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This week’s Y’s Guys is officially a season kickoff special, and it opens with a bang: BYU Football’s 101st season begins Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium against Portland State. With the game officially sold out, the show delivers everything fans need—coverage previews, depth chart updates, and Blaine Fowler’s 3 Keys to the Game. The quarterback battle ends with true freshman Bear Bachmeier making history as the first to start a season opener in BYU history, and Dave and Blaine spotlight how he won the job and what fans can expect from his unique background and #47 jersey.

Longtime BYU Radio play-by-play voice Greg Wrubell joins the show and previews his 24th season calling Cougar football. He shares insights from around college football, reacts to BYU’s 34.5-point spread, and discusses key players to watch—including under-the-radar contributors on both sides of the ball. Greg also lists his personal Top 5 BYU season openers of all time and helps break down national storylines heading into Week 1.

The ReLyte Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Redmond, honors Bear Bachmeier—not just for winning the QB job, but for the remarkable path that led him to BYU: a former Stanford commit, multi-position high school star, and a gritty competitor with NFL bloodlines. His brother, Tiger, joins him at BYU this year as a wide receiver. The Cougars are set to unveil a bold new era on Saturday, and Bear will be at the center of it.

Next, head coach Heather Olmstead of BYU Women’s Volleyball joins to preview the start of their season in the DoTERRA Classic. With her team ranked No. 19 nationally and projected to win the Big 12, Heather reflects on coaching Team USA to U21 gold this summer, her top returners like Claire Little-Chambers, and new star Suli Davis. In a game of “What Are You Most Proud Of?” she shares personal and team accomplishments, including her unmatched .848 win percentage and Final Four run.

Campus notes round out the show with highlights from soccer’s 1-0 upset over No. 4 UCLA, upcoming matches, and football recruiting spotlights on Ryder Lyons and Brock Harris. The episode closes with a tribute to legendary figures born on August 25—including Sean Connery, Gene Simmons, and Neal Armstrong—and Armstrong’s quote serves as the Inspirational Quote of the Week. It’s the most-watched collegiate livestream on YouTube, and it’s officially game week on Y’s Guys.

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This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler dive into the biggest storylines as BYU football prepares to kick off the 2025 season. With Opening Night just around the corner, the quarterback competition has taken center stage, and it looks like true freshman Bear Bachmeier has secured the starting job. Former Cougar quarterback and offensive coordinator Brandon Doman joins the show to share his expertise on what the final weeks of preparation mean for both Bachmeier and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, as well as how BYU should approach its season opener against Portland State.

The episode also features BYU legend Chad Lewis, who reflects on his journey from walk-on to All-American tight end and NFL star, his dinner at the White House, and his current role as Senior Associate Athletic Director at BYU. Lewis offers insights into BYU’s unique culture, the influence of BYU alumni across football, and the challenges and opportunities facing the program as it heads into its third season in the Big 12.

On the Olympic sports side, the spotlight is on women’s athletics. BYU soccer is fresh off a huge road win at Minnesota and now prepares for a home showdown with national powerhouse UCLA. Meanwhile, women’s volleyball debuts freshman phenom Suli Davis, the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week presented by Redmond. Davis has already earned Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year honors and international accolades, and her debut in BYU blue is just days away.

The show also covers Cougar athletes making headlines in the NFL preseason, upcoming basketball matchups—including a Thanksgiving Day showdown with Miami—and notes from baseball, cross country, and beyond. As always, Y’s Guys blends insider analysis, Cougar traditions, and engaging interviews with the athletes and coaches shaping BYU’s future.

#BYUFootball #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUSports #Big12Football #CollegeFootball #BYUSoccer #BYUVolleyball #ReLyteAthlete #CougarNation #BYUFans

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This week’s Y’s Guys kicks off with national recognition for BYU Football, which is climbing preseason rankings across the board—including #23 in the Coaches Poll. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler dive into the details from fall camp, with updates on the highly competitive quarterback battle between McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier, plus growing depth at wide receiver and a defense poised to repeat its 2024 dominance. The show sets the table for BYU’s Aug. 30 opener vs. Portland State and features insider insights into position battles and leadership storylines.

Former BYU and NFL standout Austin Collie returns to the Y’s Guys and to BYUtv’s GameDay team. He shares stories about catching passes from four elite QBs: John Beck, Max Hall, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. The interview includes a fun segment where Collie chooses his most memorable career accomplishments—from his 3,255 career receiving yards to his Hall of Fame induction. He also weighs in on the current WR room led by Chase Roberts, praises the structure of BYU’s early schedule, and emphasizes the importance of WR adaptability during a quarterback transition.

Next, former Cougar and BYU Radio analyst Hans Olsen brings fire and analysis as he evaluates the AP Poll, BYU’s defensive prowess, and special teams strength. He argues that if BYU’s defense holds opponents to under 20 points again this year, it won’t matter who wins the QB job—the Cougars will win plenty of games. He also warns rivals (including Utah) not to underestimate BYU’s NIL traction and football infrastructure. In a bonus segment, Hans ranks his top five most exciting games on BYU’s 2025 schedule.

The ReLyte Athlete of the Week, presented by Redmond, honors BYU soccer star Elle Walbruch. After a freshman national title at UCLA, a transfer to BYU, a torn ACL, and 15 months of rehab, Elle is back—scoring goals in exhibitions and ready for the 2025 season opener at Minnesota. Dave and Blaine celebrate her journey, resilience, and leadership as she prepares to face her former team, UCLA, on Aug. 23 at South Field.

Finally, the show recaps last week’s Ephraim Hope Charity Golf Tournament and welcomes David Thorne, CEO of Construction Management Pros and a key tournament sponsor. Thorne shares why giving back matters to his team and makes a call to action for supporters to donate at ephraimhope.org. The episode wraps with news from around BYU Athletics, from volleyball’s No. 19 national ranking to men’s basketball’s primetime TV schedule. Y’s Guys continues to be the one-stop shop for Cougar news, nostalgia, and next-level interviews.

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This week’s Y’s Guys dives into the second week of BYU Football Fall Camp, with hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler breaking down all the latest position battles, standout players, and headlines leading up to the season opener against Portland State. The quarterback competition between McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier continues to be the focal point, while running backs LJ Martin and Sione Moa are healthy and poised to contribute. The defense is also stepping up, with Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni leading a unit determined to force more turnovers than last year.

A special segment introduces the debut of the “Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week”—honoring Chase Roberts, who’s back from injury and expected to be a key leader on the field and off. Joining the show to launch this new feature is Harvey Scott, Chief Development Officer at Redmond Inc. Scott shares his journey from a BYU fan in Arizona to a top supporter of Cougar athletics and details how Redmond’s ReLyte electrolyte product is helping athletes—and regular folks—perform better and live healthier.

Riley Nelson, former BYU quarterback, joins the show to give firsthand insight into what it’s like to be in the middle of a quarterback competition. Drawing on his own transition from backup to starter, he reflects on the pressure, mental preparation, and leadership it takes to win the job. He also evaluates each of the three current QBs and outlines the top five things a quarterback must do each week to be game-ready.

The show also includes an appearance by Mitch Mathews, who relives his iconic Hail Mary touchdown catch against Nebraska and evaluates this year’s wide receiver group. Other highlights include recruiting updates, including BYU landing 7 of the top 15 players in Utah for the class of 2026, Steve Young’s viral moment with Barry Bonds and Morgan Wallen, and notes on BYU’s fall Olympic sports. Plus, Jen Rockwood’s soccer squad kicks off exhibition play this week with a win, and Kenneth Rooks and Lexy Halladay Lowry both bring home national titles in the steeplechase.

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This week’s Y’s Guys sets the stage for the start of BYU Football Fall Camp, which kicks off tomorrow in Provo. Hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler preview key storylines, including the ongoing quarterback battle between Treyson Bourguet, McCae Hillstead, and Bear Bachmeier, and highlight the impact of key newcomers like Reggie Frischknecht, Tiger Bachmeier, Andrew Gentry, and Keanu Tanuvasa. As the countdown to the season opener against Portland State (Aug. 30) begins, the show dives deep into positional battles and practice expectations with expert insight.

Former BYU linebacker and current BYUtv football analyst David Nixon joins the show with his Top 5 storylines heading into camp, including the QBs, defensive improvements, and expectations for BYU's dominant defense—which led the Big 12 in multiple categories last season. He also gives an injury update on brother-in-law Taysom Hill, who enters Saints camp on the PUP list but remains on the verge of an NFL milestone: becoming the only player in Super Bowl era history with 1,000+ yards passing, rushing, and receiving.

The show also welcomes back Jen Rockwood, head coach of BYU Women’s Soccer, who kicks off her 31st season. She plays a game of "Which stat are you most proud of?" while reflecting on 464 career wins, 25 NCAA appearances, and the rise of her program as a national contender. She previews this year’s squad ahead of the Blue-White game and a loaded non-conference slate that includes UCLA, Auburn, and Arkansas.

Beyond football and soccer, the episode covers Cougars in the NFL as training camps open across the league. Updates include Fred Warner, Puka Nacua, Zach Wilson, Kingsley Suamataia, and others. On the basketball front, the show introduces new recruit Aleksej Kostić, recaps Egor Demin's Summer League run, and reports on Dean Rueckert’s official visit. Also noted: Travis Hansen has been named BYU’s Senior Associate AD overseeing NIL and revenue sharing, joining Kalani Sitake, Diljeet Taylor, and Chad Lewis in the university’s growing leadership team.

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This week on Y’s Guys, hosts Dave McCann and Brian Logan deliver a defensive-heavy edition of the show as they spotlight BYU Football’s return as the Big 12’s top defense heading into fall camp. The Cougars rank No. 1 in scoring defense, total defense, pass efficiency defense, and turnovers—including a nation-leading 21 interceptions. Linebacker Jack Kelly sets the tone early by saying he’s aiming for 10 sacks this season—a bold goal with elite company behind him, including Cougar sack legends like Mekeli Ieremia and Jan Jorgensen.

The show welcomes Max Hall, the winningest quarterback in BYU history, back to the desk to talk about quarterback battles, fall camp pressure, and what it takes to seize the starting job. Hall reflects on replacing John Beck in 2006, starting without prior game experience, and going on to win 32 games. He offers thoughtful insight into BYU’s current QB competition between Treyson Bourguet, McCae Hillstead, and Bear Bachmeier, and explains how BYU’s experienced defense and special teams give a new quarterback the best chance to succeed.

Later, the show honors its "Y’s Guy for a Day" contest winner, Tim Filichia, a lifelong BYU fan from Colorado Springs who shares priceless stories from his time as a student from 1977 to 1985. Tim remembers listening to games on the radio at his wedding reception, cutting hair at the BYU Barbershop, and rooting for legendary QBs like Gifford Nielsen, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young. His segment adds a nostalgic and heartwarming touch to the episode.

The crew wraps up with key updates from BYU Basketball, including a loaded non-conference schedule featuring matchups with Villanova, UConn, Wisconsin, Clemson, and potentially Miami or Georgetown. Recruiting buzz continues around Anthony Thompson, a 6’8” 5-star forward who has BYU on his final list. They also highlight Egor Demin’s NBA Summer League performance, Jane Hedengren’s ESPY win, and Heather Olmstead leading Team USA’s U-21 volleyball squad. Cougar Nation has a lot to look forward to.

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This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Brian Logan (filling in for Blaine Fowler) break down the latest from the BYU sports world, led by massive momentum in football recruiting. The headline story? BYU now holds the No. 1 recruiting class in the Big 12 for 2026 and No. 21 nationally according to 247Sports. Special guest Jeff Hansen, recruiting expert from 247Sports and CougarInsider.com, joins to explain how the Cougars landed stars like 5-star QB Ryder Lyons, 4-star TE Brock Harris, OL Bott Mulitalo, and DL Braxton Lindsey—plus high-upside commits like McKay Madsen (2025 class). It’s the strongest class in school history, and Jeff outlines why BYU’s Big 12 move, mission culture, and NIL strategy are all playing huge roles.

The show also highlights Jake Retzlaff’s official departure from BYU and his farewell message to Cougar Nation, while celebrating the Cougars' postseason impact: BYU generated $10.9 million in combined football and basketball postseason earnings for the Big 12—second only to Texas Tech. Meanwhile, conference realignment and College Football Playoff restructuring continue to evolve, with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark promoting a 5–11 model for the 16-team CFP set to begin in 2026.

Beyond football, the show celebrates AJ Dybantsa’s first pitch at Fenway Park, his exclusive trading card deal with Fanatics, and his growing off-court brand. Egor Demin’s NBA Summer League performances are tracked, and BYU Olympic athletes are also making noise: Meghan Hunter wins the Bob Bowlsby Award for excellence, while Suli Davis helps Team USA earn silver at the U-19 Volleyball World Championship.

The show closes with a visit from Nathan Anderson, Executive VP of Mountain America Credit Union, who shares a personal BYU story packed with faith, sports, and heart—ranging from facing Shawn Bradley in high school, to a surprise health scare, and even rivalry week tension in a BYU–Utah marriage. Add in ROC pass updates, a Connor McGregor quote, and reminders to sign up for the Ephraim Hope Golf Tournament, and this week’s episode delivers the full blend of football, faith, and fun Cougar fans have come to expect.

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This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler gear up for Big 12 Media Days and look back at an unforgettable BYU football season with the show’s Top Ten Moments of 2024 countdown. From Will Ferrin’s last-second game-winner vs. Utah to Parker Kingston’s 90-yard punt return vs. Kansas State, the hosts relive the wildest highlights, including kickoff return heroics, trick plays, and fourth-quarter magic. It’s a celebration of BYU’s grit, speed, and playmaking from wire to wire.

Football headlines continue as the team previews the Cougars’ delegation heading to Frisco, Texas for Media Days. Chase Roberts, LJ Martin, Keanu Tanuvasa, Isaiah Glasker, and Jack Kelly will represent the team as storylines swirl around the quarterback battle, the post-Retzlaff locker room dynamic, and BYU’s potential Big 12 rise. Athlon Sports preseason honors are stacking up for BYU, and their 2026 recruiting class is already the highest-rated in program history—trailing only Texas Tech in Big 12 rankings.

Guest interviews add personality and inspiration to the show. Parker Kingston, preseason All-American return man and breakout wide receiver, joins live to discuss the quarterback room, his legendary punt return touchdown, and who Cougar Nation should watch for this fall. Later, Gary Heaton stops by to preview the Ephraim Hope Charity Golf Tournament in support of children’s education in Uganda. Finally, Chef Chad Pritchard, founder of Fat Daddy’s Pizza, dishes on feeding the Cougars, BYU fandom in Texas, and the art of pizza and perseverance.

The episode closes with an Olympic-caliber update on AJ Dybantsa, fresh off an MVP run with Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup, and shout-outs to rising stars like Delaney Gibb and Jane Hedengren. Egor Demin’s NBA Summer League debut is just days away. Throw in some birthday trivia, a Jim Gaffigan quote, and a shoutout to sliced bread, and you’ve got another lively mix of football, faith, and fun from the biggest BYU livestream in the world.

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On this special Y’s Guys Independence Week episode, hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler lead a packed show filled with BYU headlines and patriotic celebration. They kick things off with breaking football news: Jake Retzlaff has officially entered the transfer portal after a rocky offseason involving pending legal matters and a 7-game honor code suspension. His departure clears the way for a fresh QB competition among McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier—while also symbolizing a firm message from BYU leadership that standards still matter. In contrast to Retzlaff’s exit, the program is buzzing with excitement after securing 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, the highest-rated BYU commit in over 15 years.

Guest Jay Drew, BYU beat writer for the Deseret News, joins the show to break down the quarterback shuffle, the impact on preseason rankings, and how Lyons’ commitment places BYU in the upper echelon of 2026 recruiting classes. With Big 12 Media Days around the corner and no preseason poll expected this year, the next few weeks are critical for BYU’s momentum heading into fall camp on July 29.

In a fascinating second interview, Jared Price, President of Eddy and the man behind the global success of Ancestry’s DNA program, shares stories from his mission in Croatia—where he followed in the spiritual footsteps of BYU basketball legend Kresimir Cosic. Price helped translate the Book of Mormon into Croatian, continuing a project Cosic had started decades earlier. He also discusses his switch from tech innovation to leadership at Eddy and his deep personal and professional connection to BYU.

The show wraps with John Bytheway, who reflects on faith, patriotism, and what it means to be a Cougar fan during this momentous year. From Sweet 16 basketball and national championships in cross country to the recruiting haul of LDS stars Brock Harris, Ryder Lyons, and McKay Madsen, John highlights the values and legacy that set BYU apart. With Stadium of Fire, Balloon Fest, and the Grand Parade just days away, the episode feels like a love letter to Cougar Nation and the American spirit.

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This week on Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler dive into one of the most pivotal moments in recent BYU recruiting history: the impending announcement from 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, who is set to choose between BYU and Oregon. Lyons just wrapped up his official visit to Provo—his final stop—and if he picks BYU, he’ll be the Cougars’ first 5-star QB signee since Jake Heaps in 2009. Already boasting the best 2026 recruiting class in school history, BYU could be positioning itself for a new era under Kalani Sitake.

The football updates continue with a nod to Phil Steele’s preseason All-America team, where Parker Kingston earns honors as both wide receiver and punt returner. Will Ferrin is also recognized after tying the school record with 16 field goals last season. Plus, Blaine and Dave break down the latest BYU staff promotions, preview Big 12 Media Days, and spotlight new wide receiver commit Graham Livingston.

In basketball, the focus shifts to the NBA Draft and Egor Demin’s rising stock, with projections placing him anywhere from 8th to 13th overall. AJ Dybantsa is officially named to the USA U19 National Team for the FIBA World Cup in Switzerland, while Trevin Knell joins Jimmer Fredette as part of Team USA’s 3x3 squad. BYU also ranks third in the Big 12 in returning scoring production, with key contributors like Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, and Dawson Baker back for 2025–26.

Other highlights include a segment with Jim Evans from America’s Freedom Festival and BradyPlus CEO Travis Brady, who reflects on leadership, patriotism, and the growth of his company. The show also celebrates Jane Hedengren’s national high school record in the 3,000 meters, BYU’s top-5 national rankings in Track and Cross Country, and a new chapter for Church education as Elder Clark G. Gilbert announces record-breaking BYU system enrollment.

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