Y’s Guys Podcast

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.

Charity Watch Party for AJ’s School:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/byu-vs-west-virginia-byu-sponsored-watch-party-tickets-1975039859386Donations for AJ’s School:https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/118SYHQ9GMHPK?ref=gr_search_page_resultAuthors Matt Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant new book Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball:https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changers-Dybantsa-Struggle-Basketball-ebook/dp/B0FZX66VC6/ref=sr_1_1Quick Quack Nominate Someone for Next Fundraiser:https://www.quickquack.com/previewfundraiserSpring football begins this Friday in Provo, and expectations are high for Bear Bachmeier after earning the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all true freshman quarterbacks in 2025. Dave and Blaine outline Blaine’s three goals for Bear this spring, discuss the impact of 33 newcomers, and debate how much time backup quarterback Enoch Watson should receive during the five-week session.On the hardwood, BYU continues to climb at exactly the right time. The Cougars moved up to No. 19 in the AP Poll and sit at No. 19 in the NET rankings with CBS projecting them as a 5-seed. AJ Dybantsa delivered one of the biggest weeks in program history — scoring 35 at Arizona and 29 against No. 6 Iowa State while breaking Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record. He was named Big 12 Player of the Week, Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, Dick Vitale’s “Star of the Week,” and Field of 68 National Player of the Week.Leslie Graff joins live from Massachusetts to preview a BYU Alumni watch party in Boston benefiting AJ’s elementary school in Brockton. Authors Matt Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant discuss their new book Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball and what AJ’s presence at BYU could mean for the future of the program and the broader landscape of college basketball.Mountaineer Paul (Paul Rockel) joins live from Morgantown to preview Saturday’s BYU-West Virginia matchup and to break down the relentless Big 12 race. The conversation covers conference depth, tournament outlook, and how BYU’s rapid rise in the Big 12 is viewed from the other side of the country. Travis Kimball of Quick Quack Car Wash also joins the show to discuss entrepreneurship, community impact, and BYU athletics. Plus: Patti Edwards’ funeral reflections and full Campus Notes across Cougar athletics.Y’s Guys is presented by BradyPlus, Mountain America Credit Union and Eddy and distributed by the Deseret News.

It’s President’s Day and Y’s Guys delivers one of the most consequential shows of the season. With Richie Saunders lost for the year after tearing his ACL just 45 seconds into Saturday’s game, BYU basketball faces a defining stretch. Dave McCann and Brian Logan (in for Blaine Fowler) break down what this means for the Cougars heading into a massive road test at Arizona and a home showdown with Iowa State. Later in the show, newly retired jersey honoree Jimmer Fredette joins live to reflect on his rafters moment — and to offer insight on how a team survives losing a key player late in the season.On the football side, serious developments surround former receiver Parker Kingston, and the program now turns its attention to what the receivers room looks like moving forward. The show carefully follows its standard protocol: allowing the legal process to unfold without speculation while analyzing roster implications. BYUtv analyst David Nixon joins to discuss spring practice goals, defensive staff changes, NFL Combine invitees Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly, and what a Kelly Poppinga-led defense might look and feel like.The Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors Rob Wright III, who exploded for 30 points at Baylor and followed it up with a 39-point masterpiece against Colorado — carrying the Cougars with Saunders sidelined. Meanwhile, AJ Dybantsa continues his historic freshman campaign, closing in on Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record as BYU remains firmly in the NCAA Tournament picture despite one of the toughest remaining schedules in the country.Campus Notes highlight national track and field dominance — including Riley Chamberlain’s NCAA mile record — strong performances in volleyball, baseball, tennis, and golf, and the release of BYU women’s soccer’s Big 12 schedule. With powerful interviews, heartfelt tributes to Patti Edwards, and honest discussion about navigating adversity, the February 16 show blends emotion, accountability, and championship-level analysis.#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #Big12 #JimmerFredette #RobWrightIII #AJDybantsa #CougarNation #LDS #BYU

The February 9 edition of Y’s Guys is built around a milestone moment in BYU basketball history as Jimmer Fredette Week officially begins. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler set the stage for Jimmer’s No. 23 jersey retirement at the Marriott Center, reflecting on his unlikely rise, historic impact, and what the moment means for BYU fans everywhere. With the Cougars preparing for Baylor and Colorado, the show captures the emotion, anticipation, and national relevance surrounding one of the most iconic figures in college basketball.Football headlines the early portion of the show as BYU’s final 2026 recruiting rankings are released, marking the highest-rated class in program history. The hosts break down new coaching staff additions, spring football dates, and why BYU’s national perception continues to climb — including Big 12 power rankings that place the Cougars near the very top. Super Bowl discussion, alumni updates, and league-wide context help frame BYU’s place in the broader college football landscape.Basketball coverage is extensive and candid. The hosts recap a challenging stretch for BYU men’s hoops against elite competition, including losses to Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Houston — while emphasizing the strength of the Big 12 and BYU’s continued Top 25 standing. AJ Dybantsa’s historic scoring run earns him Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week, as he leads the nation in scoring and draws praise from opposing coaches who openly admit he can’t be stopped. On the women’s side, the Cougars continue to battle in one of the toughest conferences in the country, with Delaney Gibb earning national recognition despite a difficult road stretch.The show features two standout interviews. Longtime Deseret News columnist Dick Harmon joins live from Florida to reflect on Jimmer Fredette’s legacy, the rare honor of jersey retirement, and how Jimmer compares to the all-time greats in BYU history. Later, Amy Robbins, a BYU-Pathway Worldwide graduate, shares a deeply personal story about returning to school later in life, balancing family and faith, and how education empowered her professionally and personally. With Campus Notes spanning nearly every BYU sport and a heartfelt close, the February 9 show blends history, honesty, and hope — exactly what Y’s Guys does best.

Sign up for CougarTribe: https://cougartribe.comCheck out Caleb Chapman’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Next-Stage-Caleb-Chapman-ebook/dp/B0GFSPT857/ref=sr_1_1?The February 2 edition of Y’s Guys hits on Super Bowl week and delivers a packed, fast-moving show spanning football, hoops, baseball, and a special guest feature. Dave McCann and Blaine Fowler open with BYU football momentum and spring football buzz, including national optimism about BYU’s 2026 ceiling and why the Cougars are increasingly being viewed as a real Big 12 and playoff contender. The show also mixes in Super Bowl trivia and broader college football context to keep the night light and fun while still news-driven.Basketball remains a central focus as BYU men’s hoops comes off a bruising stretch, including the Kansas game and a showdown with No. 1 Arizona. The hosts recap what went right, what didn’t, and what BYU must do to keep climbing in the Big 12. On the women’s side, BYU celebrates a rivalry breakthrough at home, powered by Brinley Cannon, who earns Re-Lyte Athlete of the Week honors after a career night against Utah.One of the show’s major interviews features Trent Pratt, previewing BYU baseball’s season and what year three in the Big 12 demands. Pratt discusses roster development, expectations, and what it will take for BYU to compete consistently in a league loaded with elite programs.The episode also includes a unique non-sports guest: BYU grad Caleb Chapman, founder of Caleb Chapman’s Soundhouse and author of the new book The Next Stage. Chapman talks about leadership, relevance, and trust in the age of A.I., including what A.I. can’t replace in live performance, creativity, and human connection. The show closes with campus notes across multiple sports, “On This Day,” and an inspirational quote to cap a full slate.#BYUSports #GoCougs #Ysguys #BYUBasketball #BYUFootball #Big12 #CougarNation #SuperBowlWeek #BYUAthletics #CollegeSports @LDS #BYU