BYU has steadily carved out a place for itself in the national spotlight, emerging as a formidable force in college sports. The Cougars’ rise to prominence has been fueled by strategic decisions, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence that has propelled them into a new era of victory.
One of the most significant milestones in BYU’s ascent was its transition to the Big 12 Conference. After years of competing as an independent program, BYU finally secured a spot in a Power 5 conference, a move that instantly elevated its status in college athletics. The shift brought new challenges, but it also provided the Cougars with greater visibility, stronger competition, and enhanced recruiting opportunities. The Big 12 era has allowed BYU to showcase its talent on a larger stage, proving that it belongs among the nation’s elite programs [A](https://sportshakers.com.ng/2025/02/28/kalani-sitake-breaks-through-byus-rise-to-big-12-relevance-forces-college-football-to-finally-acknowledge-his-brilliance/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTktNZFg5SmtwVnM3WVV0TUc0TjU4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzaGFrZXJzLmNvbS5uZ1wvMjAyNVwvMDJcLzI4XC9rYWxhbmktc2l0YWtlLWJyZWFrcy10aHJvdWdoLWJ5dXMtcmlzZS10by1iaWctMTItcmVsZXZhbmNlLWZvcmNlcy1jb2xsZWdlLWZvb3RiYWxsLXRvLWZpbmFsbHktYWNrbm93bGVkZ2UtaGlzLWJyaWxsaWFuY2VcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
A key figure in BYU’s success has been head coach Kalani Sitake. Since taking the helm in 2016, Sitake has transformed the program, instilling a culture of resilience and discipline. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding BYU through the transition to the Big 12, ensuring that the team remains competitive despite facing tougher opponents. Sitake’s ability to develop players and maximize their potential has earned him recognition as one of the top coaches in the conference [A](https://sportshakers.com.ng/2025/02/28/kalani-sitake-breaks-through-byus-rise-to-big-12-relevance-forces-college-football-to-finally-acknowledge-his-brilliance/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTktNZFg5SmtwVnM3WVV0TUc0TjU4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzaGFrZXJzLmNvbS5uZ1wvMjAyNVwvMDJcLzI4XC9rYWxhbmktc2l0YWtlLWJyZWFrcy10aHJvdWdoLWJ5dXMtcmlzZS10by1iaWctMTItcmVsZXZhbmNlLWZvcmNlcy1jb2xsZWdlLWZvb3RiYWxsLXRvLWZpbmFsbHktYWNrbm93bGVkZ2UtaGlzLWJyaWxsaWFuY2VcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Beyond football, BYU’s athletic department has made significant strides in other sports, further solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse. The Cougars’ basketball program has gained traction, competing at a high level and attracting top talent. The move to the Big 12 has also benefited other sports, providing athletes with better facilities, increased media exposure, and stronger competition. This holistic growth has contributed to BYU’s overall rise in prominence [B](https://universe.byu.edu/2023/07/01/column-rejoice-the-big-12-era-at-byu-is-upon-us/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTktNZFg5SmtwVnM3WVV0TUc0TjU4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdW5pdmVyc2UuYnl1LmVkdVwvMjAyM1wvMDdcLzAxXC9jb2x1bW4tcmVqb2ljZS10aGUtYmlnLTEyLWVyYS1hdC1ieXUtaXMtdXBvbi11c1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The impact of BYU’s success extends beyond the field. The university’s brand has gained national recognition, attracting recruits, fans, and media attention. The Cougars’ ability to compete at a high level has dispelled doubts about their legitimacy, proving that they can hold their own against traditional powerhouses. The increased visibility has also led to financial benefits, with BYU securing lucrative television deals and sponsorships that further strengthen its position in college sports [B](https://universe.byu.edu/2023/07/01/column-rejoice-the-big-12-era-at-byu-is-upon-us/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiTktNZFg5SmtwVnM3WVV0TUc0TjU4IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdW5pdmVyc2UuYnl1LmVkdVwvMjAyM1wvMDdcLzAxXC9jb2x1bW4tcmVqb2ljZS10aGUtYmlnLTEyLWVyYS1hdC1ieXUtaXMtdXBvbi11c1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
As BYU continues to embrace the spotlight, the future looks bright for the program. The Cougars have demonstrated that they are not just participants in the Big 12—they are contenders. With strong leadership, talented athletes, and a commitment to excellence, BYU is poised to build on its success and establish itself as a dominant force in college athletics.
The journey to prominence has been long and challenging, but BYU has proven that perseverance and strategic planning can lead to sustained success. As the Cougars continue to make waves in the Big 12, they are not just embracing the spotlight—they are thriving in
