BYU Cougars Football

BYU Cougars Football

2024-25 REGULAR SEASON
348.0 PYPG
179.0 RYPG
41.0 PPG
527.0 TotY/G

Team Information

Ground LaVell Edwards Stadium
City Provo, Utah
Conference Big 12,
Nickname Cougars

2024 Regular Season Leaders

All Statistics
Passing Yards

BYU Cougars Football News

Big 12 Bowl Projections after Week 5: Way too early postseason picture for Colorado, BYU and more Big 12 Bowl Projections after Week 5: Way too early postseason picture for Colorado, BYU and more
Big 12 Bowl Projections after Week 5: Way too early postseason picture for Colorado, BYU and more
Big 12 Power Rankings (Week 6): Deion Sanders' Colorado gains relevance after UCF takedown Big 12 Power Rankings (Week 6): Deion Sanders' Colorado gains relevance after UCF takedown
Big 12 Power Rankings (Week 6): Deion Sanders' Colorado gains relevance after UCF takedown
Winners and losers of coaches poll (Week 4): Which SEC teams dipped in latest Top 25 rankings? Winners and losers of coaches poll (Week 4): Which SEC teams dipped in latest Top 25 rankings?
Winners and losers of coaches poll (Week 4): Which SEC teams dipped in latest Top 25 rankings?
Coaches Poll Top 25 after Week 4: Georgia & Texas lead the show while Michigan stands at No. 12 Coaches Poll Top 25 after Week 4: Georgia & Texas lead the show while Michigan stands at No. 12
Coaches Poll Top 25 after Week 4: Georgia & Texas lead the show while Michigan stands at No. 12
Kevin Jennings' Stats Last Night (Week 2): Looking at SMU QB's performance against BYU Cougars Kevin Jennings' Stats Last Night (Week 2): Looking at SMU QB's performance against BYU Cougars
Kevin Jennings' Stats Last Night (Week 2): Looking at SMU QB's performance against BYU Cougars

BYU Cougars Football Bio

The college football program representing Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, is known as the BYU Cougars football team. Their history in collegiate football dates back to 1922, and over the years, they have achieved remarkable success, including 23 conference championships and a notable national championship in 1984.


Throughout their history, the BYU Cougars football team has been affiliated with various athletic conferences. Notably, from July 1, 2011, until 2022, they competed as an FBS Independent. A significant development occurred on September 10, 2021, when the Big 12 Conference unanimously accepted BYU's application for membership. Subsequently, BYU officially became a member of the Big 12 on July 1, 2023.


Name of the teamBYU Cougars
First Season1922
Athletic DirectorTom Holmoe
Head CoachKalani Sitake (7th season, 56–34)
StadiumLaVell Edwards Stadium
LocationProvo, Utah
Field SurfaceNatural grass
DivisionDivision I FBS
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
Claimed National Titles1 (1984)
Conference Titles23 (1965, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007)
Fight SongThe Cougar Song
MascotCosmo the Cougar
RivalsUtah (Holy War), Utah State (The Old Wagon Wheel)
Consensus All-Americans14


BYU Cougars Football Introduction

The BYU Cougars football team represents Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, in college football. They first entered collegiate football competition in 1922 and have achieved notable success, securing 23 conference championships and a national championship in 1984.


Over the years, the team has been part of various athletic conferences. Notably, from July 1, 2011, until 2022, they competed as an FBS Independent. On September 10, 2021, the Big 12 Conference unanimously accepted BYU's application for membership. BYU officially became a member of the Big 12 on July 1, 2023.


Home games for the Cougars are played at the 63,470-seat LaVell Edwards Stadium, which is named in honor of head coach LaVell Edwards. Coach Edwards had a remarkable tenure, winning 19 conference championships, seven bowl games, and one national championship in 1984 while leading the BYU football program.


BYU Cougars Football History

BYU Cougar football began its collegiate competition in 1922. In the early years, the team faced various opponents and challenges as they developed their program. One of the most significant chapters in BYU football history was the era of head coach LaVell Edwards. He coached the team from 1972 to 2000 and left an indelible mark. Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved remarkable success, including 19 conference championships, seven bowl game victories, and a national championship in 1984. The 1984 season was particularly memorable for BYU as they were crowned national champions. Quarterback Robbie Bosco led the team to an undefeated season and a thrilling victory in the Holiday Bowl, solidifying their claim to the national title. Over the years, BYU has won a total of 23 conference championships, demonstrating their consistency and competitiveness in their respective conferences.


From 2011 to 2022, BYU competed as an FBS Independent. During this period, they faced a diverse range of opponents from various conferences, showcasing their football prowess on a national stage. In 2021, the Big 12 Conference accepted BYU's application for membership, marking a significant milestone in the program's history. BYU officially joined the Big 12 on July 1, 2023, providing them with a new platform to compete at the highest level of college football. BYU Cougar football continues to be a respected and competitive program in college football, with a strong tradition of excellence both on and off the field.


BYU Cougars Football Coach

Since December 2015, Kalani Sitake has held the position of head coach at BYU. Throughout BYU's football history, five different coaches have guided the team to postseason bowl games: Tommy Hudspeth, LaVell Edwards, Gary Crowton, Bronco Mendenhall, and Kalani Sitake. Among these coaches, four also achieved success in the form of conference championships. Tommy Hudspeth secured one championship, while LaVell Edwards claimed an impressive 18 championships as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. Edwards and Crowton each won one championship, and Bronco Mendenhall captured two while BYU was in the Mountain West Conference.


LaVell Edwards

LaVell Edwards stands out in several coaching categories, having led the team for the most seasons, achieving the highest number of victories, and boasting the highest winning percentage. Edwards accumulated 257 wins, resulting in a winning percentage of 0.716 during his remarkable 29-year tenure with the program. Notably, of the 14 different head coaches who have led the BYU Cougars, LaVell Edwards has earned the distinction of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.


No.NameSeason(s)
1Alvin Twitchell1922–1924
2Charles J. Hart1925–1927
3G. Ott Romney1928–1936
4 & 6Eddie Kimball1937–1941 & 1946–1948
5Floyd Millet1942
7Chick Atkinson1949–1955
8Hal Kopp1956–1958
9Tally Stevens1959–1960
10Hal Mitchell1961–1963
11Tommy Hudspeth1964–1971
12LaVell Edwards†1972–2000
13Gary Crowton2001–2004
14Bronco Mendenhall2005–2015
15Kalani Sitake2016–present


BYU Cougars Football Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium

LaVell Edwards Stadium is an open-air sports venue located on the campus of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, situated in the western United States. This stadium primarily serves as the home venue for college football and hosts the games of the BYU Cougars, a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision within the Big 12 Conference. Originally named "Cougar Stadium," it first opened its doors in 1964 and boasts a seating capacity of 63,470.


The playing field features natural grass and follows the conventional north-south alignment. It is positioned at an elevation of 4,649 feet (1,417 meters) above sea level. Additionally, the stadium features a press box located along the western sideline.


BYU Cougars Football Rivals

Brigham Young University's football program has forged two notable rivalries over its history. One of these rivalries is with the Utah Utes, a matchup that is often dubbed "The Holy War." The other significant rivalry is with the Utah State Aggies, known as "The Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel." Additionally, BYU vies with both Utah and Utah State for the Beehive Boot, an award that recognizes supremacy among the three programs.


It's worth noting that these rivalries have faced periods of inactivity in recent years due to shifts and changes in conference affiliations among the three universities.


H2- BYU Cougars Football Record and stats

OpponentWonLostTiedPct.StreakFirst meeting
Baylor220.500Won 11983
Cincinnati2001.000Won 22015
Houston3001.000Won 32013
Iowa State040.000Lost 41968
Kansas010.000Lost 11992
Kansas State440.500Won 21957
Oklahoma2001.000Won 21994
Oklahoma State020.000Lost 21974
Texas410.800Won 21987
TCU560.455Lost 41987
Texas Tech010.000Lost 11940
UCF210.667Won 12011
West Virginia010.000Lost 12016


Conference championships

SeasonConferenceCoachOverall recordConference record
1965Western Athletic ConferenceTommy Hudspeth6–44–1
1974Lavell Edwards7–4–16–0–1
1976Lavell Edwards9–36–1
1977Lavell Edwards9–26–1
1978Lavell Edwards9–45–1
1979Lavell Edwards11–17–0
1980Lavell Edwards12–16–1
1981Lavell Edwards11–27–1
1982Lavell Edwards8–47–1
1983Lavell Edwards11–17–0
1984Lavell Edwards13–08–0
1985Lavell Edwards11–37–1
1989Lavell Edwards10–37–1
1990Lavell Edwards10–37–1
1991Lavell Edwards8–3–27–0–1
1992Lavell Edwards8–56–2
1993Lavell Edwards6–66–2
1995Lavell Edwards7–46–2
1996Lavell Edwards14–110–0
1999Mountain West ConferenceLavell Edwards8–45–2
2001Gary Crowton12–27–0
2006Bronco Mendenhall11–28–0
2007Bronco Mendenhall11-28–0


Division championships

SeasonDivisionCoachOpponentCG result
1996WAC - MountainLaVell EdwardsWyomingW 28–25OT
1998WAC - PacificAir ForceL 13–20


BYU Cougars Football Roster

The BYU Cougars football team for the 2023 season features a roster filled with talented players from various positions. In the quarterback department, they have a mix of experienced players like Kedon Slovis and promising young talents like Nick Billoups and Ryder Burton. The running back corps is solid, with Miles Davis and Aidan Robbins providing depth. The wide receiver group boasts a mix of size and speed, with players like Keanu Hill and Darius Lassiter making an impact. The tight end position is anchored by Isaac Rex, who stands tall at 6'6". On the offensive line, you'll find a combination of size and strength to protect their quarterbacks and open up running lanes. Defensively, the Cougars have skilled linemen like Tyler Batty and linebackers like Chaz Ah You, ensuring a strong presence on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary is bolstered by players like Mory Bamba and Kamden Garrett, providing depth and experience. Special teams feature reliable kickers and punters, ensuring the team's all-around competitiveness. This diverse and talented roster promises an exciting season for BYU football fans in 2023.


BYU Cougars Football Schedule

The BYU Cougars have kicked off their 2023 regular season with two impressive wins, showing their prowess on both offense and defense. In their opening game, they secured a solid 14-0 victory against Sam Houston, with quarterback Kedon Slovis throwing for 145 yards. The Cougars continued their winning streak in the second game, dominating Southern Utah with a score of 41-16. Slovis had an outstanding performance, throwing for 348 yards, while the running game, led by Miles Davis with 91 rushing yards, contributed significantly. The receiving corps, featuring standout Darius Lassiter with 43 receiving yards, also made crucial plays. With a 2-0 record, BYU is now gearing up for a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against Arkansas, Kansas, Cincinnati, TCU, and several other formidable opponents. BYU football fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.


FAQs

A. The BYU Cougars football team plays its home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium, located on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

A. The BYU Cougars football program was established in 1922, and it has a rich history of success in college football.

A. BYU is not affiliated with a specific conference. However, conference affiliations in college football can change, so it's a good idea to check for any updates on their conference status.

A. BYU has two significant football rivalries: "The Holy War" with the Utah Utes and "The Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel" with the Utah State Aggies. These rivalries have a long history and are highly anticipated matchups each season.

A. BYU has produced several NFL stars, including Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer, and Ziggy Ansah, among others. These players achieved great success at both the college and professional levels.

A. You can purchase tickets to BYU Cougars football games through the official BYU Athletics website or through authorized ticketing outlets. 

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