Author: Prince Owo Blo

Kalani Sitake’s Steady Leadership Anchoring BYU’s Program Amid Big 12 Transition As BYU navigates the challenges of Power Five football in the Big 12, one constant remains at the heart of the program’s identity—head coach Kalani Sitake. Entering his tenth season at the helm, Sitake’s calm demeanor, strong culture-building, and commitment to player development have solidified his role as a stabilizing force during a pivotal era in Cougar football. Since taking over in 2016, Sitake has compiled a winning record and guided BYU to several notable bowl appearances, including an 11-win season in 2020. But his leadership has never been…

BYU Football Prioritizing Offensive Line Depth in Upcoming Recruiting Cycles As BYU Football prepares for the challenges of competing consistently in the Big 12, the coaching staff has zeroed in on a crucial area of focus for the future: building depth and strength on the offensive line. Recognizing that winning in a Power Five conference starts in the trenches, BYU is placing a premium on recruiting and developing linemen who can anchor their offense for years to come. In recent recruiting cycles, the Cougars have extended offers to several highly-rated offensive linemen from across the West and beyond. This strategy…

Ryder Lyons Leads Early Buzz Around BYU’s 2026 Recruiting Class The early commitment of four-star quarterback Ryder Lyons has become the centerpiece of BYU’s surging 2026 recruiting class. Lyons, one of the top-rated signal callers in the West, gave his verbal commitment to the Cougars earlier this year—and his decision is already generating positive momentum across BYU’s recruiting landscape. Hailing from Southern California, Lyons brings size, mobility, and a strong arm to the quarterback position. His leadership and on-field awareness have drawn comparisons to some of the most successful quarterbacks in BYU’s storied history. While there’s still a long way…

BYU’s 2026 Recruiting Class Gaining Momentum The BYU Cougars are turning heads early with their 2026 football recruiting class, which is already showing signs of being one of the strongest in recent program history. With nine early commitments, including standout four-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, the foundation is being laid for a group that could reshape BYU’s future in the Big 12 Conference. Lyons, a highly-touted recruit from California, has been instrumental in drawing attention to BYU’s 2026 class. His early commitment not only gives the Cougars a future leader under center but also acts as a magnet for other top…

BYU Football to Host Critical Official Visitors in June As the 2025 college football season looms, BYU Football is taking major strides on the recruiting trail by hosting a highly anticipated group of official visitors throughout the month of June. The Cougars are aiming to build on their recent recruiting momentum and strengthen their roster for the future as they continue their transition and growth in the Big 12 Conference. According to reports from Sports Illustrated, BYU is preparing to welcome several top high school prospects to campus, many of whom are considered key targets by the coaching staff. These…

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released former BYU defensive end Blake Mangelson during the first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), concluding his brief tenure with the team. Mangelson, who joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft, had previously accepted a rookie minicamp invitation from the Minnesota Vikings but opted to sign with Pittsburgh after receiving a contract offer. His release comes amid a crowded defensive line roster, with the Steelers having added several new players through the draft and free agency. During his collegiate career at BYU, Mangelson appeared in 41 games, starting 16…

BYU basketball commit AJ Dybantsa recently made a surprise appearance in Jamaica, collaborating with Nike and the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations to support local youth basketball initiatives. During his visit, Dybantsa distributed Nike sneakers and basketballs to children and participated in pickup games, aiming to inspire and uplift the community through sports. Dybantsa, whose mother hails from Hanover, Jamaica, spent five days on the island engaging with local schools and the Jamaican Basketball Association. He also visited significant cultural sites like Tuff Gong Studios and the Trenchtown Community Court, deepening his connection to his Jamaican heritage. Expressing…

BYU officials have maintained a cautious stance regarding quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s future with the football program following a civil lawsuit filed against him on May 21, 2025, alleging sexual assault. At the Big 12 spring meetings, university representatives, including President C. Shane Reese, Athletic Director Brian Santiago, and Head Coach Kalani Sitake, declined to provide additional comments, referring inquiries to the university’s initial statement. The university’s statement emphasized that BYU takes such allegations seriously and will follow all mandated Title IX processes. Due to privacy laws, no further details were disclosed. Retzlaff’s attorney, Mark Baute, has publicly declared his client’s…

Duke University is set to honor one of its most iconic athletes, Christian Laettner, with the unveiling of a statue commemorating his legendary college basketball career. The statue will be installed outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, serving as a lasting tribute to Laettner’s contributions to the Blue Devils’ storied history. Laettner’s tenure at Duke from 1988 to 1992 was marked by remarkable achievements. He played a pivotal role in leading the Blue Devils to four consecutive Final Four appearances and securing back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. His most memorable moment came during the 1992 NCAA East Regional Final against…

Duke’s Sean Stewart Poised for Breakout Sophomore Season After a freshman year spent largely learning the ropes behind Duke’s veteran frontcourt, forward Sean Stewart is now poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. With the departure of several key players to the NBA, including Kyle Filipowski and Mark Mitchell, Stewart is expected to take on a much larger role in the 2024–25 season—one that could showcase his full potential on both ends of the floor. Stewart, a former five-star recruit out of Florida, averaged modest numbers as a freshman (3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game) but showed flashes of brilliance,…