In the heart of Provo, Utah, Kalani Sitake, the head coach of BYU football, has been celebrated with the prestigious Utah County Person of the Year award. This accolade was presented during the 2026 State of the Utah County event at the Utah Valley Convention Center, a testament to Sitake's profound impact on both the local community and the broader landscape of college football.
The Utah County Commission, with Skyler Beltran, Amelia Powers Gardiner, and Brandon Gordon at the helm, honored Sitake for his exceptional leadership. His influence extends beyond the gridiron, touching the culture and economy of Utah County, while also elevating the national profile of the BYU football program.
Joining Sitake in the spotlight was former Orem City mayor Jim Evans, who also received Person of the Year recognition. Meanwhile, Harward Farms and Thanksgiving Point were celebrated as Business of the Year and Organization of the Year, respectively.
Sitake's 2025 season with BYU was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the Cougars to a 12-2 record and a No. 11 finish in the AP Top 25, Sitake orchestrated one of the most impressive seasons in college football. BYU's victories over teams with nine or more wins were surpassed only by national champion Indiana, with Oregon and Indiana being the only teams to secure more wins against winning programs.
Under Sitake's guidance, BYU has been a formidable force, consistently contending for the College Football Playoff and securing bowl victories over ranked opponents in the Big 12 Conference. With a remarkable 23-4 record over the past two seasons, BYU's winning percentage is bested only by powerhouses Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.
Kalani Sitake's recognition as Utah County Person of the Year underscores not just his achievements on the field, but his broader impact on the community and the college football landscape.