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Hour 3 of Scotty G. & The Coach with Scott Garrard and Tim LaComb. Mark Medina, Fox Sports Radio State of BYU Basketball following AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders being drafted World Cup Minute
Richard Siken joins Kevin Young to read and discuss “I Catch Sight of the Now,” by Jorie Graham, and his own poem “Piano Lesson.” Siken is a poet and painter whose book “Crush” won the 2004 Yale Series of Younger Poets prize, a Lambda Literary Award, and a Thom Gunn Award. His other books are “War of the Foxes” and “I Do Know Some Things,” which was published last year and won a Thom Gunn Award. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Bryan Reynolds is having an incredible year and is on pace for 100 runs scored and 100 RBIs. Kevin Young had 100 RBIs and 10 runs in 1999.
The entirety of DJ & PK for June 22, 2026: HOUR ONE Lance Anderson, Utah Tech Football Rob Wright and Collin Chandler, BYU Basketball Kevin Young, BYU Men's Basketball Coach HOUR TWO What is Trending: NBA, NFL, CFB, MLB, World Cup, Golf, NHL Hot Takes or Toast: What does your gut tell you about NBA Draft? Jackson Hole tales with PK HOUR THREE Bob Casper, Real Golf Radio David Locke, Utah Jazz and SEG Media Who should the Utah Jazz take in the NBA Draft? HOUR FOUR Brian Dunseth, World Cup Analyst Slacker Radio Headlines Feedback of the Day
Hour one of DJ & PK for June 22, 2026: Lance Anderson, Utah Tech Football Rob Wright and Collin Chandler, BYU Basketball Kevin Young, BYU Men's Basketball Coach
In this week's Cougar Sports Saturday, Mitch Harper and Nate Slack cover a packed day in BYU sports. They break down the dismissal of the Parker Kingston case, react to Brett McMurphy ranking Kalani Sitake as the Big 12’s top coach, and dive into the fallout from Brendan Sorsby’s departure from Texas Tech. The guys also recap a massive recruiting weekend for BYU football, preview the NBA Draft for AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders, and analyze Kevin Young’s early summer updates for BYU basketball. Plus, conversations with Jake Wahlin and freshman guard Brooks Bahr round out a loaded show.
As BYU basketball launches summer practices, Mitch Harper and Nate Slack break down what they’re seeing from the roster and examine the biggest insights from Kevin Young’s conversation with the media.
Mitch Harper and Nate Slack break down Kevin Young’s comments on BYU’s summer plans and his perspective on the narrative surrounding last year’s team, including how those ideas shape this season’s roster‑building strategy.
New Yorker magazine poetry editor Kevin Young has called poetry "the most efficient mode of time travel." In his new volume of poems "Night Watch,” Young, a literary hyphenate who edits, writes and teaches, takes readers on a journey of loss and re-emergence. From his cycle of poems about a conjoined pair of twins born into slavery and kidnapped to a carnival freak show to his meditations on grief set to the phases of the moon, Young's spare and incisive language provides the reader passage through history and memory. On this Juneteenth holiday we listen back on our conversation with Young about his collection and what it means to be a poet today. Guests: Kevin Young, poet and author; Young's latest poetry collection is "Night Watch"; Young has been the poetry editor for the New Yorker since 2017 and from 2021 to 2025 served as the director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
BYU basketball has summer practices rolling. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared some of his takeaways from head coach Kevin Young's commentary as he prepares for year three leading the program. Mitch caught up with new BYU forward Jake Wahlin, who transferred from Clemson to BYU. Before playing at Clemson, he was at Utah. Wahlin discussed his path to Provo and expectations for the upcoming season. Finally, BYU football summer school continues with a preview of the wide receiver unit. Who will emerge as wide receiver number one? Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young spoke with the media following a summer practice at the Marriott Center Annex on June 16, 2026. Young is entering his third season as head coach of the BYU basketball program. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
The Pirates' tandem of Jared Jones and Carmen Mlodzinski did not work last night, to say the least. Joe Block and Kevin Young went off on the Pirates' decision to waste Carmen Mlodzinski in a blowout loss last night. Poni thinks it is a very bad sign if guys employed by the Pirates are avidly disagreeing with the team's decision making.
The Pirates' tandem of Jared Jones and Carmen Mlodzinski did not work last night, to say the least. Joe Block and Kevin Young went off on the Pirates' decision to waste Carmen Mlodzinski in a blowout loss last night. Poni thinks it is a very bad sign if guys employed by the Pirates are avidly disagreeing with the team's decision making. Endy Rodriguez has been swinging the bat very well as of late. Donny Football Debrief – Falcons QB Michael Penix has not yet been cleared to begin practicing, which likely means Tua Tagavailoa will start for them. A bunch of WPIAL football players have been ruled ineligible for the upcoming season.
visit: https://www.ysguys.comY's Guys made history with its first-ever remote broadcast, live from the Redmond Farm Store in Orem for Redmond Night with Y's Guys. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler welcomed a packed lineup of BYU athletes, coaches, and special guests, including Kevin Young, Bruce Branch III, Robert Wright III, Richie Saunders, Bear Bachmeier, Tiger Bachmeier, Todd Miller, Ben Barton, Spencer Steiner, and Michael Johanson.The show opened with Kevin Young and Bruce Branch III discussing Bruce's arrival at BYU, his experience playing for USA Basketball, and the role his mother, Constance, has played in shaping his defensive mindset and team-first approach. Kevin talked about recruiting high-character players, building a family-centered culture, and what makes Bruce different from past BYU stars like Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa. Robert Wright III also joined briefly, with both Bruce and Robert expressing excitement about playing together this season.Richie Saunders stopped by to talk about his recovery, the NBA Draft, and his hope to return to the court this fall. Richie said the draft process has been exciting and emotional, and he expressed deep gratitude for his wife, Rachel, and Cougar Nation's support during his rehab.Bear Bachmeier and Tiger Bachmeier joined the show together to talk about summer workouts, team bonding, the upcoming season, Notre Dame coming to LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Arizona game, and their first Bear and Tiger Football Camp. Bear emphasized BYU's mission of Christlike service and giving back to kids, while Tiger shared his excitement about playing alongside his brother and potentially catching a touchdown from him this fall.Ben Barton was named the Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after winning the NCAA decathlon national championship in Eugene, Oregon. Ben became BYU's first decathlon national champion since Tito Steiner in 1981, scoring a personal-best 8,169 points. Later in the show, Ben joined in person to describe the emotional finish, his wife Clara's sacrifices after the birth of their son William, and what it means to represent BYU and the Church as a national champion.New BYU men's golf head coach Todd Miller joined the show to discuss taking over for Bruce Brockbank, the legacy of BYU golf, and the future of the program. Todd talked about Kihei Akina's historic freshman season, the depth of the team, his father Johnny Miller's influence, and his excitement about building on BYU golf's recent success.The show also included campus notes on BYU track and field, football preseason honors, the Brendan Sorsby eligibility situation at Texas Tech, Michael Rucker's call-up with the Seattle Mariners, and BYU women's volleyball's upcoming schedule. Spencer Steiner from Redmond gave a “Hydration 101” lesson about electrolytes, salt, and why athletes need more than water to stay properly hydrated. Michael Johanson from the BYU Alumni Association closed the guest lineup with thoughts on BYU's Cougs Care service efforts and the growing connection between athletics, alumni, and service.Timestamps (approximate):00:00 — Redmond Night with Y's Guys begins in Orem01:32 — Bruce Branch III and Robert Wright III join the show04:38 — Kevin Young talks BYU basketball culture and Bruce Branch15:19 — Five Questions with Kevin Young and Bruce Branch19:59 — Ben Barton named Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week22:34 — Richie Saunders discusses the NBA Draft and his recovery28:49 — Bear and Tiger Bachmeier join the show32:43 — Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech, and Big 12 football talk38:53 — Bear and Tiger preview their football camp53:20 — BYU football, track and field, baseball, and volleyball notes1:02:18 — Todd Miller talks BYU golf and Kihei Akina1:24:55 — Ben Barton joins after winning the NCAA decathlon title1:41:35 — Spencer Steiner explains Redmond hydration and electrolytes1:48:56 — Michael Johanson on BYU Alumni service efforts1:54:19 — On This Day, Mike Holmgren quote, and show wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BYU Basketball Associate Head Coach Will Voigt joins Ben Criddle to talk BYU's roster construction, the Cougars' need for a center, working under Kevin Young, and more!
The Deseret News' Jay Drew joins Cougar Sports to discuss his time covering sports in the state of Utah, Drew Jensen, BYU's rise in the Big 12, and more!
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler welcomed Cougar Nation to the June 1 edition of Y's Guys, opening with BYU football schedule news, the buzz around Kevin Young being mentioned in connection with the Chicago Bulls, and growing excitement for BYU's first remote show: Redmond Night with Y's Guys on June 15 at the Redmond Heritage Farm Store in Orem.The first guest was BYU cornerbacks coach Lewis Walker, who talked about returning to his home state, joining Kalani Sitake's staff, and coaching one of BYU football's strongest position groups. Walker discussed his relationship with Sitake, his transition from Utah ties to wearing BYU blue, and the talent in the cornerback room, including Evan Johnson, Trey Alexander, Jonathan Kabeya, Jayven Williams, Cannon DeVries, Jordyn Criss, Kevin Doe, and Matthias Leach. He also praised Bear Bachmeier's growth, humility, and ability to read defenses.The Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week was Jane Hedengren, who qualified for the NCAA Championships in both the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters after a remarkable performance at the NCAA West Preliminaries in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dave and Blaine highlighted her 10,000-meter win over Pamela Kosgei, her facility record, and her chance to compete for national titles in Eugene.Derek Miller, president of the BYU Alumni Association Board and president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance, joined the show to talk about BYU's worldwide alumni network. He discussed the power of BYU sports as a “megaphone” for the university, the impact of tailgates and Cougs Care service projects, and the broader mission of connecting alumni through service, education, and shared BYU values.The show also promoted the Ephraim Hope Mission golf tournament and online auction, including items such as an AJ Dybantsa signed basketball, a Richie Saunders signed jersey, and the chance to golf with Dave and Blaine. The proceeds support educational opportunities for children in Uganda.The BYU Super Fan segment featured Russ Paulus from Naperville, Illinois, who shared his conversion story, his early BYU memories, his love for BYU football, and memories from the 1980 Miracle Bowl, the 1984 national championship season, and classic games at LaVell Edwards Stadium. He also talked about why BYU means so much to fans who live far outside Utah.The show closed with BYU campus notes, NCAA track and field updates, BYU golf news, a reminder about CougarTribe, “On This Day” history, and a Brigham Young quote in honor of his birthday.Timestamps (approximate):00:04:30 — Opening, Kevin Young NBA rumors, and BYU football buzz00:15:51 — BYU football schedule, kickoff times, and Notre Dame discussion00:22:45 — BYU named a Big 12 favorite; Kalani Sitake national recognition00:26:10 — Lewis Walker joins Y's Guys00:37:40 — BYU's cornerbacks, defensive depth, and Bear Bachmeier outlook00:51:06 — Five Questions with Lewis Walker00:57:17 — Jane Hedengren named Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week01:01:06 — Derek Miller on BYU alumni, Cougar Nation, and service projects01:26:06 — Five Questions with Derek Miller01:34:27 — BYU basketball, AJ Dybantsa, golf, and track updates01:40:49 — Ephraim Hope Mission auction and golf tournament01:44:02 — BYU Super Fan Russ Paulus shares his Cougar story02:01:56 — Five Questions with Russ Paulus02:09:34 — CougarTribe, This Day in History, Brigham Young quote, and show wrap-up#YsGuys #BYUFootball #GoCougs #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUTrack #CougarNation #LewisWalker #KalaniSitake #JaneHedengren #AJDybantsa #RedmondReLyte #BYUAlumni #CougarTribe #LDS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Could the Chicago Bulls make a blockbuster move for Chet Holmgren if the Oklahoma City Thunder ever made him available? Haize breaks down the full Facts or Cap debate on whether trading for Chet makes sense for the Bulls' rebuild, how he would fit next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Coby White, and why his elite rim protection, shooting, and age timeline could completely change Chicago's future.But there's a major catch: the cost.Would the Bulls be willing to include Matas Buzelis? Would multiple first-round picks be too much? And with Chet's future max contract looming, would Chicago be putting itself in a dangerous salary-cap situation before the roster is ready to contend?Haize also reacts to Kevin Young entering the Bulls head coaching search, why the BYU head coach's NBA background makes him a very serious candidate, and what his player development resume could mean for a Bulls team expected to add multiple young pieces this offseason.Plus, voicemails hit on Lu Dort's possible fit in Chicago, whether the Bulls should wait until after the draft before targeting win-now veterans, and why players like Brayden Burries or Yaxel Lendeborg falling to No. 15 could be an absolute steal.
Catch this week's edition of Cougar Sports Saturday with hosts Mtich Harper and Nate Slack. The guys breakdown the Big 12 Spring Meetings and play conversations Mitch had with BYU AD Brian Santiago, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, and hoops coach Kevin Young.
Mitch Harper caught up with the head coach of the BYU basketball team to get a late spring udpate.
ESPN reported earlier this week that BYU head coach Kevin Young is in talks with the Chicago Bulls about their head‑coaching vacancy. Mitch Harper and Nate Slack discuss whether there’s any real concern and if fans should expect this kind of interest every offseason.
The Chicago Bulls' head coaching search just took a major turn. Sean Sweeney, one of the most talked-about candidates connected to the Bulls, is reportedly headed to the Orlando Magic — leaving Chicago fans wondering whether the Bulls waited too long and who now becomes the favorite for the job.Haize breaks down what losing Sweeney means for Bryson Graham's first major decision as the Bulls' lead executive, why Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori could become the new frontrunner, and why names like Chris Quinn, Dave Bliss, Tiago Splitter, Johnnie Bryant, and Kevin Young still matter in this process.The Bulls have also reportedly shown interest in BYU head coach Kevin Young, a coach with NBA experience from his time with the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, plus strong success at the college level. Could Young be the surprise candidate Chicago fans need to watch?Later, Haize dives into his favorite Chicago Bulls draft combinations at picks No. 4 and No. 15, including Caleb Wilson, Cam Boozer, Cameron Carr, Jayden Quaintance, and Brayden Burries. Plus, listener voicemails touch on the Bulls' changing roster needs, Ayo Dosunmu possibilities, Bulls fan PTSD, Isaiah Hartenstein trade talk, and how Chicago should use this offseason to finally shift direction.
Hour 3 of Jake & Ben on May 28, 2026 Our BYU Insider Mitch Harper spoke with Head Coach Kevin Young at Big 12 Spring Meetings. fill Audio Vault: A police officer pulled a woman over for using her phone with her right hand while she was driving. Plot Twist - She didn't have a right hand.
In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder what the Steelers will do in order to make sure QBs Will Howard and Drew Allar have room to develop as backups this upcoming season. Also, Pirates' broadcaster Kevin Young comes on The Fan Hotline. May 28, 2026, 7:00 Hour
Pirates' broadcaster Kevin Young comes on The Fan Hotline to talk about the biggest stories surrounding the team right now with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.
Julia Alvarez joins Kevin Young to read and discuss “The Schoolroom on the Second Floor of the Knitting Mill,” by Judy Page Heitzman, and her own poem “Mami at Her Vanity.” Alvarez is the author of many novels, nonfiction books, children's books, and poetry collections, including, most recently, “Visitations.” She has received a Hispanic Heritage Award, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Award for Achievement in American Literature, and a National Medal of Arts. She's also the subject of a PBS “American Masters” documentary. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
The Big 12 spring meetings began on Tuesday, with men's basketball head coaches gathering at the Omni PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young was there. After the meetings concluded for the day, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with Young to discuss key topics, including roster construction, the search for a center, and more. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
Hour 1 of Jake & Ben on May 13, 2026 Belmont University Head Coach Evan Bradds, who was an Assistant at Duke last year and previously was an Assistant for Will Hardy on the Utah Jazz, joined Jake & Ben to talk about Cam Boozer and how his game will translate to the NBA level. Top 3 Stories of the Day: Kevin Young gives a Health Update on Richie Saunders, San Antonio takes Game 5, ACC & Big 12 Commissioners now push for 24 Team CFP. Jake takes back an opinion he had yesterday
Top 3 Stories of the Day: Kevin Young gives a Health Update on Richie Saunders, San Antonio takes Game 5, ACC & Big 12 Commissioners now push for 24 Team CFP.
DJ and Yawk talked about what Kevin Young still needs on the BYU basketball roster to take the Cougars to the next level.
New BYU Basketball player Tyler Betsey joins Cougar Sports to discuss his decision to transfer to BYU, his relationship with Kevin Young, the NBA players he models his game after, and more!
Today, we meet our new co-hosts, Kevin Young and Zeynep Ersin. Kevin is a Seyfarth partner and employment litigator who puts new tools and ideas to work in client service, and Zeynep is Seyfarth's Chief Innovation & Strategic Design Officer, focused on embedding a culture of innovation across the firm. As we launch the next chapter of the podcast, Zeynep and Kevin sit down with the person who built and led this podcast from the very beginning: Steve Poor, Chair Emeritus of Seyfarth and a longtime industry leader who helped pioneer the application of Lean Six Sigma principles to legal service delivery. In today's conversation, Kevin, Zeynep, and Steve discuss the evolution of the legal profession and legal tech, how to define "innovation," and the way podcasts promote learning and innovation, among many topics. Read the full transcript of today's episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/Pioneers_Zeynep-Ersin-and-Kevin-Young.pdf
BYU football picked up a commitment from New Jersey native Ryan Wooten Jr., a cornerback in the class of 2027. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper broke down the commitment and his reaction to this addition in BYU's 2027 class. The spring football opponent tour rolls on as we break down the UCF Knights in 2026 with Chris Boyle of the Daytona Beach News-Journal. It's year two for head coach Scott Frost in Orlando. What are the big takeaways for the Knights coming out of spring practices? BYU travels to UCF on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Then, finally, BYU basketball missed out on Obinna Ekezie Jr. analysis of the recruiting miss, where Kevin Young moves forward, and resetting the roster for the 2026-27 season. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
Monica Ferrell joins Kevin Young to discuss “Carrowmore,” by Lucie Brock-Broido, and her own poem “The Fifties.” Ferrell is the author of a novel and three books of poetry, including “You Darling Thing,” a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and the Believer Book Award in Poetry. Her new collection, “The Future,” was published in March. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Are Big Money BYU Sports Compatible with LDS Church Mission? Dr. Matthew Bowman, co-author of “Game Changers,” zeroes in on the ultimate tension in modern collegiate sports: can you balance God, Mammon, and big money athletics? As BYU integrates into the lucrative Big 12 conference, the historic values of amateurism are directly clashing with the pursuit of NBA stardom. https://youtu.be/SZssRvBGiCM Gospel Tangents NEWSLETTER: https://gospeltangents.com/newsletter Don't miss our other discussions with Matthew. https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved The Kevin Young Factor While millions of dollars and family-friendly environments played a huge role in landing top recruit AJ Dybantsa, his third reason for choosing BYU was head coach Kevin Young. Young left a highly promising coaching career in the NBA to come to Provo, bringing invaluable professional connections with him. During a recruiting pitch, Young even pulled out his phone, called NBA superstar Kevin Durant—whom he coached in Phoenix—and handed the phone directly to Dybantsa. Young is explicitly selling recruits on his ability to get them to the NBA, cementing college sports as a professional stepping stone. Cautionary Tale of Jimmer Fredette Matt contrasts this new era of “one-and-done” recruits with the legacy of Jimmer Fredette. Bowman describes Fredette as a player built for the traditional amateur college game who was unfairly pushed into the modern “massive media industrial complex” that demands individual celebrity. Unlike Danny Ainge, who thrived by fitting into a cooperative team system and sharing the ball, Fredette was forced to carry the entire team on his back. This intense pressure to be a singular, massive celebrity ultimately did him a disservice when he reached the NBA, making him a cautionary tale of how modern sports media can chew players up. God vs. Mammon on the Hardwood: Is this massive influx of money compatible with BYU’s mission? Bowman argues there is no easy answer. On one hand, church leaders like Henry Eyring have previously expressed that a successful football team acts as a powerful missionary tool. On the other hand, the millions of dollars involved shift the focus away from the character-building, cooperative origins of the sport. Today, the game is increasingly about individual stardom and financial gain, causing significant tension with the university’s spiritual goals. Will BYU Ever Drop Athletics? Given this tension, a popular rumor suggests that future church leaders might eventually eliminate BYU’s sports programs entirely, mirroring the decision made years ago to drop athletics at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho). However, Bowman believes this is highly unlikely. The financial momentum of BYU athletics is simply too powerful to stop. Between Big 12 television money and the sheer influence of massive donor groups—BYU’s NIL collective, the “Royal Blue,” is reportedly the second-largest in the country behind Kentucky—eliminating the sports programs would result in intense backlash from wealthy boosters. Don't miss our other discussions with Matthew. https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved
Big Money, Big Changes, and Why AJ Dybantsa Picked BYU AJ Dybantsa and just declared for the NBA draft. We discuss why AJ Dybantsa picked BYU. He’s likely top NBA prospect, and he is reportedly earning millions to play in Provo. Dr. Matthew Bowman, author of Game Changers, dives into the modern reality of college sports and its collision with BYU’s historical values. We explore the massive shifts brought about by NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and how BYU continues to rely on its unique religious culture to recruit top talent. https://youtu.be/EGf8Tya3aQw 0:00 Why AJ Dybantsa Picked BYU 8:45 Protests Against BYU/Recruiting 15:27 Money, Religion, & Sports Don't miss our other discussions with Matthew. https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved The NIL Revolution and the End of the “Student-Athlete” For decades, the NCAA heavily enforced strict amateurism rules—sometimes to absurd lengths, such as penalizing a player for putting cream cheese on a bagel provided by a coach, or suspending players if a fan took them out to dinner. However, recent lawsuits, spearheaded by former players like Ed O’Bannon, have completely dismantled this restrictive system. Today, athletes can legally profit from their likeness and sign massive endorsement deals. Through BYU’s NIL collective “The Royal Blue,” as well as sponsorships like Crumbl Cookies, AJ Dybantsa is set to make around $5 million to play at BYU. More Than Just a Paycheck While the massive payday is undeniable, Dybantsa’s family stated they requested the exact same monetary offer from all the schools recruiting him—including heavyweights like Kansas and Arkansas—so that his final decision wouldn’t strictly be about the highest bidder. Ultimately, Dybantsa chose BYU because of its strong emphasis on family and its supportive environment. His parents, Ace and Chelsea, actually toured the campus first and were highly impressed by what they saw. This family-centric appeal isn’t just for players. Head coach Kevin Young left a highly promising NBA career trajectory to coach at BYU, specifically because the university environment offered a better work-life balance for his family, including not having to work on Sundays. Navigating Race and Religion on Campus let’s look at the complicated history of race in BYU athletics. During the Ernest Wilkinson era in the 1960s and 70s, the school faced federal investigations and intense protests—such as the Wyoming 14 incident—over its virtually all-white teams and the church’s racial priesthood ban. It wasn’t until the last decade that BYU fielded its first all-black starting five in basketball. Today, recruiting has shifted in fascinating ways. While BYU has historically struggled to recruit Black athletes due to the cultural difficulties of the Honor Code, the university is increasingly finding success by recruiting religious non-LDS players. Many Muslim athletes, for instance, find the Honor Code’s strict ban on alcohol perfectly aligned with their own faith. Dybantsa, whose parents have Catholic roots from the Congo and Jamaica, similarly found BYU’s faith-based environment appealing. Other religious players, like Eastern Orthodox athletes, have also explicitly praised the school for supporting their strong personal faith. The Struggle for BYU’s Soul As BYU competes in the Big 12, it faces a philosophical crossroads. Some Ivy League schools chose to stop chasing athletic scholarship money, allowing their sports programs to recede into purely amateur, educational endeavors. But BYU has taken a different path. The university is now grappling with the tension between its original religious mission and the modern reality of operating what critics call “professional teams with schools attached”. To dive deeper into the fascinating intersection of big money, faith, and the future of BYU athletics, catch the full episode on Patreon.com/GospelTangents! Don't miss our other discussions with Matthew. https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved
BYU basketball picked up a commitment from TCU transfer Adam Stewart on Saturday. He has a connection to head coach Kevin Young. Mitch Harper hit on that and the latest with the 2026-27 roster.
Mitch Harper was joined by former BYU basketball and NBA center Eric Mika to discuss the top priorities for roster construction moving forward for year three under head coach Kevin Young.
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Visit: https://redmond.life/discount/ysguys15 - Use Discount Code: ysguys15 (to get 15% off!)This week's Y's Guys featured Blaine Fowler and Brian Logan breaking down a busy and important stretch for BYU athletics, with a major focus on basketball roster construction, football momentum, and the broader BYU story. The guys opened by discussing the current state of BYU basketball in the transfer portal era, including AJ Dybantsa's likely NBA path, Rob Wright's return to Provo, and how Kevin Young is rebuilding the roster around proven perimeter talent and the search for a true impact big man. Later in the show, longtime BYU basketball analyst Mark Durrant joined to give his perspective on the portal, BYU's new additions, and what the Cougars still need to become a true force in the Big 12 next season.The show also covered several football and athletic department storylines, including BYU's place in ESPN's updated way-too-early rankings, the growing respect for the program nationally, and the upcoming NFL Draft, where multiple former Cougars hope to hear their names called. Blaine and Brian also hit a full set of campus notes, touching on men's volleyball entering the postseason, softball and baseball results, tennis, golf, and future schedules for women's soccer and women's volleyball. The guys emphasized that BYU continues to gain credibility across multiple sports, not just in football and basketball.Two guest interviews added a broader dimension to the episode. Travis Brady, president of Brady Plus, talked about his company's major merger, its rapid growth across North America, and how lessons from business leadership can apply to college athletics in the NIL era. Then Sunday Onwuchekwa, a BYU Pathway graduate from Ghana, shared a remarkable story of sacrifice, education, and faith. His journey—from needing a degree to keep his job, to earning one through BYU Pathway, to now pursuing advanced study at BYU—became one of the most inspiring moments of the night. The episode also honored Jane Hedengren as the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after yet another NCAA-record performance, reinforcing what is already becoming one of the greatest freshman seasons in BYU history.Timestamps (approximate):0:36 — Show Open with Blaine Fowler and Brian Logan4:54 — BYU Basketball Offseason Focus Begins10:56 — AJ Dybantsa and the NBA Draft Timeline14:50 — Rob Wright Returns to BYU16:53 — New BYU Basketball Roster Additions21:04 — Mark Durant Joins the Show21:49 — The Transfer Portal and What It Means for BYU30:45 — How Much Turnover Is Too Much?37:24 — Breaking Down BYU's New Shooters and Wings42:10 — The Big Question: Who Plays Center?49:44 — Quick Quack and Sponsor Break51:31 — Travis Brady Joins the Show52:59 — Business Leadership, NIL, and the Transfer Portal1:07:35 — Sunday Onwuchekwa Joins the Show1:07:53 — How BYU Pathway Changed His Life1:17:54 — Sunday's Mission, Education, and Family Sacrifice1:28:41 — Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week: Jane Hedengren1:36:01 — Campus Notes Across BYU Athletics1:51:34 — Show Close and Final Thoughts#BYU #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #JaneHedengren #RobWright #MarkDurant #BrianLogan #BlaineFowler #BYUPathway #CougarNation #BYUAthletics #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #LDS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The roster is still being constructed, but Mitch Harper and Nate Slack share their thoughts on how Kevin Young and staff are putting this year's basketball roster together and who they want to see the Cougars add next.
After securing a signing from Rob Wright III to withdraw from the Transfer Portal and landing Collin Chandler and Jake Wahlin, BYU basketball continues to build out the roster for the 2026-27 season. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper breaks down the latest with roster construction for the Cougars as they gear up for year three under head coach Kevin Young. BYU football recruiting is heating up for the class of 2027. Mitch shares some updates on the recruiting trail. He also discussed the uncommitted prospects BYU has offered, who he is high on in the class of 2027. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
BYU insider Mitch Harper
The NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal window is set to open on April 7 and run until April 21. BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young has said this is a "buckle up" type of deal. Setting the stage for the upcoming two weeks of portal activity. Staying with basketball, BYU star AJ Dybantsa was named the winner of the Julius Erving Award, given to the best small forward in college basketball. What this means for Dybantsa long-term with BYU. BYU football closed out spring practices with an Alumni Game in which Team Royal defeated Team Navy 29-22. Norm Chow coached Team Royal and Robbie Bosco coached Team Navy. Then, finally, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with BYU running back LJ Martin to close out spring practices. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.
Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Host: (ronthe3manweav)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676
Maya C. Popa joins Kevin Young to read “Artless,” by Brenda Shaughnessy, and her own poem “The World Was All Before Them.” Popa is the author of “Wound Is the Origin of Wonder” and “American Faith,” the latter of which won the North American Book Prize. Her third collection, “If You Love That Lady,” will be published by W. W. Norton this July. Popa serves as the poetry editor of Publishers Weekly, and teaches in the undergraduate and M.F.A. programs at New York University. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices