The anticipation is building in Provo as BYU gears up for spring practice, bringing back the buzz of football to campus. The Cougars are set to dive into team drills, wrapping up the session on April 3.
Kalani Sitake is coming off a stellar season with BYU, where the team posted a 12-2 record, clinched the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and secured an impressive No. 11 spot in the final AP Top 25. As Sitake enters his 11th year at the helm, he's armed with a hefty contract and the highest expectations yet.
In a whirlwind December, Sitake turned down an enticing offer from Penn State, choosing instead to ink a significant extension with BYU. His decision paid off as he led the Cougars to their inaugural Big 12 championship game.
Facing a sea of Red Raider fans in Arlington, Texas, freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier showcased his potential with a 90-yard touchdown drive on BYU's first possession. LJ Martin capped the drive with a 10-yard run, putting BYU up 7-0.
However, a sprained ankle for Bachmeier on the unlucky 13th play shifted the momentum towards No. 4 Texas Tech.
Martin's season ended with shoulder surgery, while a recovering Bachmeier guided BYU into the Pop-Tarts Bowl against No. 22 Georgia Tech.
Despite re-injuring his ankle early on, Bachmeier stood tall in the pocket, throwing for 325 yards and a touchdown, leading BYU to a thrilling 25-21 victory. This marked the Cougars' first 12-win season since 2001.
Bachmeier, named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, is set to lead the Cougars as a sophomore this spring. Martin, who earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, is on the mend and expected to be ready for the season opener.
With the return of these offensive powerhouses and nearly the entire defense, excitement is palpable in Provo. Seven home games, including a showdown with Notre Dame on October 17, have the Cougars eager to elevate their program even further.
Yet, there are gaps to fill. BYU needs to replace key players like Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston at receiver, Carsen Ryan at tight end, Jack Kelly at linebacker, Tanner Wall at safety, and kicker Will Ferrin.
Defensively, Kelly Poppinga steps in as the new coordinator, with Lewis Walker handling the cornerbacks and Demario Warren overseeing the safeties.
Despite these changes, the Cougars are riding high with a 23-4 record over the past two seasons, two Power Four bowl wins, and impressive rankings for both the team and their 2026 recruiting class.
Sitake’s task this spring is to keep his team hungry and focused amidst their success. It’s a tall order, but one that Sitake is more than equipped to handle, as evidenced by his extended tenure with the program. The future looks bright for BYU, and fans are ready for the ride.