Cougar Tracks - Daily BYU Cougars Football, Basketball Podcast

KSL Newsradio
  • 4.8 (182)
  • Football
  • Updated Daily

Cougar Tracks gives you a daily insider look into BYU Cougars football and basketball. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper hosts the show. Harper has been covering BYU athletics for more than a decade. He brings you everything from the latest happenings in the BYU football and men's basketball programs, to the latest insight on the recruiting trail.  Cougar Tracks is your go-to podcast for the best daily BYU conversation.

  1. 20h ago

    BYU basketball picks up a commitment from standout big-man Jaxon Kohler

    BYU basketball picked up a commitment from former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler. Kohler picked BYU over Kentucky, Kansas, and Louisville. He gives BYU a big man who competed in the NBA Summer League over the past summer. Kohler, an American Fork, Utah native is eligible due to a court injunction that gives him the ability to take advantage of a fifth year in the new 5-in-5 rule. During his senior season at Michigan State, Kohler was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten performer. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his reaction to the commitment and what it could mean for BYU's potential lineup in the 2026-27 season. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    BYU basketball picks up a commitment from standout big-man Jaxon Kohler

  2. 2d ago

    Top BYU wide receivers emerging + TJ Woods interview + Fall weddings

    A big storyline for BYU football entering the 2026 season is at wide receiver. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discusses the latest with the wide receiver unit and who might be the top five players emerging in that position group. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick shared some thoughts on the receivers who are performing well during fall camp practices. From Jojo Phillips to Reggie Frischknecht and Tiger Bachmeier, Mitch breaks down the latest with that wide receiver unit that looks to replace Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston. Also, offensive line talk as the Cougars continue to navigate fall camp with third-year offensive line coach TJ Woods. Then, finally, CFB Twitter is buzzing about fall weddings. Mitch gives his thoughts and his personal experience with fall weddings. His experience might surprise you. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    Top BYU wide receivers emerging + TJ Woods interview + Fall weddings

  3. 2d ago

    BYU football practice observations: What stood out + 5-in-5 heats up for basketball

    KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper starts today's show from the practice fields after another eventful day at BYU football fall camp. Day 11 took place Tuesday at the Student-Athlete Building, where media were allowed to watch the final 20 minutes.  Mitch shares his observations from the media window — who flashed, which position battles are tightening up, and how the Cougars are shaping up entering the final stretch before the September 5 opener against Utah Tech. With BYU checking in at No. 14 in the preseason AP Top 25, the expectations are real, and the on-field product at practice is reflecting that. Then Mitch pivots to the hardwood, where the 5-in-5 eligibility injunctions have turned BYU basketball's roster construction into one of the most fascinating storylines in college hoops. A temporary restraining order in California allows for Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler to be able to enter the portal and have another year of college eligibility. Could BYU get him? The American Fork, Utah, native who started for Tom Izzo and played in the Utah Jazz Summer League is considering Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, and BYU for his fifth year. Mitch breaks down how the injunction works, why the transfer portal rules add another layer of complexity, and what landing Kohler would mean for a BYU basketball team building around Rob Wright, Bruce Branch III, and Collin Chandler. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    BYU football practice observations: What stood out + 5-in-5 heats up for basketball

  4. 3d ago

    Fall camp chats with BYU K Matthias Dunn, P Fuller Shurtz, LS Ty Smith, and CB Kevin Doe

    KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper caught up with some BYU football players at fall camp practice. At the beginning of this episode, you'll hear a combined interview with BYU's special teams unit. Kicker Matthias Dunn and Punter Fuller Shurtz. Then long snapper Ty Smith joins the mix later in the episode. The episode closes out with Mitch catching up with cornerback Kevin Doe. An athletic corner who continues to learn the game of football and appears primed to have a role this season in the cornerback room. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    Fall camp chats with BYU K Matthias Dunn, P Fuller Shurtz, LS Ty Smith, and CB Kevin Doe

  5. 4d ago

    Reaction to BYU's preseason AP Top 25 ranking + Speculation continues on resources

    The preseason AP Top 25 is out and BYU checks in at No. 14, tied with USC with 839 points. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper reacts to the Cougars' highest preseason ranking since the 1985 season, the year after BYU's national championship. It's only the 13th time in program history BYU has appeared in the preseason AP poll and just the second time in the Kalani Sitake era. Four Big 12 teams made the cut — Texas Tech at No. 12, BYU at No. 14, Utah at No. 21, and Houston at No. 23 — and BYU's October 17 home date with No. 4 Notre Dame is already circled in red. Historically, BYU has finished higher than its preseason AP ranking only twice (1981, 2009). Can the Cougars make it a third? Mitch discusses what this ranking means for expectations, the College Football Playoff picture, and how voters are viewing BYU's returning production, headlined by Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier. The ongoing Kalani Sitake–BYU football resources and athletic department remains front and center for pockets of Cougar Nation. The speculation that dominated the past two weeks shows no signs of fading, even as the season draws closer. Since Sitake told reporters at picture day, "I'm easy to get along with as long as you take care of our football team," the conversation has only intensified. Sitake's earlier comment that BYU has been "given the challenge of doing the most with the least" added fuel. The hiring of Kentucky's Marc Hill as deputy AD and Santiago's need to post on CougarBoard to debunk firing rumors have kept this story in the backdrop of fall camp. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shares his thoughts and insight into the situation and makes it clear that BYU has to take care of Kalani Sitake. Finally, Mitch recaps an eventful scrimmage as BYU enters week three of fall camp. The Cougars ran 102 plays at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, and the offense had the upper hand. Bear Bachmeier was in a "great rhythm," according to Sitake, who gave the offense a "slight edge" over the defense.  Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    Reaction to BYU's preseason AP Top 25 ranking + Speculation continues on resources

  6. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    BYU QB coach views Bill Belichick as a mentor in his career

    First-year BYU assistant QB coach Tyler Hughes worked under Bill Belichick at the New England Patriots. Belichick is one of the mentors in Hughes' coaching career. This is a news update that aired on KSL NewsRadio. You can listen to the daily Cougar Tracks updates on KSL NewsRadio at 5:55 a.m., 7:55 a.m, 3:55 p.m., and 5:55 p.m. on 102.7 FM, 1160 AM, and the KSL NewsRadio app. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

  7. Aug 14

    BYU WR expectations + Roger Saleapaga interview + Recruits to watch during HS football season

    Despite being a big question mark, BYU football coaches are quietly optimistic for the BYU wide receiver unit entering the 2026 season. What should expectations be for this group that lacks a proven No. 1 receiver this season? KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper shared his thoughts and broke down the receiver unit that includes Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Legend Glasker, Tiger Bachmeier, Reggie Frischknecht, and others.  In this episode, Mitch also caught up with BYU tight end Roger Saleapaga II. The Oregon transfer has settled in nicely within the BYU offense and is expected to be one of the top players on the team. The 2026-27 NBA schedule was out. We now know when AJ Dybantsa's debut will take place, the games with former BYU players rolling into Salt Lake City, and more. Then, finally, the top BYU football recruits to watch during the 2026 Utah High School Football season. From the current commits with Uhila Wolfgramm from Maple Mountain to top uncommitted prospects such as Jake Matsen from American Fork, Mitch gives you a primer on prep prospects to follow this fall on KSL Sports. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    BYU WR expectations + Roger Saleapaga interview + Recruits to watch during HS football season

  8. Aug 13

    Kalani Sitake discusses relationship with Brian Santiago + QB coach Tyler Hughes interview

    It was a busy Wednesday at the BYU Student Athlete Building, and KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper unpacks all of it. The biggest headline: Kalani Sitake met with reporters at team photo day and addressed the elephant in the room — his relationship with athletic director Brian Santiago and his recent comments about BYU's resources. After saying on a recent radio interview that BYU has been "given the challenge of doing the most with the least," Sitake was pressed on what that means going forward. His answer was direct: "My agent's going to handle all of that stuff. I'm going to focus on this year's team. As long as I'm the head coach at BYU, I'm going to fight like crazy to make this a premier program." And on his relationship with Santiago? "I'm easy to get along with as long as you take care of our football team." Mitch breaks down the context — Sitake turning down Penn State last winter, the recent Santiago rumors, the hiring of new deputy AD Marc Hill from Kentucky — and what it all signals about the current state of the BYU athletic department heading into a critical season. Also on today's episode, Mitch chats with BYU assistant quarterbacks coach Tyler Hughes. The Salt Lake City native joins the Cougars in his first year after a career that includes four NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, a stint as an offensive analyst at Alabama under Kalen DeBoer. Hughes also brings local roots as a former head coach at Bountiful High School and Snow College. In the interview, Hughes discusses working alongside offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick to develop Bear Bachmeier heading into his sophomore campaign, what he's seen from the quarterback room through fall camp, and his journey from the NFL back to the college game. And to close things out, Mitch recaps Picture Day inside the Indoor Practice Facility. BYU football took a day off from practice as players and coaches gathered for the official team photo on the outdoor practice field before heading inside the IPF. Mitch shares the scene, the vibe, and notes from a midweek break in the second week of camp as the Cougars continue building toward their September 5 opener against Utah Tech. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

    Kalani Sitake discusses relationship with Brian Santiago + QB coach Tyler Hughes interview
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4.8
out of 5
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Cougar Tracks gives you a daily insider look into BYU Cougars football and basketball. KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper hosts the show. Harper has been covering BYU athletics for more than a decade. He brings you everything from the latest happenings in the BYU football and men's basketball programs, to the latest insight on the recruiting trail.  Cougar Tracks is your go-to podcast for the best daily BYU conversation.

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