Dave McCann

BYU kicker Skyler Southam converts a fourth-quarter field goal against Wisconsin Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Madison, Wis.

How practice made an imperfect moment perfect for BYU, creating a blueprint for 2023

In 2018, the Cougars upset No. 6-ranked Wisconsin on a play that could have gone wrong.

By Dave McCann

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans prior to the game against Baylor at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

Lessons from the past: Summer is for strawberries, fall is for football

Thanks to social media and the constant flow of information and developments regarding college football, lost is the charm of the changing seasons.

By Dave McCann

College Football

It was a different time at BYU when a lifelong Utah fan committed to the Cougars

On Wednesday, Isaac Wilson, a younger brother Zach Wilson, committed to the University of Utah.

By Dave McCann

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake, left, BYU basketball coach Mark Pope, right and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith take group photo

BYU Cougars

Say Ahh: Offseason resembles teeth cleanings for BYU coaches

Whether taking care of your teeth or a team, some preventive maintenance can go a long ways.

By Dave McCann

BYU Football

Can Big 12-bound Cougars borrow a page from Adam Hine’s playbook?

The Cougars haven’t returned a kickoff for a TD since Hine did so in 2014, something special teams coach Kelly Poppinga looks to remedy.

By Dave McCann

BYU wide receiver Mitchell Juergens, center, catches the go-ahead touchdown vs. Boise State, Sept. 12, 2015, in Provo, Utah.

BYU Football

Remembering the night the smallest guy on the field made the biggest play

BYU’s victory over Boise State in 2015 was not only a ‘W’ for the Cougars, but also for the undersized.

By Dave McCann

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is introduced before a game against Arizona in Santa Clara, Calif., Jan. 8, 2023.

NFL

Is this year’s crop of former BYU players in the NFL the strongest ever?

There may have been stronger decades, but for an individual season this one ranks right up there.

By Dave McCann

A Baylor fan and a BYU fan talk after BYU scored a touchdown at the end of the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

BYU Football

BYU aims to compete on the field and in the stands in the Big 12

In the high-stakes game that is college sports, free ice cream and a smile still go a long way.

By Dave McCann

BYU wide receiver Kody Epps carries the ball against Utah State on Sept. 29, 2022, in Provo, Utah.

BYU Football

Kody Epps calls an audible, will return to BYU

After a whirlwind few days since entering the transfer portal, the sophomore receiver announced he will return to Provo.

By Dave McCann

BYU tight end Isaac Rex (83) celebrates his touchdown against he Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Sept. 17, 2022.

BYU Football

How the Cougars can — and will — move on without Kody Epps

There is no way to sugarcoat the loss of Epps, but BYU’s Big Three can help fill the void.

By Dave McCann

BYU receiver Kody Epps runs downfield during game against Utah State on Sept. 29, 2022, in Provo, Utah.

BYU Football

What to make of Kody Epps’ 11th-hour move

Epps’ surprise decision to enter the transfer portal leaves BYU with a case of whiplash.

By Dave McCann

BYU forward Lauren Gustin grabs the ball during a game against Gonzaga at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on March 8, 2022.

BYU Basketball

Lauren Gustin announces she’ll return to BYU after all

Cougars star tested transfer portal earlier this week, but ultimately decided Provo was the place for her.

By Dave McCann

BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (3) runs against Oregon Ducks defensive end Brandon Dorlus (3) in Eugene on Sept. 17, 2022.

NFL

What advice would this former BYU and NFL quarterback give to Jaren Hall? ‘Be ferocious’

He also adds, ‘Have confidence. Don’t question how good you are and don’t question your abilities.’

By Dave McCann

Head coach Kalani Sitake talks with media after the BYU Cougars football team practiced in Provo on March 17, 2023.

BYU Football

The ripple effects of landing players in the NFL

During his years guiding the BYU, Kalani Sitake has displayed an ability to produce NFL-caliber talent. That should help him when recruiting Big 12-caliber players.

By Dave McCann

BYU forward Lauren Gustin looks to score during a Women’s NIT basketball game at the Marriott Center on March 17, 2023.

BYU Basketball

BYU was just reminded that the transfer portal features a door that swings both ways

BYU women’s basketball star Lauren Gustin recently announced she has entered the transfer portal. And that’s her right.

By Dave McCann

BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts runs after a catch against Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

BYU Football

Chase Roberts, Devin Downing back ballin’ together — this time at BYU

The former American Fork High teammates eager to be back on the field together when Cougars begin Big 12 play.

By Dave McCann

This Aug. 4, 2012, file photo shows new football helmets that were given to a group of youth football players.

Sports

Life lessons learned during one bad year of football

Little league football taught the author some hard but important truths.

By Dave McCann

BYU linebacker Max Tooley celebrates his touchdown after an interception against Utah State in Provo, Sept. 29, 2022.

BYU Football

For BYU linebackers Max Tooley and Ben Bywater, the wait is almost over

Both linebackers sat out spring practices while recovering from offseason surgeries, but expect to have the green light when 2023 season begins.

By Dave McCann

BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum throws a 42-yard Hail Mary with no time left, which was caught for the game-winning touchdown.

BYU Football

Eliminating seven plays would change BYU’s football history

College football announced a new rule Friday that will help speed up the game, but also result in, on average, seven fewer plays per game.

By Dave McCann

BYU Cougars

BYU’s ‘New Kids on the Block’ are creating a stage presence for the present and future

Due to a rash of injuries, the BYU baseball team has turned to an impressive group of freshmen, who are making the most of their opportunities.

By Dave McCann

Brigham Young Cougars defensive lineman John Nelson (94) celebrates a sack on Baylor Bears quarterback Blake Shapen.

BYU Football

What BYU fans can circle on their calendars before life in the Big 12 begins

With spring football practices winding down, the Cougars are on the cusp of their first season in the Big 12.

By Dave McCann

BYU Football

Taking the field — a memory maker for a lifetime

According BYU’s David Almodova, staging a run out should be ‘organized chaos.’ BYU players past and present share their thoughts.

By Dave McCann

EJ Caminong, a three-star QB prospect in 2024 recruiting class and Washington commit, will take an official visit to BYU.

BYU Football

Trademarks aside, big moments freely await BYU fans in the Big 12

What new catchphrases might emerge during BYU’s first season in the Big 12?

By Dave McCann

BYU quarterback Taysom Hill fights to get free of Texas linebacker Jordan Hicks in 2013 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

BYU Football

Turf wars: BYU players sound off on playing surfaces — is natural or artificial superior?

With LaVell Edwards Stadium the only remaining college stadium in Utah with natural grass, we asked former players their preference.

By Dave McCann

Dan Forsman, a six-time Masters participant and Utah resident, poses for a portrait at Riverside County Club in Provo.

Sports

For Utah’s Dan Forsman, his Masters memories are more sweet than bitter

Ahead of this week’s Masters, Forsman recalls his favorite memories of playing at Augusta National.

By Dave McCann

BYU Cougars

Hailey Morrow became a catch for BYU softball — in more ways than one

BYU offered her a scholarship to play softball when she just 12 years old. Now coaches turned the former second baseman into a starting catcher.

By Dave McCann

BYU defensive back Micah Harper tackles Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree during the game in Las Vegas on Oct. 8, 2022.

BYU Football

Micah Harper to get what he wished for

Sophomore safety relishing chance to play in Power Five conference; playing ‘big-time football’ is why he came to BYU.

By Dave McCann

BYU quarterback Kedon Solvis looks to make a pass during opening day of BYU spring football camp.

BYU Football

What Kedon Slovis has to say about being a Cougar

The former USC and Pitt QB is enjoying his first spring camp in Provo — and getting to know his new “friends.”

By Dave McCann

BYU football coach Kalani Sitake, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, and BYU basketball coach Mark Pope take a selfie.

BYU Cougars

Spring transfer portal windows are critical for BYU, but navigating them is a puzzle

The Big 12-bound Cougars get their last shots at shoring up rosters via the portal this spring.

By Dave McCann

BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer watches warmups before a spring football scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

BYU Football

Ty Detmer has no time for grudges with BYU — or anyone else

Former BYU great not bitter about being dismissed as offensive coordinator in 2017, but is looking forward to this year’s Alumni Game in Provo.

By Dave McCann