If you asked any football fan in Provo if Brigham Young University's LaVell Edwards Stadium is a tough place to play, you'd hear a resounding "yes!" from anyone not clad in crimson. 63,470 strong, this coliseum of collegiate clamor has already made its name as one of the most deafening and frustrating venues in the nation for an opposing team.
Just ask Avery Johnson, the K-State signal caller who suffered his worst performance of the year under the lights at LaVell's house.
Though the Wildcats were manhandled during their trip to Utah Valley, the deafening noise and riotous environment of cheering wasn't the biggest takeaway from the visitors. Perhaps the biggest knock on the LES crowd is a lack of poor-meaning jeers for the guests.
“It was like their fans were encouraging, almost," said Johnson following the loss. "Most of the time, the fans try to heckle you or say bad things about you before the game. But all their fans were encouraging. It was just a different environment to be in.”
With all that in mind, it might be understandable that BYU fans didn't see a stretch-Y appear on the list of toughest places to play according to the upcoming College Football 26 game.
NEW: EA Sports College Football 26 Top 25 toughest places to play🎮https://t.co/36KX4yDXzv pic.twitter.com/e1EqWCKY9P
— On3 (@On3sports) June 24, 2025
The toughest pill to swallow must be seeing Rice-Eccles Stadium appearing in the top 20, a spot where BYU fans would certainly like to see the house LaVell built.
Of course, this is just a silly ranking, and the only result that truly matters is what happens on the physical field, not the virtual field (shoutout Arch Manning). For those of you who are looking forward to suiting up the Cougars for your newest football dynasty, you'll make Provo, Utah a scary place to play regardless of what the 1's and 0's might want you to think.
Especially once the sun goes down.