BYU Cougars Football

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.

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.

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

Conference championships

Division championships

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.