Y’s Guys Podcast

Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler opened the first Monday of July with football dominating the conversation. Big 12 Media Days kicked off in Frisco, Texas, with LJ Martin named preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year — defending his 2025 title — and six Cougars total named to the preseason All-Big 12 team. One projection has BYU entering the season ranked #14 in the AP preseason poll, with a week-two win over Arizona potentially vaulting them into the top 10. On the recruiting trail, Peyton Higginson (Salem Hills), Uhila Wolfgramm (Maple Mountain, over Oklahoma), and Tennessee OL Kyle Nabrotzky all committed to BYU, extending what recruiting analysts rank as the second-best class in the Big 12. BYU's winningest quarterback — and now a BYU graduate — Max Hall joined via Zoom to set his season over/under at nine wins, rave about freshman QB Enoch Watson's arm talent, and lay out his all-time top five quarterbacks: Brady, Favre, Rodgers, Manning, and Brees.Other highlights included a recap of Stadium of Fire's spectacular Brad Paisley performance and drone-and-fireworks show, LJ Martin earning Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week for his 32-carry, 222-yard, two-touchdown performance against Cincinnati last season, and BYU basketball landing at #23 in CBS's preseason poll. AJ Dybantsa tips off NBA Summer League against the Jazz on Wednesday, July 9th. Kellen Moore is getting a bronze statue at Boise State, and Zac Blair finished tied for ninth at the John Deere Classic. BYU superfan Steven Wozniak drove in from Burley, Idaho joined the show via Zoom and played "Where Were You When?" on iconic BYU moments.1:08:30 – BYU Superfan Steven Wozniak from Burley, Idaho

Hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler kicked off the week of America's 250th birthday by diving into BYU basketball's historic NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa became the first Cougar ever taken #1 overall, landing a $69 million rookie deal with the Washington Wizards, while Richie Saunders went 32nd overall to Memphis despite a torn ACL — the first time in 75 years BYU had two players drafted in the first two rounds. Former BYU linebacker and six-year NFL veteran Bryan Kehl joined to give his Big 12 preseason top five (BYU #1, Texas Tech #2, Houston #3, Arizona #4, TCU #5) and discussed four-star WR Blake Wong's commitment to BYU over Ohio State and Oregon.Steeplechase national champion Taylor Lovell joined in studio to recount her dramatic win at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene — a five-and-a-half-second victory run on a shift in mindset toward gratitude and joy in the process. Campus notes covered BYU's #25 Learfield Cup finish (tops in the Big 12), new NCAA five-in-five eligibility rules, Jen Rockwood's pending retirement as BYU's only-ever soccer coach, and BYU alum Brian Rolapp becoming the next PGA Tour commissioner. The show closed with entertaining BYU superfan segments featuring Margie Mettenet — including her story of giving Bear Bachmeier an airport ride — and David Holt via Zoom from Houston.#BYUCougars #BYUSports #YsGuys #WiseGuys #AJDybantsa #NBADraft2026 #BYUBasketball #RichieSaunders #BYUFootball #Big12Football #Big12Preview #TaylorLovell #Steeplechase #NCAATrackAndField #BlakeWong #BYURecruiting #CadeUluave #BryanKehl #CougarNation #StadiumOfFire #LDS Timestamps (approximate):0:03:40 – Show Intro & Stadium of Fire Preview0:07:47 – AJ Dybantsa Goes #1 Overall to Washington0:12:36 – Will Voigt Leaves BYU for Boise State0:14:50 – AJ's $69M Rookie Contract0:16:31 – Richie Saunders: 32nd Overall to Memphis Despite Torn ACL0:19:03 – Vegas Summer League Schedule: AJ & Keba Keita0:20:43 – Athlon Big 12 Preseason All-Team Picks0:21:40 – Blake Wong Commits to BYU Over Ohio State & Oregon0:24:06 – BYU's Incredible Winning Streaks0:28:00 – Bryan Kehl Interview0:43:29 – Bryan Kehl's Big 12 Top 5 Rankings0:50:40 – AJ Dybantsa: Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week0:52:18 – Taylor Lovell: NCAA Steeplechase National Champion1:12:44 – Campus Notes: NCAA Eligibility, Jen Rockwood & More1:17:56 – BYU Superfan Margie Mettenet & the Bear Bachmeier Airport Story1:34:50 – BYU Superfan David Holt from Houston

visit: https://www.ysguys.comDave McCann and Blaine Fowler returned to the Y’s Guys studio after the show’s first-ever remote broadcast at the Redmond Farm Store. The June 22 show featured BYU basketball newcomers Collin and Hannah Chandler, John Wilson from Succeed in School and BYU Pathway Worldwide, BYU Super Fan Luana Rowe, and former BYU and NFL defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi.The show opened with BYU football recruiting updates following one of the biggest official visit weekends of the year. Dave and Blaine highlighted several top recruits and commitments, including Jeremiah Williams, Bodie Sparrow, Yuhila Wolfgramm, Brody Rudnick, Titan Dijon, Ryan Wooten Jr., Jackson Rex, Ezranel Sanavi, and Kamoni Adams. They also discussed Brett McMurphy ranking Kalani Sitake as the top coach in the Big 12 and previewed Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.BYU basketball was another major focus with the NBA Draft beginning the next night. Dave and Blaine discussed AJ Dybantsa’s chance to become the first No. 1 NBA Draft pick in BYU history and Richie Saunders’ rising draft stock despite his injury. They also promoted the Ephraim Hope Mission auction items signed by AJ and Richie, with proceeds supporting education for children in Uganda.Collin Chandler and his wife, Hannah, joined the show to share their story, from knowing each other in elementary school to returning home to Utah after Collin’s time at Kentucky. Collin talked about his original BYU commitment, his mission in England, the decision to follow Mark Pope to Kentucky, and what ultimately brought him back to BYU. Hannah discussed supporting Collin through college basketball, marriage, and the transfer decision. Together, they shared how prayer, family, and friendship shaped their journey.Taylor Lovell was named the Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after winning the NCAA national championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Taylor became BYU’s fourth women’s steeplechase national champion in six years, reinforcing BYU’s growing reputation as “Steeplechase U.”John Wilson joined the show to discuss Succeed in School, a Church educational program connected to BYU Pathway Worldwide. John explained how the program helps youth around the world prepare for higher education, build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and deepen faith in Jesus Christ. He shared stories from Ghana and Utah showing how Church education can bless young people both globally and locally.BYU Super Fan Luana Rowe, who turns 90 this year, joined the show in person to share decades of Cougar memories. Luana talked about attending BYU beginning in 1954, watching the football stadium grow from 5,000 seats to LaVell Edwards Stadium, her memories of Ty Detmer and the Miami win, her love for Jimmer Fredette, and her experience on the BYU cruise.Bronson Kaufusi closed the guest lineup by previewing Charity of Champions, a flag football event bringing more than 40 current and former NFL players to Utah to support local charities. Bronson also discussed helping former players stay connected after football, BYU’s defensive identity under Kelly Poppinga, and why Kalani Sitake’s family-centered culture continues to resonate with recruits.

visit: https://www.ysguys.comY’s Guys made history with its first-ever remote broadcast, live from the Redmond Farm Store in Orem for Redmond Night with Y’s Guys. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler welcomed a packed lineup of BYU athletes, coaches, and special guests, including Kevin Young, Bruce Branch III, Robert Wright III, Richie Saunders, Bear Bachmeier, Tiger Bachmeier, Todd Miller, Ben Barton, Spencer Steiner, and Michael Johanson.The show opened with Kevin Young and Bruce Branch III discussing Bruce’s arrival at BYU, his experience playing for USA Basketball, and the role his mother, Constance, has played in shaping his defensive mindset and team-first approach. Kevin talked about recruiting high-character players, building a family-centered culture, and what makes Bruce different from past BYU stars like Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa. Robert Wright III also joined briefly, with both Bruce and Robert expressing excitement about playing together this season.Richie Saunders stopped by to talk about his recovery, the NBA Draft, and his hope to return to the court this fall. Richie said the draft process has been exciting and emotional, and he expressed deep gratitude for his wife, Rachel, and Cougar Nation’s support during his rehab.Bear Bachmeier and Tiger Bachmeier joined the show together to talk about summer workouts, team bonding, the upcoming season, Notre Dame coming to LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Arizona game, and their first Bear and Tiger Football Camp. Bear emphasized BYU’s mission of Christlike service and giving back to kids, while Tiger shared his excitement about playing alongside his brother and potentially catching a touchdown from him this fall.Ben Barton was named the Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after winning the NCAA decathlon national championship in Eugene, Oregon. Ben became BYU’s first decathlon national champion since Tito Steiner in 1981, scoring a personal-best 8,169 points. Later in the show, Ben joined in person to describe the emotional finish, his wife Clara’s sacrifices after the birth of their son William, and what it means to represent BYU and the Church as a national champion.New BYU men’s golf head coach Todd Miller joined the show to discuss taking over for Bruce Brockbank, the legacy of BYU golf, and the future of the program. Todd talked about Kihei Akina’s historic freshman season, the depth of the team, his father Johnny Miller’s influence, and his excitement about building on BYU golf’s recent success.The show also included campus notes on BYU track and field, football preseason honors, the Brendan Sorsby eligibility situation at Texas Tech, Michael Rucker’s call-up with the Seattle Mariners, and BYU women’s volleyball’s upcoming schedule. Spencer Steiner from Redmond gave a “Hydration 101” lesson about electrolytes, salt, and why athletes need more than water to stay properly hydrated. Michael Johanson from the BYU Alumni Association closed the guest lineup with thoughts on BYU’s Cougs Care service efforts and the growing connection between athletics, alumni, and service.Timestamps (approximate):00:00 — Redmond Night with Y’s Guys begins in Orem01:32 — Bruce Branch III and Robert Wright III join the show04:38 — Kevin Young talks BYU basketball culture and Bruce Branch15:19 — Five Questions with Kevin Young and Bruce Branch19:59 — Ben Barton named Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week22:34 — Richie Saunders discusses the NBA Draft and his recovery28:49 — Bear and Tiger Bachmeier join the show32:43 — Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech, and Big 12 football talk38:53 — Bear and Tiger preview their football camp53:20 — BYU football, track and field, baseball, and volleyball notes1:02:18 — Todd Miller talks BYU golf and Kihei Akina1:24:55 — Ben Barton joins after winning the NCAA decathlon title1:41:35 — Spencer Steiner explains Redmond hydration and electrolytes1:48:56 — Michael Johanson on BYU Alumni service efforts1:54:19 — On This Day, Mike Holmgren quote, and show wrap-up

Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler welcomed Cougar Nation to the June 1 edition of Y’s Guys, opening with BYU football schedule news, the buzz around Kevin Young being mentioned in connection with the Chicago Bulls, and growing excitement for BYU’s first remote show: Redmond Night with Y’s Guys on June 15 at the Redmond Heritage Farm Store in Orem.The first guest was BYU cornerbacks coach Lewis Walker, who talked about returning to his home state, joining Kalani Sitake’s staff, and coaching one of BYU football’s strongest position groups. Walker discussed his relationship with Sitake, his transition from Utah ties to wearing BYU blue, and the talent in the cornerback room, including Evan Johnson, Trey Alexander, Jonathan Kabeya, Jayven Williams, Cannon DeVries, Jordyn Criss, Kevin Doe, and Matthias Leach. He also praised Bear Bachmeier’s growth, humility, and ability to read defenses.The Redmond Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week was Jane Hedengren, who qualified for the NCAA Championships in both the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters after a remarkable performance at the NCAA West Preliminaries in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Dave and Blaine highlighted her 10,000-meter win over Pamela Kosgei, her facility record, and her chance to compete for national titles in Eugene.Derek Miller, president of the BYU Alumni Association Board and president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance, joined the show to talk about BYU’s worldwide alumni network. He discussed the power of BYU sports as a “megaphone” for the university, the impact of tailgates and Cougs Care service projects, and the broader mission of connecting alumni through service, education, and shared BYU values.The show also promoted the Ephraim Hope Mission golf tournament and online auction, including items such as an AJ Dybantsa signed basketball, a Richie Saunders signed jersey, and the chance to golf with Dave and Blaine. The proceeds support educational opportunities for children in Uganda.The BYU Super Fan segment featured Russ Paulus from Naperville, Illinois, who shared his conversion story, his early BYU memories, his love for BYU football, and memories from the 1980 Miracle Bowl, the 1984 national championship season, and classic games at LaVell Edwards Stadium. He also talked about why BYU means so much to fans who live far outside Utah.The show closed with BYU campus notes, NCAA track and field updates, BYU golf news, a reminder about CougarTribe, “On This Day” history, and a Brigham Young quote in honor of his birthday.Timestamps (approximate):00:04:30 — Opening, Kevin Young NBA rumors, and BYU football buzz00:15:51 — BYU football schedule, kickoff times, and Notre Dame discussion00:22:45 — BYU named a Big 12 favorite; Kalani Sitake national recognition00:26:10 — Lewis Walker joins Y’s Guys00:37:40 — BYU’s cornerbacks, defensive depth, and Bear Bachmeier outlook00:51:06 — Five Questions with Lewis Walker00:57:17 — Jane Hedengren named Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week01:01:06 — Derek Miller on BYU alumni, Cougar Nation, and service projects01:26:06 — Five Questions with Derek Miller01:34:27 — BYU basketball, AJ Dybantsa, golf, and track updates01:40:49 — Ephraim Hope Mission auction and golf tournament01:44:02 — BYU Super Fan Russ Paulus shares his Cougar story02:01:56 — Five Questions with Russ Paulus02:09:34 — CougarTribe, This Day in History, Brigham Young quote, and show wrap-up#YsGuys #BYUFootball #GoCougs #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUTrack #CougarNation #LewisWalker #KalaniSitake #JaneHedengren #AJDybantsa #RedmondReLyte #BYUAlumni #CougarTribe #LDS

visit: https://www.ysguys.comOn this Memorial Day edition of Y’s Guys, Dave McCann welcomed Jason Shepherd in for Blaine Fowler for a wide-ranging show covering BYU football, basketball, track and field, golf, baseball, and more. The show opened with discussion about the upcoming announcement of kickoff times and broadcast details for BYU football’s first three games, including Utah Tech, Arizona, and Colorado State, plus the possibility that BYU’s October 17 matchup with Notre Dame could become one of the biggest national games of the season.The first guest was author, speaker, podcast host, educator, and BYU fan John Bytheway, who discussed leadership, mentorship, the power of coaches and parents in shaping young people, and what BYU’s standout freshmen—AJ Dybantsa, Bear Bachmeier, Jane Hedengren, and Kihei Akina—teach about buy-in, humility, and influence. BYU director of track and field Ed Eyestone then joined live from his Memorial Day barbecue to preview NCAA West Regionals and BYU’s national championship hopes, including the extraordinary freshman season of Jane Hedengren and the continued strength of BYU’s distance program.The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week was BYU men’s golfer Parker Bunn, who delivered a top-10 finish at NCAA Regionals to help the Cougars qualify for the national championship. The show also featured BYU super fan and Ephraim’s Hope leader Gary Heaton, who shared his love for BYU sports and promoted the upcoming Ephraim’s Hope Golf Tournament, which raises money to send children in Uganda to school. The episode closed with campus notes, Quick Quack updates, “On This Day,” and a Memorial Day tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #JohnBytheway #EdEyestone #JaneHedengren #ParkerBunn #KiheiAkina #BYUGolf #BYUTrack #EphraimsHope #CougarNation #YSGUYS #LDS

visit: https://www.ysguys.comThis week’s Y’s Guys opened the first episode of year five with Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler covering BYU football scheduling news, major BYU basketball dates, NFL holiday games, and the continuing build toward the 2026 season. The show also announced upcoming Redmond Night with Y’s Guys on June 15 and highlighted another dominant performance from Jane Hedengren, who was named Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after winning the Big 12 5000m title and breaking a 27-year facility record.The first guest was BYU associate athletic director of performance nutrition Rachel Higginson, who explained how BYU’s nutrition program has evolved, how athletes are tested and fueled, why salt and hydration matter, and what everyday people can do to improve their nutrition.BYU grad Bryce Lake from Smith Entertainment Group then joined the show to talk Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, fan experience, sponsorships, and the impact of the Jazz landing the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft.The show also featured Melanie Zanche, a BYU-Pathway Worldwide graduate from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who shared how Pathway helped her learn English, earn a degree, and start a marketing agency with her sister.BYU Super Fan Porter Larson closed out the guest lineup with stories about growing up in a BYU family, serving his mission during the 2015 BYU football season, favorite Cougar memories, and why Notre Dame’s visit to Provo could be one of the biggest games in LaVell Edwards Stadium history.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #RachelHigginson #BryceLake #MelanieZanchi #PorterLarson #JaneHedengren #ReLyteAthleteOfTheWeek #BYUPathway #UtahJazz #UtahMammoth #CougarNation #YSGUYS #LDS Timestamps (approximate):3:45 — Show Open and Start of Year Five10:56 — Redmond Night with Y’s Guys Announcement17:20 — BYU Football Rankings and National Title Discussion21:16 — NFL Schedule and BYU Basketball Updates26:13 — Rachel Higginson Joins the Show36:35 — Nutrition Advice for Everyday People49:13 — Five Questions with Rachel Higginson58:03 — Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week: Jane Hedengren1:01:17 — Bryce Lake Joins the Show1:17:22 — Utah Jazz Future and the No. 2 Draft Pick1:33:04 — Melanie Zanchi’s BYU Pathway Story from Argentina1:49:26 — BYU Super Fan Porter Larson Joins the Show2:05:05 — Five Questions with Porter Larson2:11:07 — On This Day and Closing

This week’s Y’s Guys featured Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler talking BYU football, basketball, baseball, women’s hoops, and a new fan-focused segment. The show opened with the announcement of “Redmond Night with the Y’s Guys’ on June 15, plus Matt Hansen being named the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after hitting two home runs to help BYU baseball clinch a spot in the Big 12 Tournament.BYU offensive line coach and run game coordinator TJ Woods joined the show to discuss BYU’s 23–4 run over the last two seasons, the growth of the offensive line, recruiting momentum, the physicality required in the trenches, and what it means to block for LJ Martin and Bear Bachmeier. The guys also welcomed BYU Super Fan Ryan Robinson for the debut of a new fan interview segment, giving viewers a chance to share their BYU story on the show.Later, BYU women’s basketball stars Delaney Gibb and Olivia Hamlin joined fresh from class to talk about their friendship, BYU’s 26-win season, the team’s WBIT run, the program’s growing home-court energy, representing BYU and their faith, and what’s ahead this summer. The episode also covered AJ Dybantsa’s NBA Draft outlook, Bruce Branch III’s Team USA opportunity, NCAA Tournament expansion, BYU’s attendance ranking, and campus notes across track and field, baseball, golf, volleyball, lacrosse, and more.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #TJWoods #DelaneyGibb #OliviaHamlin #LJMartin #BearBachmeier #AJDybantsa #BYUBaseball #CougarNation #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #LDS Timestamps (approximate):1:05 — Show Open and Viewer Check-In2:38 — Tonight’s Guests and Show Preview7:30 — Redmond Night with the Wise Guys Announcement9:51 — Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week: Matt Hansen11:28 — BYU Football Rankings and Bowl Projections17:24 — TJ Woods Joins the Show23:14 — BYU’s Offensive Line: Smart, Tough and Together31:05 — Blocking for Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin39:15 — BYU’s Offensive Staff and Run Game Collaboration47:30 — AJ Dybantsa, the Utah Jazz and the NBA Draft54:14 — NCAA Tournament Expansion and BYU Basketball Notes59:15 — BYU Super Fan Ryan Robinson Joins the Show1:17:17 — Campus Notes Across BYU Athletics1:25:17 — Delaney Gibb and Olivia Hamlin Join the Show1:31:35 — BYU Women’s Basketball Identity and WBIT Momentum1:35:03 — Representing BYU, Faith and the Savior1:43:26 — Five Questions with Delaney and Olivia1:51:19 — CougarTribe Segment1:53:04 — On This Day and Final Notes1:59:06 — Closing Remarks