Sports
How BYU's faith and culture built a top-two football program
CNN examines BYU's unusual rise to the top of college football, crediting the program's culture, institutional support, and the way faith and discipline shape player development. The story explores how a school once on the periphery of elite sports has become a genuine national contender, with analysis of Kalani Sitake's leadership and the pipeline of talented Mormon athletes. The piece reaches beyond sports into institutional identity and the role of religious culture in athletic success.
October 24, 2026 at 11:01 AM MT · via CNN
BYU freshman kicker won $2 million on 'College GameDay'—still attends class
A BYU freshman kicker won $2 million answering a question on ESPN's *College GameDay* during the network's broadcast from Provo—and continues attending regular classes despite the windfall. The story captures a moment of viral success colliding with the lived reality of student-athlete life at BYU.
October 24, 2026 at 10:01 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune
Nick Saban praises Kalani Sitake and BYU football program environment
Nick Saban, the legendary Alabama football coach, gave high praise to BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and the program's environment during a recent appearance. Saban's endorsement carries significant weight in college football circles and reflects positively on Sitake's leadership as BYU continues to build national prominence. The comments highlight the respect Sitake has earned from one of the sport's most successful coaches.
October 24, 2026 at 12:01 AM MT · via KSL Sports
BYU football becomes 'the hunted' after No. 2 ranking; Utah faces first major test
Yahoo Sports analysis places BYU among college football's hunted teams after the Cougars' rise to No. 2, examining the pressure that comes with high rankings and elevated expectations. The piece also assesses Utah's readiness for its first true test of the season.
October 23, 2026 at 5:01 PM MT · via Yahoo Sports · 2 sources
Can BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier become the greatest in school history?
Salt Lake Tribune sports columnist Gordon Monson examines whether BYU sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier, riding high after the victory over Notre Dame, has the trajectory to become the program's greatest signal-caller. Monson weighs comparisons to past BYU QB legends and what Bachmeier would need to achieve to reach that status.
October 23, 2026 at 2:01 PM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune
BYU's Notre Dame victory draws historic television audience
BYU's football victory over Notre Dame delivered a record television audience, marking a historic milestone for the program. The matchup between two storied programs drew national attention and represented a significant moment for BYU athletics on the national stage. Viewership figures underscore growing interest in Cougar football as the team competes at the highest levels of college sports.
October 21, 2026 at 8:01 AM MT · via KSL Sports
ESPN's College GameDay brought religious messaging to BYU—was it appropriate?
Deseret News analyzes the boundary-pushing religious messaging that ESPN's College GameDay broadcast brought to Provo for BYU's game, examining how openly faith-based commentary on a national sports platform played to different audiences. The piece weighs whether the segment was respectfully presented or crossed into promotional territory, and what it signals about BYU's place in the national college sports conversation.
October 20, 2026 at 7:01 PM MT · via Deseret News · 2 sources
Big 12 admits mistake in final play of BYU's victory over Notre Dame
The Big 12 conference acknowledged an officiating error on Notre Dame's final drive in BYU's 28-24 victory, confirming that an incomplete pass should not have ended the game. The admission adds controversy to an already high-profile win that elevated BYU football's national profile.
October 20, 2026 at 12:01 PM MT · via KUER
BYU football's national standing reaches historic high under Sitake
Commentary on BYU football's unprecedented national respect and recognition under coach Kalani Sitake, following the Cougars' recent high-profile victories including the win over Notre Dame.
October 20, 2026 at 7:01 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · 3 sources
Baylor study examines how Name, Image, Likeness deals affect student-athletes' faith
A Baylor University study examines the intersection of NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and student-athletes' religious faith and practice. The research explores how financial opportunities from NIL deals affect the spiritual lives and community engagement of college athletes, including those from Latter-day Saint and other faith backgrounds.
October 19, 2026 at 10:01 PM MT · via Deseret News
BYU student wins $3 million on ESPN College GameDay field goal
A BYU student dressed as Spider-Man won a $3 million prize during ESPN's College GameDay broadcast Saturday by making a field goal kick on his second attempt. The viral moment combined entertainment spectacle with financial stakes during the network's popular pre-game show at BYU's stadium.
October 17, 2026 at 9:01 PM MT · via KSL
F-35 flyover planned for BYU-Notre Dame game; stadium security details released
An F-35 flyover will precede Saturday's BYU-Notre Dame football game at Lavell Edwards Stadium, with enhanced security measures in place for one of the season's most anticipated college matchups. The no. 8 Cougars face the no. 2 Fighting Irish in a game with national championship implications.
October 16, 2026 at 10:02 AM MT · via ABC4 Utah · 3 sources