Y’s Guys Podcast

In this episode of Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler dive into the latest across BYU Football, Basketball, and Olympic sports, plus bring on two standout interviews—Cougarettes Abby Gray and Makeila Lawrence, and former BYU safety turned English professor Frank Christianson. With preseason rankings, roster reveals, and a “Y’s Guy for a Day” contest launch, the show balances celebration, insight, and fan connection.Football headlines include BYU landing at No. 10 in ESPN’s Post-Spring Top 25, a historically high No. 23 ranking for the 2026 recruiting class, and growing national buzz around an expanded 16-team College Football Playoff proposal. The Cougars will face road games at East Carolina, Colorado, Arizona, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati this fall.Basketball news features the addition of 6’3” guard Nate Pickins from UC Riverside, as BYU continues to build on what College Basketball Report called the “best offseason in the country.” The full roster, led by AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Rob Wright, looks Final Four ready. Meanwhile, Egor Demin prepares for the NBA Combine, with multiple outlets projecting him as a late lottery pick.The episode features a special interview with the BYU Cougarettes, the most decorated program on campus with 26 national titles. Guests Makeila Lawrence and Abby Gray share what goes into a championship-level routine, the challenge of balancing performance and BYU standards, and what it’s like working with Cosmo on viral dance moments.Later, Frank Christianson, BYU English professor and former Cougar safety, reflects on the days he tried to tackle Marshall Faulk and Jerome Bettis in the early ‘90s, his transition from football to academia, and how college athletics shaped his current career. His perspective on BYU's rise as a power-conference school—both as a player and now professor—is insightful and uplifting.Additional notes include:Baseball’s push for a Big 12 tournament spotBYU Softball’s postseason improvementTrack & Field ranked Top 6 (Men) and Top 5 (Women) ahead of Big 12 ChampionshipsDelaney Gibb joins Team Canada’s senior national basketball poolWomen’s Golf wraps NCAA regionalsBYU grad Ryan Smith’s NHL franchise named the Utah MammothThis week’s Inspirational Quote comes from Yogi Berra

This festive Cinco de Mayo edition of Y’s Guys delivers a packed show of high-impact stories and unforgettable guests. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler break down the latest in BYU Football and Basketball, welcome three standout guests, and celebrate national-level achievements across BYU athletics. With BYU's football season just three months away, the energy is already building—and so is the Cougar hype.On the football side, BYU scores big in the transfer portal by adding Bear Bachmeier (dual-threat QB from Stanford), Tiger Bachmeier (wide receiver), Justin Kirkland (DT from Oklahoma State), and Reggie Frishknecht (receiver from Snow College). ESPN ranks BYU No. 9 in its preseason Top 25, and the team’s future looks even brighter with key contributors returning from injury—including Chase Roberts, who joins the show to talk about his recovery, future NFL hopes, and faith-based football camps.Filmmaker Blair Treu shares the journey behind his new documentary, “Sharing Aloha,” which highlights the Polynesian Cultural Center and celebrates community and culture. He reflects on a career in filmmaking that has taken him from Hollywood to Church projects to BYUtv, working with legends like Christopher Lloyd and Dom DeLuise, and explains what continues to inspire his storytelling.The final guest is BYU’s top basketball recruit, AJ Dybantsa, who updates fans on campus life, his goals for the upcoming season, and his viral announcement that he'll be working a McDonald’s drive-thru window to raise funds for charity. Dybantsa expresses excitement for BYU’s Top 10 preseason ranking, explains why he trusts Coach Kevin Young to prepare him for both the Big 12 and the NBA, and shares his vision of becoming a lifelong part of Cougar Nation.

In this episode of Y’s Guys, hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler dive into a wide range of BYU sports news, including BYU Basketball roster moves, BYU Football recruiting updates, national championships across multiple programs, and interviews with special guests from BYU Cheer, the BYU Dunk Team, and Carlos Iglesias.BYU Basketball headlines the show with Richie Saunders’ return, the addition of Kennard Davis Jr. and Dominique Diomande, and a Top 10 preseason ranking according to ESPN. Meanwhile, Brody Kozlowski confirms he’s staying, and Jimmer Fredette officially retires from competitive basketball. On the football side, BYU lands a major 2026 commit, Bott Mulitalo, flipping him from Oregon, and continues to await a decision from five-star QB Ryder Lyons.The first guests of the night are members of the BYU Cheer Squad—Ammon Montenegro, Andrew Pickett, Kylie Wood, and Kylie Doxey—who discuss winning a national title in the Game Day division and reflect on the passion, fun, and energy of cheering at BYU games, including working alongside Cosmo and the ROC.Next up is Dave Eberhard, director of the BYU Dunk Team, who shares the history and behind-the-scenes secrets of one of BYU’s most popular halftime attractions. He explains the audition process, the intense prep behind each show, and the excitement of preparing for future dunk collaborations with BYU Basketball stars like AJ Dybantsa.Finally, Carlos Iglesias returns to discuss how basketball camps in Africa are helping improve lives far beyond the court. He highlights the impact of former BYU players like Keba Keita, the importance of clean water projects, and how fans can support Africa Elite Basketball Camps.Additional updates:NFL Draft/Free Agent signings: Tyler Batty (Vikings), Jakob Robinson (49ers), Caleb Lohner (Broncos, 7th Round).BYU Baseball and Softball recaps and standings.Track and Field men’s and women’s teams ranked No. 13 nationally.Upcoming events: BYU FanFest in Idaho Falls and NCAA Regionals for Men’s Golf.Inspirational Quote of the Week from Jim Valvano: “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day.”

Visit: https://www.ysguys.com/In this special 4-Star Monday edition of Y’s Guys, hosts Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler welcome two of BYU Football’s most exciting recruits: tight end Brock Harris and running back McKay Madsen. The show also dives into major headlines from BYU Football and Basketball, including transfer portal losses, high preseason rankings, and continued recruiting momentum as the Cougars head into a new era of Big 12 competition.Brock Harris, the highest-rated BYU commit since 2006, discusses his decision to choose BYU over Michigan, Georgia, and Oregon. The 6’7” tight end from Pine View High shares what made BYU feel like home, how he broke the news to Kalani Sitake, and why serving a mission matters to him. He also talks about his future role in Aaron Roderick’s offense, and the growing momentum among top LDS athletes—hinting that he, McKay, and Ryder Lyons may suit up together in the near future.McKay Madsen, a powerful 4-star running back and state champion discus thrower from California, talks about the value of multi-sport development, how faith keeps him grounded, and his upcoming mission to Argentina. He reflects on his high school success (over 1,200 rushing yards and 131 tackles in 2024), and his vision for his role in BYU’s backfield when he returns. Both players emphasize how much BYU’s culture, faith foundation, and future direction helped seal their commitment.Additional highlights from this episode include:BYU Football loses Harrison Taggart and Keelan Marion to the transfer portal.Justin Ena’s linebacker room is still loaded, with Ace and Maika Kaufusi, Choe Bryant-Strother, Siale Esera, and Miles Hall expected to step up.Preseason college basketball rankings place BYU in the Top 10 across major outlets, fueled by stars AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright III.Women’s basketball adds top recruits Olivia Hamlin, Ussef Bolanle, and Lara Rohkohl.Huge wins across BYU sports:Softball sweeps Utah with epic comebacks.Track & Field shatters multiple school records, including Lexy Halladay-Lowry and Jenna Hutchins.Men’s volleyball heads to the MPSF tournament and baseball rebounds with wins over Utah Valley.BYU Cheer & Stunt wins a national title, and Swimmer Mackenzie Miller Lung is named Big 12 Swimmer of the Year.

In this energized episode of Y’s Guys, Dave McCann and guest co-host Brian Logan (filling in for Blaine Fowler, who’s away on the Cougars Cruise) deliver a jam-packed livestream filled with major BYU sports updates, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Headlining the night is BYU’s big basketball signing of Rob Wright III, a former 5-star point guard from Baylor, along with the rising stardom of AJ Dybantsa, who dazzled at the Nike Hoop Summit. With preseason Top 10 buzz from national analysts and a likely Top 25 football/basketball dual ranking for next fall, Cougar Nation is buzzing with anticipation.Linebackers coach Justin Ena joins the show to break down BYU’s elite linebacker room, which returns Isaiah Glasker, Jack Kelly, and Harrison Taggart, three of the team’s top tacklers. Ena opens up about communication on and off the field, including how he first learned to connect through sign language with his wife, Sheri, who is deaf. He also shares which young linebackers are poised to emerge, thoughts on new NFL rules, and how BYU is building long-term depth amid the portal era.Later, the show welcomes four members of BYU’s national champion landscape team—Tyler Stewart, Kinsey Flores, Tahis Ibanez, and Tucker Thompson—fresh off their 10th national title. From hardscape installs to sales and interior design, each student-athlete shares their competition wins and the passion behind BYU’s elite landscape program. Their confidence, humor, and pride in representing BYU shine as they explain why landscaping is more than just plants—it’s a booming industry with real career potential.Additional highlights include:Projected starters for BYU Football (Offense and Defense)Women’s basketball adds Olivia Hamlin, a high-scoring guard and 2-time 4A Utah State Player of the YearEgor Demin declares for the NBA Draft while Richie Saunders is expected to returnNational ranking recaps for volleyball, golf, softball, and tennisA shout-out to BYU Cheer & Stunt for winning a national title, and to Swimmer Mackenzie Miller Lung, named Big 12 Women’s Swimmer of the YearPlus a tribute to legendary BYU volleyball coach Elaine Michaelis, and the return of Kalani Sitake for a devotional in St. George

This episode of Y’s Guys, hosted by Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler, is packed with BYU sports news, heartfelt moments, music, and humor—all presented by BradyPlus and distributed by the Deseret News. The show kicks off with major announcements in BYU basketball, including the return of Richie Saunders and Keba Keita, and excitement around the upcoming arrival of AJ Dybantsa. With the addition of Xavion Staton and other key players, the roster for next season is shaping up to be one of BYU’s biggest and most athletic ever. The hosts also react to Dallin Hall entering the transfer portal and recap AJ’s standout performance in the McDonald’s All-American Game.The first guest is Jonny Harline, BYU’s legendary tight end best known for his 2006 game-winning catch against Utah. Jonny reflects on BYU’s recent win over Utah in Salt Lake and breaks out the guitar to perform two songs live—one acoustic and one electric. He talks about the correlation between football and music, shares his thoughts on the rising market for tight ends like Trey McBride, and encourages young athletes through his tight end football camps.Later, Bob Hudson, the Chair of BYU’s French and Italian Departments, brings laughs and cultural insight as he explains how he balances his Kentucky drawl with fluent French. A former Murray State offensive lineman, Hudson shares stories from his recruiting trip hosted by Kalani Sitake, helps translate football terms into French, and breaks down BYU’s offensive line potential for the 2025 season. He also speaks about his mission to Paris, learning languages at the Missionary Training Center vs. the classroom, and why France is often misunderstood by Americans.The show concludes with reflections on the life of Elaine Michaelis—a trailblazer in BYU athletics—and updates across spring sports including volleyball sweeps, softball wins, track records, and the women’s golf team prepping for Big 12 Championships. Special shout-outs go to Casey Clinger for breaking the 10,000-meter school record and the BYU landscaping team for winning a national title—four of whom will be guests on next week’s show, along with BYU women’s head basketball coach Lee Cummard.

In this packed Y’s Guys episode, hosts Dave McCann and Brian Logan break down BYU’s incredible basketball season, recap the thrilling Alumni Football Game, and welcome two standout guests—Austin Collie and Keoni Thiim. The show opens with a reflection on BYU’s Sweet 16 finish in Kevin Young’s debut season, highlighted by a 26-10 record, a third-place Big 12 finish, and memorable wins over Wisconsin and Iowa State. Though BYU’s season ended in a tough loss to Alabama—who broke an NCAA record with 25 three-pointers—the tone remains celebratory as the hosts look back on favorite moments from the season and look ahead to the future of BYU hoops.Former BYU receiver and Team Navy captain Austin Collie joins to discuss the Alumni Game’s last-second win, quarterbacking alongside Charlie Peterson, and how the experience rekindles the competitive spirit of former players. Collie, now a new dad, also shares advice for BYU quarterbacks and receivers heading into the offseason, emphasizing the importance of earning trust through consistency, work ethic, and reliability—lessons he learned from playing with Max Hall, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.Later, BYU volleyball standout Keoni Thiim joins in studio to talk about his electrifying impact on the court. With a 45-inch vertical and dynamic energy, Thiim discusses what it’s like to play in the Smith Fieldhouse, how he transferred from Hawaii, and the deep family connections that led him to BYU—including his grandfather Mike Wilton, UH’s all-time winningest coach. He previews this week’s match against Stanford and reflects on BYU’s unique culture and the motivation he draws from Cougar fans. The show wraps with fun rapid-fire questions and a preview of next week’s guests, including Johnny Harline.Alongside interviews, the episode covers:Basketball departures and returnees, including Trevin Knell, Fouss Traore, and AJ Dybantsa’s upcoming arrival.Football recruiting news, such as linebacker Nusi Taumoepeau and tight end Ty Goettsche committing to BYU.Alumni Game highlights, including Charlie Peterson’s game-winning TD pass to Fahu Tahi, a TD from Blaine Fowler to Rob Daniel, and standout play from Cody Hoffman.Spring sports updates across baseball, softball, track, golf, and tennis, plus a shout-out to Casey Clinger for breaking Ed Eyestone’s 10,000-meter school record.

In this Sweet 16 edition of Y’s Guys, hosts Dave McCann and Brian Logan (filling in for Blaine Fowler) lead a packed show celebrating BYU Basketball’s return to the national spotlight. Presented by BradyPlus and distributed by the Deseret News, the show dives into BYU’s thrilling wins over VCU and Wisconsin, setting up a blockbuster Sweet 16 matchup vs. Alabama Thursday night in Newark. With national media attention, strong tournament performances, and the return of Jimmer Fredette to the program, the Cougar fanbase is energized like never before.Jimmer Fredette, the last Cougar to lead BYU to a Sweet 16 (2011), joins live to reflect on the emotional return to Denver, what it means to advance deep into the tournament, and how this year’s squad is built for success. He highlights BYU’s defensive identity, praises Richie Saunders and Maika Mag, and outlines three keys to beating Alabama: limit turnovers, control the defensive glass, and hit free throws. Jimmer also reacts to Trey Stewart’s final possession decision vs. Wisconsin, talks about his fit in Kevin Young’s NBA-style offense, and gives a proud shoutout to Glens Falls High School’s 54-game win streak.Next up is Charlie Peterson, former BYU quarterback and current QB for Team Navy in this Friday’s BYU Alumni Football Game. Charlie gives a scouting report on his roster (which includes Austin Collie, Devon Blackmon, and Harvey Unga), shares his excitement to suit up again, and jokes about protecting Blaine Fowler, his fellow QB and “oldest man in the field.”Spencer Linton of BYUtv joins from the BYU Sports Nation set to share what it was like being in Denver for BYU’s Sweet 16-clinching win, the travel plans for New Jersey, and BYUtv’s wall-to-wall coverage of the big game. He also recaps Big 12 Pro Day, where Darrius Lassiter confirmed he won’t return next season, and previews Friday’s Alumni Game broadcast, where he’ll be on the mic with Dave and Blaine.Brandon Doman, another former BYU quarterback, wraps the night by previewing Team Royal’s roster in the alumni game, featuring names like Fui Vakapuna, Cody Hoffman, Reno Mahe, and Aleva Hifo. Doman also weighs in on spring football, where Jake Retzlaff and the quarterbacks continue to develop after an 11-2 season. He closes by expressing admiration for BYU Basketball’s energy and chemistry heading into the Sweet 16.The livestream also includes tournament analysis, NCAA stat comparisons between BYU and Alabama, a rundown of Big 12 teams still dancing, and a quick dive into campus sports updates across volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball, track, and golf.

It’s March Madness, and BYU Basketball is back in the Big Dance! The Cougars have locked in a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will take on No. 11 VCU this Thursday at 2:05 PM (MT) on TNT. Former BYU Head Coach Steve Cleveland joins us to preview the matchup, break down BYU’s struggles in the tournament historically, and discuss what it will take for the Cougars to make a deep run.We also welcome Deseret News beat writer Jay Drew, who shares his take on BYU’s first-round challenge against a strong defensive VCU team and what the Cougars need to do to advance past the first round for the first time since 2011.Plus, we recap BYU’s Big 12 Tournament run, where they took down No. 12 Iowa State before falling to No. 1 Houston in the semifinals. With the NCAA Tournament ahead, we analyze key players like Egor Demin, Keba Keita, and Richie Saunders and what they bring to the court as BYU looks to make history this March.In other sports, we break down the latest in BYU Football’s spring practice, discuss 14 Cougars heading to Big 12 Pro Days, and highlight BYU Baseball, Softball, and Men’s Volleyball as they gear up for a big week.Join us for all things BYU sports as we celebrate March Madness and get ready for the Cougars’ tournament run! Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE for all the latest Y’s Guys content!