# VENERATED: Kalani Sitake & BYU Football Command RESPECT–What Will Set Them Apart This Fall in Big12? | Utah's Issues Are Lessons Learned | Big 12 Maintains United 24-Team CFP Stance

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/venerated-kalani-sitake-byu-football-command-respect-what-will-set-them-apart-this-fall-in-big12-utah-s-issues-are-lessons-learned-big-12-maintains-united-24-team-cfp-stance
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/venerated-kalani-sitake-byu-football-command-respect-what-will-set-them-apart-this-fall-in-big12-utah-s-issues-are-lessons-learned-big-12-maintains-united-24-team-cfp-stance.md
Podcast: [Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433)
Published: 2026-05-29T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/63a296/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6/episodes/d84d6a68-722e-4b60-86c4-05c4e913c50d/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6&awEpisodeId=d84d6a68-722e-4b60-86c4-05c4e913c50d&feed=DzohBBeS
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/episodes/venerated-kalani-sitake-byu-football-command-respect-what-will-set-them-apart-this-fall-in-big12-utah-s-issues-are-lessons-learned-big-12-maintains-united-24-team-cfp-stance
Duration seconds: 1736

## Resource

Kalani Sitake’s impressive rise puts BYU Football’s transformation front and center. Now ranked as high as fifth among top college football coaches by CBS Sports, Sitake’s leadership has powered the Cougars to a 23-4 record over the last two seasons, climaxing in a Big 12 championship game appearance and serious College Football Playoff ambitions. With star quarterback Bear Bachmeier and impact running back LJ Martin at the core, BYU has rapidly shifted from Big 12 newcomers to a bona fide national powerhouse. Is Sitake poised to break into the coaching elite and bring BYU its long-awaited Big 12 championship and a College Football PLayoff berth? Jake Hatch spotlights the strong culture and respect Sitake commands—not just in Provo, but across the country. Key insights include the unique way BYU Athletics sustainably funds itself, refusing university or student subsidy and relying instead on a “eat what you kill” philosophy. That model stands in stark contrast to the University of Utah, whose athletic department is now under the microscope for major financial shortfalls. A recent letter from the Utah State Auditor highlights Utah’s use of millions in reserves to cover operating deficits and their risky $500 million pending deal with Otro Capital. Can BYU’s conservative approach continue to keep them competitive amid escalating college sports spending? This episode also unpacks the unanimous Big 12 coaching push for a 24-team College Football Playoff—an eye-catching move championed by Brett Yormark at the recent Big 12 spring meetings. Jake Hatch explores what this means for BYU’s playoff prospects and the potential pitfalls of playoff expansion. Are coaches really just protecting their own futures by making playoff appearances more accessible, or is this the shakeup co…

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