Y’s Guys Podcast

This week’s Y’s Guys marked what Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler believe is the show’s 200th episode, as they reflected on nearly four years of weekly livestreams and thanked the fans, sponsors, and BYU community who have helped the show grow. The episode opened with BYU basketball and football headlines, including AJ Dybantsa officially declaring for the NBA Draft, his heartfelt “Cougar for life” message, BYU’s continued search for a center, and several Cougars landing NFL opportunities through the draft, free agency, and minicamp invites.The first guest was Justin Anderson, BYU football’s director of player personnel, who discussed his playing days, BYU’s 2001 season, the current state of the football program, recruiting strategy, NIL, transfer portal evaluation, and why getting athletes to campus is so important. He also explained how BYU’s NFL success helps recruiting, especially when players like Fred Warner, Puka Nacua, Taysom Hill, Kyle Van Noy, and others continue to represent the program at a high level.The show also honored Ashton Johnson as the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after back-to-back saves helped BYU baseball win a key series at Arizona. Later, BYU entrepreneur Mike Peterson joined the show for a wide-ranging conversation about his BYU experience, Lafayette Energy, tar sands, vertical farming, global food security, water conservation, NIL mentorship, and his service as mission president in Taipei. The episode wrapped with campus notes, including BYU women’s track ranked No. 2 nationally, baseball’s important upcoming rivalry series with Utah, women’s tennis preparing for the NCAA Tournament, and women’s basketball adding size through the transfer portal.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #AJDybantsa #JustinAnderson #AshtonJohnson #BYUBaseball #BYUAthletics #NFLDraft #CougarNation #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #LDS #BYU

Visit: https://redmond.life/discount/ysguys15 - Use Discount Code: ysguys15 (to get 15% off!)This week’s Y’s Guys featured Blaine Fowler and Brian Logan breaking down a busy and important stretch for BYU athletics, with a major focus on basketball roster construction, football momentum, and the broader BYU story. The guys opened by discussing the current state of BYU basketball in the transfer portal era, including AJ Dybantsa’s likely NBA path, Rob Wright’s return to Provo, and how Kevin Young is rebuilding the roster around proven perimeter talent and the search for a true impact big man. Later in the show, longtime BYU basketball analyst Mark Durrant joined to give his perspective on the portal, BYU’s new additions, and what the Cougars still need to become a true force in the Big 12 next season.The show also covered several football and athletic department storylines, including BYU’s place in ESPN’s updated way-too-early rankings, the growing respect for the program nationally, and the upcoming NFL Draft, where multiple former Cougars hope to hear their names called. Blaine and Brian also hit a full set of campus notes, touching on men’s volleyball entering the postseason, softball and baseball results, tennis, golf, and future schedules for women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The guys emphasized that BYU continues to gain credibility across multiple sports, not just in football and basketball.Two guest interviews added a broader dimension to the episode. Travis Brady, president of Brady Plus, talked about his company’s major merger, its rapid growth across North America, and how lessons from business leadership can apply to college athletics in the NIL era. Then Sunday Onwuchekwa, a BYU Pathway graduate from Ghana, shared a remarkable story of sacrifice, education, and faith. His journey—from needing a degree to keep his job, to earning one through BYU Pathway, to now pursuing advanced study at BYU—became one of the most inspiring moments of the night. The episode also honored Jane Hedengren as the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after yet another NCAA-record performance, reinforcing what is already becoming one of the greatest freshman seasons in BYU history.Timestamps (approximate):0:36 — Show Open with Blaine Fowler and Brian Logan4:54 — BYU Basketball Offseason Focus Begins10:56 — AJ Dybantsa and the NBA Draft Timeline14:50 — Rob Wright Returns to BYU16:53 — New BYU Basketball Roster Additions21:04 — Mark Durant Joins the Show21:49 — The Transfer Portal and What It Means for BYU30:45 — How Much Turnover Is Too Much?37:24 — Breaking Down BYU’s New Shooters and Wings42:10 — The Big Question: Who Plays Center?49:44 — Quick Quack and Sponsor Break51:31 — Travis Brady Joins the Show52:59 — Business Leadership, NIL, and the Transfer Portal1:07:35 — Sunday Onwuchekwa Joins the Show1:07:53 — How BYU Pathway Changed His Life1:17:54 — Sunday’s Mission, Education, and Family Sacrifice1:28:41 — Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week: Jane Hedengren1:36:01 — Campus Notes Across BYU Athletics1:51:34 — Show Close and Final Thoughts#BYU #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #JaneHedengren #RobWright #MarkDurant #BrianLogan #BlaineFowler #BYUPathway #CougarNation #BYUAthletics #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #LDS

Jason Shepherd joined Dave McCann on this week’s Y’s Guys as the show covered a busy stretch of BYU sports news, from football scheduling and recruiting to basketball roster movement and spring updates across campus. The guys opened with a look at BYU football’s newly announced Friday night game against Iowa State, the significance of the upcoming Notre Dame matchup, and what Dave called “eight days of glory” in September for college and NFL football fans. They also discussed another BYU football recruiting win with the commitment of 2027 running back Ezra San Levia and ran through a full set of campus notes, including baseball’s hot streak, softball’s sweep of Houston, volleyball’s split with USC, and strong results from track, golf, and tennis.A major basketball topic was AJ Dybantsa moving to No. 1 in ESPN’s NBA mock draft, while still technically leaving the door open for a return to BYU before the withdrawal deadline. Dave and Jason also broke down BYU basketball roster news, including the return of Collin Chandler, the addition of Tyler Betsey, and what the transfer portal losses and possible moves still mean for Kevin Young’s roster construction. Their takeaway was clear: BYU is prioritizing age, experience, and fit as it builds toward next season, while still carrying enough national credibility to show up in early top-25 projections.The show also featured three guests with very different but compelling connections to BYU. Kirby Heyborne talked about his work as an actor, audiobook narrator, and BYUtv host, along with his effort to create uplifting entertainment through the Help Them See Foundation. Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, previewed the Pillar of the Valley event honoring the last seven BYU presidents and reflected on BYU’s influence on the region. Then Jeff Burningham, BYU professor, entrepreneur, and author of The Last Book Written by a Human, joined the show for a thoughtful conversation about AI, wisdom, embodied experience, and why BYU remains such a formative place for students and families. The episode also honored Ilove'a Brittingham as Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after her huge series in BYU softball’s sweep of Houston.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUFootball #BYUBasketball #AJDybantsa #KirbyHeyborne #CurtisBlair #JeffBurningham #EloBrittingham #CougarNation #BYUAthletics #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #BYU #LDS

It was another packed night on Y’s Guys as Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler covered a wide range of BYU sports headlines while welcoming two standout guests with strong Cougar ties. The show opened with current BYU basketball and football news, including the latest on AJ Dybantsa, transfer portal developments, spring football takeaways, and why the Cougars’ returning experience has fans feeling confident heading into the fall. The guys also recapped the BYU Alumni Game, celebrated Shawn Olmstead becoming the winningest coach in program history for men’s volleyball, and highlighted another record-breaking performance from Jane Hedengren, who was named Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week yet again.The first guest of the night was entertainer David Osmond, who shared moving reflections on growing up in the Osmond family, performing with Marie, and how music has shaped his life. He also opened up about living with multiple sclerosis, what it taught him about connection, gratitude, and perspective, and why BYU has always been such an important part of his family story. It was a heartfelt, inspiring interview filled with humor, family memories, and some powerful life lessons.Later, BYU grad and entrepreneur Scott Porter, founder of San Diablo Churros, joined the show to share the story behind building a growing national brand. Porter talked about how his mission to Mexico, his BYU education, and his entrepreneurial mindset all helped shape the business he runs today. He also gave viewers a look at San Diablo’s expanding reach across thousands of stores and introduced a new BYU-themed churro product that quickly became one of the most fun moments of the night. Altogether, it was a lively episode blending sports, faith, business, entertainment, and the broader BYU story.

Learn more about the golf tournament by emailing: theascendclassic@gmail.comIt’s another loaded night on Y’s Guys as Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler break down everything happening across BYU athletics — with a major headline guest leading the way. Fresh off a historic freshman season, AJ Dybantsa joins the show alongside his father Ace and Alan Akina to talk about his future, the NBA decision timeline, and the launch of a brand-new event, The Ascend Classic, set for April 7 in St. George. The conversation also highlights a remarkable moment in BYU athletics, with Dybantsa, Kihei Akina, Jane Hedengren, and Bear Bachmeier forming what may be the greatest freshman class in school history.The show also features BYU Special Teams Coordinator Justin Ena, who joins in studio to break down one of the most important and overlooked phases of the game. With key departures at kicker, punter, returner, and long snapper, Ena discusses how BYU is rebuilding its special teams unit this spring, the players stepping into those roles, and how the Cougars stay hungry after back-to-back successful seasons.Plus, the guys cover a full slate of BYU sports, including women’s basketball’s WBIT semifinal matchup against Kansas, men’s volleyball, baseball walk-off wins, and continued dominance in track and field and golf. The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors freshman golf standout Kihei Akina, who continues his incredible run with another tournament victory. It’s another packed episode covering the present and future of BYU athletics as momentum continues to build across multiple programs.

The Y’s Guys are back breaking down a tough ending to BYU Basketball’s season and what comes next. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler react to the Cougars’ early exit from the NCAA Tournament after a loss to Texas, discussing what went wrong, what the Big 12 revealed about this team, and how BYU builds a roster capable of making a deeper run next season. With superstar freshman AJ Dybantsa likely headed to the NBA, the conversation turns to the future of the program and the pieces that could shape next year’s team.The show also delivers a full spring football report, including growing buzz around quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s leadership and why he may still be flying under the national radar after a 12–2 season. The guys break down key storylines, including standout newcomer Cade Uluave, position depth across the defense, and upcoming events like the BYU Alumni Game at LaVell Edwards Stadium.Guests include Travis Kimball of Quick Quack Car Wash, joining live from San Diego for the company’s major Southern California launch, and Brandon Luke of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, who shares how the English Connect program is changing lives around the world by removing language barriers and creating new opportunities. Plus, AJ Dybantsa is honored as the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week after a historic performance in what may have been his final game as a Cougar, and the guys cover a full slate of BYU athletics as March Madness continues.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #CougarNation #MarchMadness #Big12 #AJDybantsa #BearBachmeier #BYUAthletics #CollegeBasketball #CollegeFootball #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #BYU #LDS

It’s officially March Madness, and the Y’s Guys are all in on BYU’s run in the Big Dance. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler preview BYU’s NCAA Tournament opener in Portland, breaking down the matchup against the Texas/NC State winner and what it will take for the Cougars to advance — including a potential second-round showdown with Gonzaga. The guys also dive into BYU’s tournament resume, AJ Dybantsa’s record-setting Big 12 Tournament performance, and what this team must do to finally push toward a long-awaited Final Four.The show also features a wide-ranging football update, including spring practice insights and expectations for BYU’s new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga, who joins the show to discuss his defensive philosophy, the depth and talent on this roster, and what fans can expect this fall. With a top-10 returning production ranking and major contributors on both sides of the ball, optimism continues to build around the BYU football program heading into the 2026 season.Later, BYU Dean of Undergraduate Education Rick Gill joins the show to provide a unique perspective on student-athletes like AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright, and Bear Bachmeier — offering insight into how they adapt to BYU’s culture both on and off the court. The episode also celebrates an incredible week for BYU track star Jane Hedengren, who wins two national championships to earn Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors. Plus, the guys cover a full slate of Cougar athletics, Final Four predictions, and everything BYU fans need to know heading into one of the biggest weeks of the year.#BYU #BYUSports #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #MarchMadness #BigDance #Big12Basketball #AJDybantsa #JaneHedengren #CougarNation #BYUAthletics #YSGUYS #WiseGuys #BYU #LDS

It’s Big 12 Tournament Week, and the Y’s Guys break down everything happening across BYU Athletics. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open the show with a spring football update from Provo, including early observations about BYU’s offense, quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s development, and the impact new tight ends Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga could have on the Cougars’ scheme.The show also dives into a huge weekend for BYU basketball, including the Cougars’ statement win over No. 10 Texas Tech and Rob Wright III’s huge performance that earned him the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week. Dave and Blaine preview BYU’s path in the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City and discuss the biggest storyline hanging over the program: what will superstar freshman AJ Dybantsa decide to do next — return for another season or head to the NBA Draft?Former BYU head coach Steve Cleveland joins the show to talk about the pressure and excitement of conference tournaments and why they are so difficult to win. Later, BYU graduate and Costa Vida President Wade Allen joins the program to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the unique bond BYU alumni share in the business world.Plus, the guys cover a full slate of BYU sports including women’s basketball’s Big 12 tournament run, men’s volleyball’s top-10 ranking, track and field’s national contenders, and updates across Cougar athletics.

March is here and so is March Madness — and on tonight’s episode of Y’s Guys, we open with early observations from BYU spring football as the Cougars begin practice. We break down what we’re seeing so far, including key personnel notes on newcomers and returning contributors, and what stands out as BYU continues building toward the fall.Next, it’s basketball — and the pressure is real. BYU men’s hoops is running out of time to find its footing, and we preview tomorrow night’s matchup at Cincinnati, including why the outcome could shape BYU’s positioning in next week’s Big 12 Tournament. We also take stock of the bigger league picture and where BYU currently sits heading into the final stretch.Finally, we shift to some big momentum on the women’s side as BYU women’s basketball heads into the Big 12 Tournament on a three-game win streak. Jason Shepherd joins the show to walk through the bracket, BYU’s path, and what the Cougars need to do to keep pushing toward postseason goals. Plus, we recognize a true record breaker as Carter Cutting is named the Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, and we welcome Alema Fitisemanu for stories from BYU football history and a spotlight on FSY.