$15 MILLION SNUBBED! KALANI SITAKE STUNS COLLEGE FOOTBALL WORLD — TURNS DOWN LSU & TEXAS TECH, SPARKS KIRBY SMART CONTROVERSY
In a move that has shaken the foundations of college football, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has turned down a combined $15 million in offers from LSU and Texas Tech, sending shockwaves through athletic departments and recruiting boards across the country.
Both schools, desperate for a cultural and competitive overhaul, made Sitake their top target after back-to-back underwhelming seasons. LSU reportedly offered Sitake a five-year, $11.5 million deal, while Texas Tech sweetened their bid with $3.5 million annually plus program control. But Sitake, now entering his 10th season at BYU, declined both offers — citing “unfinished business in Provo.”
> “Money can’t buy what we’re building here,” Sitake said in a statement posted to X. “This is about purpose, legacy, and elevating a program that reflects my core values.”
THE FALLOUT BEGINS
Sitake’s snub has created a domino effect. LSU athletic director Scott Woodward is now facing backlash from boosters who believed Sitake was a lock. Texas Tech, meanwhile, is reportedly scrambling to re-engage talks with Oregon’s offensive coordinator.
But the biggest twist? Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was reportedly involved behind the scenes — advising LSU officials to “go all-in” on Sitake rather than pursue any SEC assistants. Insiders claim that Kirby’s private admiration for Sitake’s leadership and culture-building “backfired,” as several top Georgia recruits are now rumored to be considering BYU visits, intrigued by Sitake’s loyalty and values-first approach.
A NEW POWER IN THE BIG 12?
Sitake’s decision is more than symbolic. With BYU heading into Year 3 in the Big 12, the Cougars are now being talked about as a dark-horse playoff contender — and Sitake’s steadfast commitment only strengthens that narrative. Recruiting momentum has surged, with four-star QB Dean Rueckert doubling down on his verbal commitment after Sitake’s announcement.
> “He’s not chasing money. He’s chasing greatness — and that’s the kind of coach I want to play for,” Rueckert told BYUtv.
FINAL TAKE
Turning down $15 million is rare in modern college football — but Sitake’s bold decision might just be the defining moment that elevates BYU into the national spotlight for years to come.
One thing’s for sure: the world just learned you can’t buy Kalani Sitake.
