BYU sports has never been as nationally relevant as it is right here, right now.
Current, former, and future stars affiliated with Brigham Young University are among the most influential, relevant people in today’s sports universe. Here are some of the players, coaches, and events with ties to BYU that are generating national headlines and shining a bright, positive spotlight on Provo, Utah.
AJ Dybantsa - No. 1 high school basketball prospect
The signing of AJ Dybantsa is the single most important commitment BYU has ever received from any recruit in any sport. Nearly every hoops talent evaluator labels AJ as a generational talent and the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His affiliation with the Cougars has the potential to elevate BYU’s status in the eyes of millions of college hoops and NBA fans.
Egor Demin - Projected Top 5 pick in 2025 NBA draft
Speaking of generational NBA talents, BYU freshman Egor Demin is currently projected to be a Top 5 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 freshman has been a perfect fit at BYU, both on and off the court. Thanks to Demin, NBA scouts are now regular visitors to Provo, Utah.
Puka Nacua - NFL superstar
Last year Puka Nacua shattered the NFL’s all-time rookie receptions and receiving yards records while making the Pro Bowl. This year he was injured in Week 1 and missed several games, but over his last seven contests he’s averaging 7.1 receptions for 96.1 yards per game. Puka’s highlight catches light the internet on fire and he has become one of the most beloved, engaging personalities in the entire league.
NVP! NVP! NVP! pic.twitter.com/a6sBnltOio
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 11, 2024
Fred Warner - NFL's best linebacker
A healthy Fred Warner is the best linebacker in the NFL and arguably the best defensive player in the league, period. Despite playing with a broken bone in his heel, Warner has 91 tackles on the season with four forced fumbles and two interceptions. The Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is already reserving a spot for the former BYU star.
Taysom Hill - NFL's beloved Mr. Everything
Before recently suffering a season-ending knee injury, Taysom Hill was once again making the hearts swoon of those who love football played in its purest form. In eight games he had rushed for 278 yards with six touchdowns, averaging an astonishing 7.1 yards per carry. He reeled in 23 receptions for 178 yards, completed two passes for 21 yards, and tackled a punter for a safety on special teams. Taysom is one of the NFL’s most popular, iconic players.
Andy Reid - 3-time Super Bowl champion (and counting)
The former BYU player and graduate assistant is now the NFL’s most successful active head coach. Coming off back-to-back Super Bowl victories, his Kansas City Chiefs boast an NFL-best 12-1 record and are legitimate Super Bowl contenders again this year.
Steve Sarkisian - Coaching Texas in the College Football Playoffs
In 1996 quarterback Steve Sarkisian led BYU to a 14-1 record, Cotton Bowl victory, and a No. 5 national ranking. He’s now coaching the No. 5 ranked Texas Longhorns in the College Football Playoffs. Four more victories and Sarkisian is a national champion head coach.
Kevin Young - Launching BYU hoops into a new stratosphere
When Mark Pope left for Kentucky, many BYU fans despaired thinking it would take years to rebuild the men’s basketball program. Um, we were wrong. Kevin Young has been the talk of the college basketball world with his ability to lure top talent like AJ Dybantsa (No. 1 overall recruit), Egor Demin (No. 16), Xavion Stanton (No. 23), Kannon Catchings (No. 41), Brody Kozlowski (No. 124), Chamberlain Burgess (No. 147), and Elijah Crawford (No. 150) to Provo.
Kalani Sitake - Coaching contract extended
On December 7th BYU gave a well-deserved extension to beloved football head coach Kalani Sitake. Kalani’s commitment to BYU shows his loyalty to the school he loves and his belief in the program he has built. Sitake was recently named the AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year and a finalist for the AFCA National Coach of the Year.
Top 20 BYU football team facing Coach Prime in the Alamo Bowl
BYU fans need to pinch themselves after going 10-2 this year, making BYU one of the biggest surprises in all of college football. The Cougars will conclude their magical season in a big-time bowl game against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. Given BYU and Colorado both being ranked, BYU’s national fan base, and the media attention showered on Coach Prime, Shedeur Sanders, and Travis Hunter, this could be one the most-watched bowl games outside of the College Football Playoffs.
Jake Retzlaff - The “B-Y-Jew”
BYU’s Jewish quarterback has been the focus of national media attention throughout the year. He has appeared on Sports Center, Fox Sports, and a host of other national programs all while positively representing BYU. He also just made waves by signing a great NIL deal with Manischewitz, a Jewish food company.
Cross Country - Double national champions
While cross country doesn’t generate near as much interest as football and basketball, Provo is the undisputed center of the distance running world. In late November BYU’s men’s and women’s cross country teams both won national championships, making the Cougars the nation’s most relevant cross country program.