Inside BYU’s Unique Surge to the Top of College Football
Nick Saban said BYU showed unmatched energy as a freshman won $3 million in Pat McAfee’s kicking contest.
- On Friday, GameDay analyst Nick Saban praised BYU, calling the atmosphere the "most excitement and energy" he has seen on the show since joining College GameDay.
- Saban credited Cougars coach Kalani Sitake for the team's poise, stating his "leadership" and confidence kept players from feeling tight or anxious during competition.
- During the October 17 GameDay broadcast in Provo, BYU freshman Carter Smith won $3 million after successfully kicking a field goal in Pat McAfee's contest.
- Since joining the Big 12, BYU's athletic department revenues have grown to $153 million, enabling the school to invest approximately $20 million in its football roster.
- University president Reese now manages these fiscal demands as BYU strives to remain a Power 4 contender, balancing competitive spending with the school's core religious principles.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Inside BYU’s unique surge to the top of college football
By Dana O’Neil, CNN (CNN) — The sun hadn’t yet risen over the Wasatch Range when Kalani Sitake decided to bust a move.Standing alongside Cosmo, the Brigham Young University mascot, the head football coach shimmied and shook ESPN’s “College GameDay” crew to commercial break, mixing steps from his native Tongan ritual dances with straight-up club
Nick Saban says BYU created an environment for 'College GameDay' like he's never seen
The No. 8 BYU Cougars had themselves quite a weekend last week, hosting ESPN’s College GameDay for the first time since 2009 ahead of their matchup with No. 2 Notre Dame. The crowd was electric all day in Provo, and there was plenty to celebrate, from the student that won $3 million in Pat McAfee’s…
Nick Saban says BYU crowd was most ‘passionate’ he’s seen since joining GameDay
Nick Saban has been a part of ESPN’s College GameDay coverage since the 2024 season, and he has become a staple ever since. He has been to many different venues over the last three seasons, but the BYU crowd in Week 7 was on a different level in Saban’s eyes. “That was the most excitement, and energy, and passion that I have seen since I have been on the show,” Saban said on the Pat McAfee Show. Like our coverage? Make SDS a preferred source in …
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