BYU’s Kalani Sitake Draws Interest from Penn State, While Crumbl CEO Rallies Cougar Nation
As the college football coaching carousel kicks into high gear, BYU finds itself at the center of one of the week’s biggest storylines. Head coach Kalani Sitake is reportedly a serious candidate in Penn State’s high-profile search, and while nothing is official yet, the momentum around Sitake’s name has Cougar fans on high alert.
Enter Jason McGowan, CEO of Crumbl Cookies and one of BYU’s most passionate supporters, who’s made it clear he’s not sitting this one out. McGowan took to social media this week with a pointed message that, while not naming Sitake directly at first, left little room for misinterpretation: “Some people are not replaceable. Sounds like it is time for me to get off the sidelines and get to work.”
That post lit a fire across Cougar Nation, and McGowan followed it up with a more direct call to action. In a heartfelt message, he praised Sitake’s leadership and asked fans to publicly share what the coach means to them. He even sweetened the deal by offering a giveaway: four 50-yard-line tickets and airfare to the Big 12 Championship Game.
“Right now is the moment to let Kalani feel the love, respect, and gratitude of Cougar Nation,” McGowan wrote. “Let’s lift Kalani together.”
This isn’t just about sentiment-it’s about impact. Sitake has been a cornerstone of BYU football since taking the reins in 2016.
His 83-44 record speaks volumes, but it’s the consistency and culture he’s built that have Cougar fans-and boosters-rallying to keep him in Provo. Under his leadership, BYU has posted four double-digit win seasons and now finds itself heading into the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech.
Sitake, for his part, isn’t feeding the rumor mill. When asked about the Penn State chatter, he kept the focus where it belongs: “I’m all about the Big 12 championship.”
Still, the buzz isn’t going away. Penn State’s interest is real, and when a program of that stature comes calling, it usually means business. Whether the timing of BYU’s championship run slows that pursuit remains to be seen, but what’s clear is this: Sitake’s name is hot, and BYU’s community is mobilizing to make sure he knows just how much he’s valued.
This kind of high-stakes coaching drama is nothing new in college football, but what’s unfolding in Provo right now feels personal. It’s not just about wins and losses-it’s about legacy, loyalty, and a program that believes it has the right man already in place.
As the Big 12 Championship looms, so does a bigger question: Can BYU hold on to Kalani Sitake? Cougar Nation is making its pitch loud and clear. Now, the decision may come down to Sitake himself.