March is here and so is March Madness — and on tonight’s episode of Y’s Guys, we open with early observations from BYU spring football as the Cougars begin practice. We break down what we’re seeing so far, including key personnel notes on newcomers and returning contributors, and what stands out as BYU continues building toward the fall.

Next, it’s basketball — and the pressure is real. BYU men’s hoops is running out of time to find its footing, and we preview tomorrow night’s matchup at Cincinnati, including why the outcome could shape BYU’s positioning in next week’s Big 12 Tournament. We also take stock of the bigger league picture and where BYU currently sits heading into the final stretch.

Finally, we shift to some big momentum on the women’s side as BYU women’s basketball heads into the Big 12 Tournament on a three-game win streak. Jason Shepherd joins the show to walk through the bracket, BYU’s path, and what the Cougars need to do to keep pushing toward postseason goals. Plus, we recognize a true record breaker as Carter Cutting is named the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, and we welcome Alema Fitisemanu for stories from BYU football history and a spotlight on FSY.

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Authors Matt Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant new book Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball:

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Spring football begins this Friday in Provo, and expectations are high for Bear Bachmeier after earning the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all true freshman quarterbacks in 2025. Dave and Blaine outline Blaine’s three goals for Bear this spring, discuss the impact of 33 newcomers, and debate how much time backup quarterback Enoch Watson should receive during the five-week session.

On the hardwood, BYU continues to climb at exactly the right time. The Cougars moved up to No. 19 in the AP Poll and sit at No. 19 in the NET rankings with CBS projecting them as a 5-seed. AJ Dybantsa delivered one of the biggest weeks in program history — scoring 35 at Arizona and 29 against No. 6 Iowa State while breaking Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record. He was named Big 12 Player of the Week, Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Dick Vitale’s “Star of the Week,” and Field of 68 National Player of the Week.

Leslie Graff joins live from Massachusetts to preview a BYU Alumni watch party in Boston benefiting AJ’s elementary school in Brockton. Authors Matt Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant discuss their new book Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball and what AJ’s presence at BYU could mean for the future of the program and the broader landscape of college basketball.

Mountaineer Paul (Paul Rockel) joins live from Morgantown to preview Saturday’s BYU-West Virginia matchup and to break down the relentless Big 12 race. The conversation covers conference depth, tournament outlook, and how BYU’s rapid rise in the Big 12 is viewed from the other side of the country. Travis Kimball of Quick Quack Car Wash also joins the show to discuss entrepreneurship, community impact, and BYU athletics. Plus: Patti Edwards’ funeral reflections and full Campus Notes across Cougar athletics.

Y’s Guys is presented by BradyPlus, Mountain America Credit Union and Eddy and distributed by the Deseret News.

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It’s President’s Day and Y’s Guys delivers one of the most consequential shows of the season. With Richie Saunders lost for the year after tearing his ACL just 45 seconds into Saturday’s game, BYU basketball faces a defining stretch. Dave McCann and Brian Logan (in for Blaine Fowler) break down what this means for the Cougars heading into a massive road test at Arizona and a home showdown with Iowa State. Later in the show, newly retired jersey honoree Jimmer Fredette joins live to reflect on his rafters moment — and to offer insight on how a team survives losing a key player late in the season.

On the football side, serious developments surround former receiver Parker Kingston, and the program now turns its attention to what the receivers room looks like moving forward. The show carefully follows its standard protocol: allowing the legal process to unfold without speculation while analyzing roster implications. BYUtv analyst David Nixon joins to discuss spring practice goals, defensive staff changes, NFL Combine invitees Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly, and what a Kelly Poppinga-led defense might look and feel like.

The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors Rob Wright III, who exploded for 30 points at Baylor and followed it up with a 39-point masterpiece against Colorado — carrying the Cougars with Saunders sidelined. Meanwhile, AJ Dybantsa continues his historic freshman campaign, closing in on Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record as BYU remains firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture despite one of the toughest remaining schedules in the country.

Campus Notes highlight national track and field dominance — including Riley Chamberlain’s NCAA mile record — strong performances in volleyball, baseball, tennis, and golf, and the release of BYU women’s soccer’s Big 12 schedule. With powerful interviews, heartfelt tributes to Patti Edwards, and honest discussion about navigating adversity, the February 16 show blends emotion, accountability, and championship-level analysis.

#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #Big12 #JimmerFredette #RobWrightIII #AJDybantsa #CougarNation #LDS #BYU

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The February 9 edition of Y’s Guys is built around a milestone moment in BYU basketball history as Jimmer Fredette Week officially begins. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler set the stage for Jimmer’s No. 23 jersey retirement at the Marriott Center, reflecting on his unlikely rise, historic impact, and what the moment means for BYU fans everywhere. With the Cougars preparing for Baylor and Colorado, the show captures the emotion, anticipation, and national relevance surrounding one of the most iconic figures in college basketball.

Football headlines the early portion of the show as BYU’s final 2026 recruiting rankings are released, marking the highest-rated class in program history. The hosts break down new coaching staff additions, spring football dates, and why BYU’s national perception continues to climb — including Big 12 power rankings that place the Cougars near the very top. Super Bowl discussion, alumni updates, and league-wide context help frame BYU’s place in the broader college football landscape.

Basketball coverage is extensive and candid. The hosts recap a challenging stretch for BYU men’s hoops against elite competition, including losses to Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Houston — while emphasizing the strength of the Big 12 and BYU’s continued Top 25 standing. AJ Dybantsa’s historic scoring run earns him Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, as he leads the nation in scoring and draws praise from opposing coaches who openly admit he can’t be stopped. On the women’s side, the Cougars continue to battle in one of the toughest conferences in the country, with Delaney Gibb earning national recognition despite a difficult road stretch.

The show features two standout interviews. Longtime Deseret News columnist Dick Harmon joins live from Florida to reflect on Jimmer Fredette’s legacy, the rare honor of jersey retirement, and how Jimmer compares to the all-time greats in BYU history. Later, Amy Robbins, a BYU-Pathway Worldwide graduate, shares a deeply personal story about returning to school later in life, balancing family and faith, and how education empowered her professionally and personally. With Campus Notes spanning nearly every BYU sport and a heartfelt close, the February 9 show blends history, honesty, and hope — exactly what Y’s Guys does best.

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The February 2 edition of Y’s Guys hits on Super Bowl week and delivers a packed, fast-moving show spanning football, hoops, baseball, and a special guest feature. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open with BYU football momentum and spring football buzz, including national optimism about BYU’s 2026 ceiling and why the Cougars are increasingly being viewed as a real Big 12 and playoff contender. The show also mixes in Super Bowl trivia and broader college football context to keep the night light and fun while still news-driven.

Basketball remains a central focus as BYU men’s hoops comes off a bruising stretch, including the Kansas game and a showdown with No. 1 Arizona. The hosts recap what went right, what didn’t, and what BYU must do to keep climbing in the Big 12. On the women’s side, BYU celebrates a rivalry breakthrough at home, powered by Brinley Cannon, who earns Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors after a career night against Utah.

One of the show’s major interviews features Trent Pratt, previewing BYU baseball’s season and what year three in the Big 12 demands. Pratt discusses roster development, expectations, and what it will take for BYU to compete consistently in a league loaded with elite programs.

The episode also includes a unique non-sports guest: BYU grad Caleb Chapman, founder of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse and author of the new book The Next Stage. Chapman talks about leadership, relevance, and trust in the age of A.I., including what A.I. can’t replace in live performance, creativity, and human connection. The show closes with campus notes across multiple sports, “On This Day,” and an inspirational quote to cap a full slate.

#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #Big12 #CougarNation #SuperBowlWeek #BYUAthletics #CollegeSports @LDS #BYU

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The January 26 edition of Y’s Guys sets the stage for one of the biggest nights in BYU basketball history, airing just over an hour before No. 13 BYU hosts No. 1 Arizona at the Marriott Center. With Blaine Fowler on BYUtv pregame duty, Dave McCann is joined by Brian Logan for a news-packed show covering football, basketball, and nearly every BYU sport on campus. The hosts open with the 2026 BYU football schedule, game-by-game win projections, and a discussion of BYU finishing No. 11 in the final AP Top 25, its highest season-ending ranking since 2020.

Dave and Brian dive deep into what finishing No. 11 could mean for BYU’s 2026 preseason ranking, noting that many of the Cougars’ greatest seasons began unranked. Early preseason projections already have BYU hovering between No. 8 and No. 13, fueling optimism that the Cougars could start the year nationally ranked for the first time in over a decade. The conversation also touches on major national storylines, including the College Football Playoff remaining at 12 teams, the Big 12 Championship moving to a prime-time Friday night slot, and the NCAA allowing commercial jersey patches starting August 1.

Basketball dominates the middle of the show as BYU enters the night 17–2, fresh off a dominant rivalry win over Utah in which AJ Dybantsa scored a historic 43 points, breaking Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record and tying Jimmer Fredette for the most points ever scored at the Marriott Center. The hosts preview the Arizona matchup, break down the freshman phenom showdown between Dybantsa and Koa Peat, and reflect on BYU’s rare history against No. 1 teams. Dybantsa’s monster week earns him Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, his fourth such honor, as Dave declares, “We are watching someone special.”

The show closes with extensive Campus Notes across BYU athletics, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, track and field, golf, gymnastics, softball, and baseball. A featured interview with Travis Kimball, co-founder of Quick Quack Car Wash, welcomes a new Y’s Guys sponsor, while historic “On This Day” moments, birthdays, and a Kobe Bryant quote provide a fitting lead-in to tipoff. With momentum building across multiple sports and a sold-out Marriott Center buzzing, the January 26 episode captures BYU athletics at a peak moment.

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The January 19 edition of Y’s Guys lands on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and delivers one of the most comprehensive, news-heavy shows of the season. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open with a deep dive into BYU football as the transfer portal officially closes, breaking down who the Cougars added, where they rank nationally, and why BYU’s relatively low number of departures continues to stand out in the Big 12. The hosts also examine early 2026 preseason polls, discuss where BYU is being slotted nationally, and preview the College Football Playoff championship while looking ahead to potential playoff expansion.

Basketball remains front and center as BYU men’s hoops navigate what Blaine calls “down time at the best time,” battling illness and fatigue while still sitting near the top of the Big 12 standings. Dave and Blaine recap a tough loss at Texas Tech, a gritty home win over TCU, and a dramatic road victory over Utah, before previewing a massive upcoming stretch that includes matchups with Utah and No. 1 Arizona. On the women’s side, Delaney Gibb continues to lead a young BYU team through the heart of conference play as the Cougars face Baylor, Texas Tech, and West Virginia.

The show also celebrates excellence across campus with the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, honoring AJ Cottle, a freshman middle blocker for BYU men’s volleyball who delivered a historic performance against UC San Diego. Dave and Blaine highlight Cottle’s perfect hitting night, elite wingspan, and rapid rise as BYU volleyball opens the season undefeated and prepares for a marquee series against UC Irvine at the Smith Fieldhouse.

Multiple featured guests round out the episode. Softball head coach Gordon Eakin previews a challenging schedule loaded with national powers and breaks down a veteran-heavy roster with high expectations. Jared Stewart of TribeHouse introduces CougarTribe, explaining how it will connect fans, deepen engagement, and expand the Y’s Guys community. Finally, John Balderree of BYU-Pathway Worldwide shares how technology access is changing lives around the globe through laptop distribution and educational opportunity. The show closes with Campus Notes, historic “On This Day” moments, birthdays, an inspirational Yogi Berra quote, and a look ahead to next week’s guest, Brian Logan.

#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #Big12 #CougarNation #BYUVolleyball #BYUSoftball #BYUPathway #LDS #BYU

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The January 12 edition of Y’s Guys delivers one of the most information-packed shows of the season as BYU Athletics surges across multiple sports. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open with a massive BYU football portal and staff update, highlighted by the return of cornerstone players Isaiah Glasker, Bear Bachmeier, and LJ Martin. The Cougars also make key transfer additions on both sides of the ball, including USC tight end Walker Lyons, Oregon wide receiver Kyler Kasper, and Stanford offensive lineman Zac Yamauchi, while the defensive staff takes shape under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga.

The show places BYU’s momentum in a national context with bowl-season TV ratings that confirm the Cougars’ growing footprint. BYU’s Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Georgia Tech ranks as the second-most-watched non-CFP bowl game, helping make this ESPN’s most-watched bowl season in a decade. Dave and Blaine also recap the College Football Playoff semifinals, preview the Miami–Indiana championship matchup, and examine where BYU stacks up among the most-watched teams in the West.

On the hardwood, BYU basketball continues to roll, sitting 14–1 and tied atop the Big 12. The Cougars notch road wins over Utah and Arizona State behind monster performances from Richie Saunders, AJ Dybantsa, and Rob Wright, while women’s basketball remains competitive in league play behind Delaney Gibb. Volleyball, gymnastics, track & field, soccer, and golf all receive updates as BYU’s winter sports calendar heats up.

The featured guest is Jay Drew, BYU beat writer for the Deseret News and four-time Utah Sportswriter of the Year. Jay breaks down the significance of Jay Hill’s departure, the impact of BYU’s defensive staff changes, how high the Bear–LJ Martin ceiling really is, and where the Cougars belong in preseason national and Big 12 rankings. The show closes with Campus Notes, NFL playoff updates, CougarTribe news, historical milestones, and an inspirational quote from Joe Namath, making this a comprehensive snapshot of BYU Athletics at full throttle.

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The January 5 edition of Y’s Guys kicks off 2026 by celebrating one of the most successful stretches in BYU sports history. Dave and Blaine open with the national impact of BYU Football’s Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Georgia Tech, highlighted by massive TV numbers — 8.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched bowl game in BYU history. The hosts break down what the bowl season taught us about the Big 12, while also examining significant coaching staff changes under Kalani Sitake, including departures to Michigan and new roles within the program.

The show then shifts to the hardwood, where BYU Basketball continues its surge. The Cougars sit at 13–1, riding a 10-game winning streak — their longest since Jimmer Fredette’s senior season — and preparing for a massive Big 12 home opener against Arizona State. Dave and Blaine recap a Quad 1 road win at Kansas State, preview upcoming matchups with ASU and Utah, and spotlight AJ Dybantsa’s national recognition as the Oscar Robertson Player of the Month after a dominant December.

Women’s basketball also takes center stage following a program-defining win over previously undefeated Arizona State. Delaney Gibb is named Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after leading BYU to a 71–62 victory at the Marriott Center, outworking the Sun Devils on the glass and delivering late-game poise. The Cougars’ combined men’s and women’s basketball record now stands at an eye-popping 26–3, reinforcing the momentum building across campus.

The episode rounds out with a packed slate of Campus Notes, including NFL playoff matchups featuring former Cougars, the launch of the new Cougar Tribe community, and previews for baseball, softball, track & field, and men’s volleyball. The night’s featured guest is BYU men’s volleyball head coach Shawn Olmstead, who joins live in studio to preview the upcoming season, discuss roster changes, and share insights on what makes playing at the Smith Fieldhouse so special — making this a comprehensive and energetic start to the new year for Cougar Nation.

#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #Big12 #CougarNation #BYUVolleyball #PopTartsBowl #BYUWomenHoops #LDS #BYU

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The December 29 edition of Y’s Guys closes out the year with a comprehensive look back at one of the most remarkable years in BYU sports history. Dave and Blaine recap BYU Football’s 12–2 season, capped by a 25–21 Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over Georgia Tech, where Bear Bachmeier earned MVP honors and finished a historic freshman campaign. The show also tackles major offseason developments, including Jay Hill’s departure and what’s next for Kalani Sitake’s staff, while celebrating a season that featured wins over 12 Power Four opponents and BYU’s most victories since 2001.

BYU Basketball headlines the winter surge. The Cougars sit 12–1, fresh off a 109–81 rout of Eastern Washington and preparing for Big 12 play. The spotlight shines brightest on AJ Dybantsa, whose dominance makes history yet again as he becomes the first three-time Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honoree. His triple-double, record-setting efficiency, and national accolades place him firmly among the most impactful players in college basketball — and one of the defining figures of BYU sports in 2025.

A centerpiece of the episode is the Y’s Guys Top 10 BYU Sports Stories of 2025, a countdown that spans every corner of Cougar Nation: BYU’s first Big 12 Championship Game appearance, soccer’s first Big 12 title, Jane Hedengren’s historic cross-country season, Kalani Sitake turning down Penn State and signing an extension, AJ Dybantsa’s debut, and Bear Bachmeier’s record-breaking freshman year. The segment captures the scope of a year that elevated BYU’s national profile across multiple sports.

The show also features former Cougar and PGA Tour golfer Patrick Fishburn, joining live from Arizona as he prepares for the upcoming PGA season. Fishburn reflects on family life, the grind of professional golf, lessons from his mission, and BYU’s momentum heading into 2026. Campus Notes, Cougars in the NFL, future predictions, and a powerful Jimmy Carter Inspirational Quote of the Week round out a fitting year-end episode — one that celebrates excellence, resilience, and a rising standard for BYU Athletics.

#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #Big12 #CougarNation #TopStories #AJDybantsa #BearBachmeier #BYU #LDS

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