Two weeks after the troubling charges against former BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston, the Cougars are back on the field, looking to move forward with determination and focus. Head coach Kalani Sitake, while acknowledging the situation, is all about steering his team back to success as they kick off spring camp.
“The team is fine. Guys are great,” Sitake remarked regarding Kingston’s expulsion.
“We have a strong culture on the team. So yeah, we are fine.”
Sitake is shifting the narrative toward BYU’s ambitions of reclaiming their place in the national spotlight. The Cougars have been on a roll, racking up 23 wins since 2024, making it to the Big 12 title game, and clinching the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Now, without Kingston, who racked up 1,047 yards and eight touchdowns last season, BYU is set for another reinvention. With seasoned players like quarterback Bear Bachmeier leading the charge, there’s confidence in the air.
“They look good. We have a bunch of talent,” Sitake said about his receivers.
“We retained some talent. I think we’re going to be really good at that position.”
Sitake emphasized the team's mantra of being “humble and hungry,” highlighting the importance of adaptability and leadership as they tweak their strategies for the new season.
A key leader in this journey is running back LJ Martin, fresh off being named the Big 12’s offensive player of the year. With over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns under his belt, Martin chose to stay with the team rather than enter the NFL Draft. However, he’s easing into camp following shoulder surgery, with Sitake keeping a watchful eye on his recovery.
“He looks awesome. He’s right on target,” Sitake noted. “This team really needs him.”
Martin himself is optimistic, stating, “I’m feeling great.”
As BYU aims for another season of double-digit wins, Sitake draws inspiration from his mentor, LaVell Edwards, summing up the team’s outlook with a blend of confidence and anticipation.
“Like LaVell said: We have a pretty good chance. We’ll see what happens,” he concluded.