Sports
BYU defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga debuts Saturday
Kelly Poppinga makes his debut as BYU's defensive coordinator Saturday when the Cougars open their 2026 season against Utah Tech, Deseret News reports. Poppinga took over the role after serving as linebackers coach and brings a different defensive philosophy to the program.
September 4, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via Deseret News
BYU opens 2026 season Saturday against Utah Tech
BYU kicks off its 2026 football season Saturday against Utah Tech in Provo, with the Cougars looking ahead to their high-profile matchup against Notre Dame later in the schedule, Deseret News reports. The season opener marks the debut of new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga's system.
September 4, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via Deseret News · 3 sources
Sitake focused on Utah Tech but already eyeing Notre Dame
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said he is focused on Saturday's season opener against Utah Tech but is already looking forward to the Cougars' October 17 matchup with Notre Dame.
September 1, 2026 at 3:03 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 2 sources
BYU opens season Saturday against Utah Tech, eyes Notre Dame matchup
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said the team is focused on Saturday's season opener against Utah Tech while also expressing excitement about the October 17 matchup with Notre Dame, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
September 1, 2026 at 10:04 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 3 sources
Former NBA champion assistant Patrick Mutombo joins BYU staff
BYU men's basketball added Patrick Mutombo, a former NBA champion assistant coach, to head coach Kevin Young's staff, according to the Herald Extra and Deseret News.
August 31, 2026 at 4:02 PM MT · via heraldextra.com · 3 sources
BYU transforms athletic operations to match NBA and NFL models
BYU's athletic department is implementing structural changes to transform its operations to match NBA and NFL organizational models, according to the Deseret News. The changes come at what the outlet describes as a critical time for the program.
August 31, 2026 at 7:15 AM MT · via Deseret News
BYU athletic department drama involves NIL, football and basketball tensions
Salt Lake Tribune columnist Gordon Monson describes ongoing drama within BYU's athletic department involving name, image and likeness funding, football and basketball program tensions, and internal disagreements. The column characterizes the situation as the latest episode in recurring BYU athletics conflicts.
August 31, 2026 at 7:15 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 5 sources
Former BYU recruit Will Hammond now leads rival Texas Tech
Will Hammond grew up dreaming of playing quarterback for BYU, but instead he's now leading Texas Tech — a team that could stand in the Cougars' way this season. Hammond, a redshirt sophomore, earned the starting job in Lubbock after transferring from BYU's program.
August 28, 2026 at 10:02 PM MT · via Deseret News · 2 sources
BYU separates football from other sports in restructuring
Brigham Young University has restructured its athletic department, separating football from its other 20 sports programs. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the reorganization means athletic director Brian Santiago will no longer directly oversee the football program, which will now report to a university vice president.
August 28, 2026 at 12:04 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 9 sources
BYU basketball emerges as frontrunner for 2027 five-star recruit
BYU basketball is rumored to be the frontrunner to land a highly-rated five-star recruit from the 2027 high school class, according to recruiting analysts. The development would represent a significant recruiting victory for the Cougars' program as they compete in the Big 12. The prospect's identity and recruitment timeline have not been finalized.
August 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM MT · via Lawless Republic
Five-star 2028 recruit AJ Williams lists BYU among leaders
Five-star 2028 recruit AJ Williams named BYU among his leading schools, according to BYU Cougars Wire. Williams, one of the top-rated prospects in his class, said he is "intrigued" by the Cougars' program.
August 25, 2026 at 10:04 PM MT · via BYU Cougars Wire
NFL star Garrett praises sister missionary's viral tackle
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett responded to a viral video showing a returned Latter-day Saint sister missionary tackling her brother at the airport, Deseret News reports. The NFL star praised the missionary's form and technique on social media.
August 24, 2026 at 4:05 PM MT · via Deseret News · 2 sources