Just days before BYU takes the field for its first-ever Big 12 Championship Game, there's another high-stakes battle unfolding off the field - and it might be just as pivotal for the program’s future.
Head coach Kalani Sitake, a steady hand and familiar face in Provo, has become the top target in Penn State’s coaching search. According to multiple sources, the Nittany Lions have extended an offer to Sitake, and as of Monday, momentum seemed to be shifting toward the 50-year-old heading to Happy Valley. But BYU isn’t letting go without a fight.
Over the last 24 hours, sources say BYU has ramped up its efforts to keep Sitake home. There’s a sense of optimism within the program that they might just be able to pull it off.
That optimism stands in contrast to the confidence from the Penn State side just a day earlier, when it felt like a deal was nearly done. Now, with the early signing period looming and the Big 12 title game just days away, Sitake’s decision is hanging in the balance - and it couldn’t come at a more critical time.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about a coach. This is about a program that’s 11-1, on the cusp of a College Football Playoff berth, and riding a wave of momentum that’s been building for years.
A win over Texas Tech would punch BYU’s ticket to the 12-team playoff - a massive milestone in just their second season as a Big 12 member. Sitake’s leadership has been instrumental in getting them here.
He didn’t deny the Penn State rumors when he met with his team on Monday, according to a source. That silence speaks volumes - not necessarily about his intentions, but about the weight of the decision in front of him.
Behind the scenes, BYU’s donor base is stepping up in a big way. The program has deep-pocketed backers, including Crumbl co-founder Jason McGowan, and they’re mobilizing fast to keep Sitake in Provo. It’s not just about matching dollars - it’s about showing Sitake that he has everything he needs to keep building something special right where he is.
Sitake, now in his 10th year at BYU, owns a career record of 83-44 and has been the face of the program’s evolution. He guided the Cougars through the transition to the Big 12 in 2023 and has them sitting at 22-3 over the last two seasons. That kind of consistency and success doesn’t go unnoticed - and clearly, it hasn’t.
As for Penn State, their coaching search has been quiet but wide-ranging. Names like Clark Lea (Vanderbilt), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), and Matt Rhule (Nebraska) were all reportedly in the mix at various points - though each has since signed contract extensions, signaling they’re staying put.
Interim head coach Terry Smith has also been part of the conversation, but it’s clear Penn State is aiming high. Sitake fits that mold.
Now, all eyes are on Sitake. His next move will shape not only BYU’s future but could send ripple effects across the Power Five landscape. The Cougars are on the brink of a historic moment - and whether their head coach is with them for the next chapter remains the million-dollar question.