goes 11-1, returns to the Big 12 Championship Game and reaches the College Football Playoff.

The 2026 season is about to get very interesting.

Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for more Utah sports coverage, including BYU, Utah, Utah State, the Utah Mammoth, Real Salt Lake and the Utah Jazz.

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Matt returns to the Matt Cave Podcast with another collection of Utah sports thoughts, covering Real Salt Lake, Zavier Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace, Cosmo the Cougar’s induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame, and the upcoming college football season.

Real Salt Lake responded to Zavier Gozo’s record-setting move to Crystal Palace with a dominant 4–0 victory over Atlante in the Leagues Cup. Matt breaks down what Gozo’s transfer means for RSL and why developing young players and selling them to bigger European clubs could be the path forward for a smaller MLS market.

Matt also looks at why Real Salt Lake needs to treat player development and major transfers as victories of their own, particularly with young players such as Diego Luna, Sergi Solans and Morgan Guilavogui potentially following Gozo toward bigger opportunities.

The episode also celebrates Cosmo the Cougar being inducted into the 2026 Mascot Hall of Fame alongside mascots including Mrs. Met and Goldie.

Finally, Matt dives into ESPN’s choices for Utah and BYU college football archrivals, including the case for Max Hall, the old Bowl Alliance controversy involving BYU, and several freshmen who could make an immediate impact for Utah and BYU this season.

Topics include:
• Real Salt Lake 4–0 Atlante
• Zavier Gozo’s move to Crystal Palace
• Real Salt Lake’s youth development strategy
• Diego Luna and the future of RSL
• Cosmo the Cougar and the Mascot Hall of Fame
• Utah Utes football
• BYU football
• Max Hall and the Holy War
• The Bowl Alliance and the College Football Playoff
• Utah and BYU freshmen to watch

The Matt Cave Podcast covers Utah sports, including Real Salt Lake, Utah football, BYU football, the Utah Mammoth and the Utah Jazz, with Matt offering his perspective from inside the Utah sports landscape.

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This week, Matt takes a look around the Utah sports landscape before diving into what could become Major League Baseball's biggest problem in years.

Real Salt Lake continues to slide down the Western Conference standings after another disappointing result, while the Utah Royals remain one of the surprise stories of the NWSL despite a recent dip in form. Matt also gives credit to the Utah Talons after winning another professional softball championship.

The biggest discussion centers around Major League Baseball after the Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal. Matt explains why the trade isn't actually Los Angeles' fault, why MLB owners are creating an unsustainable competitive balance, and why another labor stoppage feels almost inevitable.

The episode also wraps up with thoughts on EA Sports College Football and why modern sports games continue to frustrate players.

If you enjoy thoughtful Utah sports coverage every week, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show.

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Matt is back with another episode of The Matt Cave Podcast, covering three major Utah sports storylines.

Real Salt Lake has stumbled out of the post-World Cup break after losses to LAFC and the Portland Timbers. Matt breaks down RSL's offensive struggles, the impact of red cards and injuries, the team's position in the Western Conference, and whether a continued slide could eventually force the club to consider selling major assets such as Diego Luna or Moïse Bombito.

The Utah Mammoth have made another major long-term commitment by signing defenseman John Marino to an eight-year, $54 million extension. Matt explains why the deal could be a smart piece of business for Utah, why the Mammoth's long-term player retention is a major change from the organization's Arizona Coyotes past, and what the roster could look like heading into next season.

Matt also takes a closer look at the Mammoth's biggest remaining roster questions, including the third defensive pairing, the crowded forward group, TJ Gignac's potential role, the futures of Michael Carcone and Kailer Yamamoto, and why Matt strongly disagrees with the decision to re-sign Barrett Hayton.

Finally, the Utah Jazz are no longer trying to lose. After years of tanking, the Jazz have entered a new phase, and Matt explains why he believes Utah could be much better than many national analysts expect. The episode also examines the Jazz's playoff chances, the impact of Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and the changing Western Conference.

Topics covered:
• Real Salt Lake's struggles after the World Cup break
• RSL's playoff position and potential transfer decisions
• John Marino's eight-year Utah Mammoth extension
• The Mammoth's defensive and forward depth
• Barrett Hayton's place on the roster
• Utah's changing player recruitment and retention
• Why the Utah Jazz could make the playoffs
• Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, and Isaiah Collier
• Why Summer League results should not be overanalyzed

Matt covers Utah sports, the Utah Mammoth, Real Salt Lake, and the Utah Jazz every week on The Matt Cave Podcast.

Listen, follow, rate, review, and share the podcast with someone who loves Utah sports.

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This week on The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt shifts the focus to soccer and baseball during a quieter stretch on Utah's sports calendar.

The episode breaks down the Utah Royals' recent struggles following the international break, why there's still plenty of reason for optimism, and what they'll need to do to stay near the top of the NWSL standings. Matt also previews Real Salt Lake's return to MLS play, discusses Diego Luna's future, transfer rumors surrounding several RSL stars, and why the second half of the season could define the club.

To close the show, Matt dives into Major League Baseball expansion, the looming labor negotiations between MLB owners and players, and how a potential lockout could delay Utah's dream of landing an MLB franchise.

If you love Utah sports, you'll find thoughtful analysis every week from a local perspective.

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Could Real Salt Lake be preparing to say goodbye to two of its brightest young stars?

This week, Matt examines the growing European interest in Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo, what it says about Real Salt Lake's player development, and why RSL supporters should enjoy watching them while they still can. The club's academy continues to prove it can produce talent capable of competing in the world's biggest leagues. 

Matt also dives into ESPN's all-time college football jersey rankings, discusses why Utah's quarterback room deserves national recognition, and revisits the Utah Mammoth's decision to match Barrett Hayton's offer sheet, including a listener comment that offered a new perspective on the debate. 

To close the episode, Matt reviews Palworld 1.0 after nearly 300 hours of gameplay. From reduced grinding and expanded story content to improved combat and quality-of-life upgrades, he explains why the full release remains one of the year's easiest gaming recommendations. 

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The Utah sports offseason has been anything but quiet. 

This week, Matt breaks down why both the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth deserve high marks for the moves they've made. From the controversial Walker Kessler trade to Danny Ainge's growing collection of draft assets, plus Bill Armstrong's aggressive approach to improving the Mammoth roster, there's plenty to discuss. 

Matt also looks ahead to what comes next for both organizations, whether the Jazz are finally ready to leave the rebuild behind, and why Utah sports fans should be optimistic about the future. 

This episode covers: 

•  Walker Kessler traded to the Lakers 
•  Why Danny Ainge won the deal 
•  Utah Jazz expectations for 2026-27 
•  Bill Armstrong's Mammoth masterclass 
•  Vincent Trocheck, Anders Lee and Sebastian Cossa additions 
•  Barrett Hayton's future 
•  Why Utah sports are trending upward 

If you enjoy independent Utah sports coverage, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the show.
 

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The NBA and NHL Drafts are complete, and there's plenty to unpack.

This week, Matt breaks down why Darryn Peterson was the perfect selection for the Utah Jazz, why expectations should rise immediately, and what still needs to happen before opening night. He also discusses Walker Kessler's contract situation, Keyonte George's future, and why the Western Conference may be more open than many people think.

On the hockey side, the Utah Mammoth stayed aggressive through the NHL Draft, acquiring Sebastian Cossa, adding another high-upside prospect, and potentially setting the stage for another major trade. Is Bill Armstrong finished, or is another blockbuster still coming?

Topics Include:

• Utah Jazz draft reaction
• Darryn Peterson's fit in Utah
• Walker Kessler extension outlook
• Keyonte George contract discussion
• Western Conference expectations
• Utah Mammoth draft recap
• Sebastian Cossa trade analysis
• Dylan Larkin rumors
• Bill Armstrong's offseason strategy

Thanks for listening! Please leave a five-star review, share the episode with another Utah sports fan, and follow The Matt Cave Podcast on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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The biggest draft week of the year has arrived, and Matt breaks down what Utah fans should expect from both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoth.

On the NBA side, Matt explains why the Jazz shouldn't overthink the No. 2 overall pick, why trading up makes little sense, and why draft smokescreens have become more about gambling than basketball.

Then it's over to the NHL, where trade rumors continue to swirl around Detroit captain Dylan Larkin. Matt lays out the trade package he believes Bill Armstrong should offer and explains why the Mammoth may be much closer to contending than many realize.

Also in this episode:

• Utah Jazz NBA Draft strategy
• Utah Mammoth draft and trade outlook
• Dylan Larkin trade proposal
• MLB expansion and why a lockout could delay baseball in Utah
• The future of the Big 12
• Why comparing Marathon to Destiny misses the point

Whether you're following Utah basketball, hockey, baseball, or gaming, there's something here for every sports fan.

Be sure to follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and leave a 5-star review if you enjoy the show.

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This week on The Matt Cave Podcast, Matt dives into a surprisingly busy week across Utah sports despite the lack of major headlines.

Matt breaks down the latest Utah Mammoth trade rumors, including speculation surrounding Dylan Larkin, Robert Thomas, Sebastian Cossa, and why names like Auston Matthews may be more fantasy than reality.

The Utah Jazz rumor mill is also in full swing as draft season approaches. Matt explains why many of the reports surrounding A.J. Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, and potential trades are likely nothing more than smoke screens.

On the college football side, ESPN's future power rankings place both BYU and Utah in strong positions heading into the coming seasons. Matt examines why the Utes and Cougars remain among the Big 12 contenders and what could determine their long-term futures.

Plus, Real Salt Lake has representation on the world stage as Juan Manuel Sanabria suits up for Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup.

Topics include:

• Utah Mammoth trade targets and rumors
• Dylan Larkin, Robert Thomas, and Sebastian Cossa speculation
• Utah Jazz draft scenarios and A.J. Dybantsa discussion
• ESPN future rankings for Utah and BYU football
• Real Salt Lake at the FIFA World Cup
• World Cup reactions and international soccer discussion

Follow The Matt Cave Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more Utah sports coverage every week.

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