One of the surest signs of future success in college sports is returning production. If the best players from last season's team will be back at it the following year, your squad is in business. BYU football should not be a team retaining as many producers as they've shown thus far, yet this is the reality we live in.
I cannot overstate this enough: all of BYU's success on the football field is thanks, in majority, to head coach Kalani Sitake.
Most football coaches across the nation build a program. Sitake has built a family. Putting an emphasis on faith, unity, and brotherhood, BYU football is a glimmering beacon in the tumultuous and unpredictable landscape of collegiate athletics.
The Cougars, coming off their second straight double-digit win season in three years as a member of the Big 12 Conference, have proved time and again that this private school at the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain Range is a leader and competitor in the modern age of the NCAA.
When BYU lost starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff and was forced to replace their gunslinger with a true freshman who had only been with the program since the spring, their record improved. When defensive coordinator Jay Hill exited to join Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, BYU retained its best defensive producers, and the offensive side of the ball followed suit.
Isaiah Glasker announced his return. Newly-promoted defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga expects top cornerback Evan Johnson to be back for 2026. Raider Damuni didn't hesitate to announce he'd be staying put.
Then, on offense, phenom quarterback Bear Bachmeier lifted the torch. Speedster receiver and punt returner Parker Kingston shared identical intentions. Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and leading rusher LJ Martin, in turn, declared that he'd run it back for one final season in blue.
BYU RB LJ Martin announces on IG he is returning for one more year. pic.twitter.com/Lgt5N4ITEz
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) January 8, 2026
This is a product of culture. And that culture has been fostered by Kalani Sitake.
Coach Sitake's locker room speech after 2024's 22-21 win over Utah comes to mind, when the Cougars' coach directed his roster's attention to the words of scripture.
"We talked about Helaman chapter five, verse twelve," He shared with his team, still buzzing from a Holy War victory. "You build a foundation, and it will not fail. You guys are the foundation. The people that you represent who are here or are no longer here, you guys did a great job representing yourselves out there."
"It's important that we stay humble," the Cougars' coach announced with tears streaking down his cheeks, "It's important that we love even our opponents. [...] How many guys didn't get a snap tonight? But did you guys do all the workouts? Did you go through all the pain? The guys you're playing against? They believe in the same thing, too, and that's why it's important to respect them and love 'em. Because LaVell gave me this feeling when I was a player for him. And everybody thought, 'Oh why would you do that? It seems kind of soft?' It's what tough guys do!"
I freaking love Kalani and I am so sorry for ever doubting him pic.twitter.com/HfGxeRiXDY
— Bachmeier_for_heisman (@mvp30_curry) November 12, 2024
Kalani Sitake has built a firm foundation at Brigham Young University. This is why the school fought so hard to keep him from leaving for Penn State. This is why he wins so many football games. This is why his players return. This is why BYU football is nationally relevant today.
Do you want to know why BYU football has experienced so much success despite the preconceived notions of the nation? Do you know why this team is consistently overachieving? Surprising? Controlling their own narrative? It's all thanks to the culture and brotherhood formed by the man at the top of the program: Kalani Sitake.