Cougar Tailgate

Lauren McClain, Hema Hemuli, and Karter Baughan dive into the top five questions facing BYU as they head into fall camp. They discuss the intense quarterback competition, the potential improvement of the offensive line, the defense's prospects under Jay Hill, the receivers' ability to step up, and the run game's outlook. Plus, they share their biggest takeaways from Big 12 Media Days and play a game of "Buy or Sell" to make bold predictions for the upcoming season.

BYU football kicks off next month. Former BYU DB Brian Logan joins Lauren McClain to talk about how BYU will improve next season, where the Cougar's biggest challenges will be, and what areas fans should be concerned. Also, they check in with Big 12 Media Day with comments from the Utah Utes about playing BYU.

It's a new era of BYU Basketball under new head coach Kevin Young. Lauren McClain is joined by BYU Radio Sports Producers Tori Kimball and Karter Baughan to discuss BYU Hoops massive overhaul this offseason and what BYU fans should expect going into next season. They begin discussing additions and losses via the transfer portal and recruiting from last year to this season, the new coaching staff, which players are they most excited about, and is BYU being snubbed on top 25 lists?

Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU sports stars Mitch Mathews and his wife Madie Mathews. In this episode, Mitch and Madie share their journeys to BYU, how they met, and their experiences as elite athletes. They reflect on family support, faith, and their most memorable moments at BYU. The couple also dives into life after college, discussing Mitch’s NFL journey, their commitment to fitness, social media careers, and parenthood. Plus, don’t miss the fun trivia segment where they test their knowledge about each other’s sports achievements.

Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU sports stars Mitch Mathews and his wife Madie Mathews. In this episode, Mitch and Madie share their journeys to BYU, how they met, and their experiences as elite athletes. They reflect on family support, faith, and their most memorable moments at BYU. The couple also dives into life after college, discussing Mitch’s NFL journey, their commitment to fitness, social media careers, and parenthood. Plus, don’t miss the fun trivia segment where they test their knowledge about each other’s sports achievements.

Time to take a trip down memory lane! Lauren McClain is joined by senior assistant athletic director, Duff Tittle, and assistant athletic director for football strategy, Brett Pyne to discuss their new book "100 Years of BYU Football". In this episode, they discuss the inspiration behind the book, the extensive research and countless interviews that brought it to life, and some of the most fascinating stories from BYU’s football history. From legendary moments like the 1953 televised rivalry game against Utah to the unforgettable Beck-to-Harline play, Duff and Brett share insights that will captivate any BYU fan. They also explore personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, including Knute Rockne’s surprising connection to BYU, pivotal team meetings, and miraculous game-winning moments. Duff and Brett reveal what it was like to compile this comprehensive history and share their favorite memories from their time with the BYU football program.

Time to take a trip down memory lane! Lauren McClain is joined by senior assistant athletic director, Duff Tittle, and assistant athletic director for football strategy, Brett Pyne to discuss their new book "100 Years of BYU Football". In this episode, they discuss the inspiration behind the book, the extensive research and countless interviews that brought it to life, and some of the most fascinating stories from BYU’s football history. From legendary moments like the 1953 televised rivalry game against Utah to the unforgettable Beck-to-Harline play, Duff and Brett share insights that will captivate any BYU fan. They also explore personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, including Knute Rockne’s surprising connection to BYU, pivotal team meetings, and miraculous game-winning moments. Duff and Brett reveal what it was like to compile this comprehensive history and share their favorite memories from their time with the BYU football program.

Was the first season in the Big-12 a success for BYU Athletics? Lauren McClain is joined by BYU Women's Basketball Commentator Jason Sheppard to discuss whether the first season in the Big-12 was a success for the Cougars. They dive into each of the main sports men's hoops, women's hoops, football, baseball, softball, and BYU athletics as a whole. They also discuss your fan-submitted responses discussing "What was your favorite memory from year one in the Big-12?

Join host Lauren McClain on this week’s episode of Cougar Tailgate, where it’s all about family, football, and the BYU Cougars. We're thrilled to have a special roundtable featuring the 1984 National Champion, "Turbo Tongan" Lakei Heimuli, alongside his sons — BYUtv Sports Producer Hema and former Stanford and BYU fullback Houston. Dive into the Heimuli family dynamics with us, from their tradition of "H" names to insights on family dinners and football's role in their upbringing. Lakei discusses his storied career at BYU under Coach LaVell Edwards, sharing reflections and unforgettable stories. We'll also explore the profound impact of BYU on the Heimuli family, their close-knit ties, and how BYU's Polynesian pipeline and Coach Kalani Sitake hold special significance for them. Plus, don’t miss a fun trivia segment testing how well Hema and Houston know their dad’s BYU career stats! We wrap up with a lively Q&A session where the Heimulis answer questions from you, the fans. Tune i...

Join host Lauren McClain on this week’s episode of Cougar Tailgate, where it’s all about family, football, and the BYU Cougars. We're thrilled to have a special roundtable featuring the 1984 National Champion, "Turbo Tongan" Lakei Heimuli, alongside his sons — BYUtv Sports Producer Hema and former Stanford and BYU fullback Houston. Dive into the Heimuli family dynamics with us, from their tradition of "H" names to insights on family dinners and football's role in their upbringing. Lakei discusses his storied career at BYU under Coach LaVell Edwards, sharing reflections and unforgettable stories. We'll also explore the profound impact of BYU on the Heimuli family, their close-knit ties, and how BYU's Polynesian pipeline and Coach Kalani Sitake hold special significance for them. Plus, don’t miss a fun trivia segment testing how well Hema and Houston know their dad’s BYU career stats! We wrap up with a lively Q&A session where the Heimulis answer questions from you, the fans. Tune in to celebrate the legacy of BYU with the Heimulis on this episode of Cougar Tailgate.

Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU basketball player and pro standout Jonathan Tavernari and BYUtv Sports Producer Hema Heimuli. In this episode of Cougar Tailgate, they discuss the recent hiring of Kevin Young as the new head coach of BYU men's basketball. They discuss their reactions to the hiring, the financial implications, and the unique challenges of recruiting at BYU. They also analyze Young's coaching background and his potential to build on the success of previous coach Mark Pope. They also express optimism about Young's ability to develop players and create a strong program at BYU.

This episode of "Cougar Tailgate" features host Lauren McClain discussing the BYU Cougars' off-season activities with former BYU football stars Mitch Juergens and Brian Logan. They delve into what players do during the break between spring football and summer workouts and explore offseason preparation strategies. The discussion also covers the BYU football team's readiness for their season opener against Southern Illinois, the ongoing quarterback competition, and the decision not to seek additional quarterbacks from the transfer portal. Additionally, the episode examines the depth and potential of the wide receiver group, evaluates the defensive challenges and needs, and debates the impact of NIL agreements and the transfer portal on college football. The conversation aims to provide insight into the complexities of managing team dynamics and continuity amidst the evolving landscape of college football.

BYU Football's Spring practices are coming to a close. Lauren McClain is joined by former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson and BYU Radio producer Karter Baughan to discuss what excites them before the 2024 football season. Nelson also gives his take and perspective on BYU's current quarterback battle. Lauren, Riley, and Karter also play "Buy or Sell - BYU Football Edition," and close the show discussing their preferred trade destination for former BYU star QB Zach Wilson.

It's time for the Big Dance! The Cougars will face off against 11-seed and Atlantic-10 conference champion Duquesne. Lauren McClain is joined by BYUtv sports producer Hema Heimuli and former BYU basketball player Jonathan Tavernari. Lauren, Hema, and JT preview BYU's matchup against the Dukes and also discuss the potential benefits of not playing on Sunday. JT gives his perspective on what it will take for the Cougars to make a deep run and Lauren. Hema, and JT discuss how far they believe the Cougars can go in the Big Dance. They close the show with rapid fire question surrounding the tournament and each of them give their pick on who will cut down the nets in April.

Taking a quick pause from basketball, Lauren is joined by former football standout, Brian Logan and BYU Sports Producer Ben Bagley to discuss spring ball. All eyes are on the quarterback spot. So who is going to lead the Cougars next season? The trio breaks down where they are most confident and where they are concerned. Plus, a quick interview with Parker Kingston!

It's the end of the regular season so it's time for regular season awards! Lauren is joined by BYU Radio Producers Cleon Wall and Karter Baughan. They begin discussing BYU's heartbreaking loss on the road against Iowa State and then discuss your fan-submitted responses on what your concern about the Cougars rolling into Big-12 play. They close the show giving out regular season awards and playing "Would you Rather?" BYU Basketball edition.

Did BYU get their biggest regular season win in history at Allen Fieldhouse this week? Lauren, Brandon, and Ben debate whether this was the biggest win in BYU men's hoops history and they discuss your fan-submitted responses . They also break down what went well and the importance of the Cougars win over the Jayhawks. Lauren, Ben, and Brandon preview the upcoming TCU matchup, play a game of "Buy or Sell?" and the close the show discussing Pope's postgame comments discussing the importance of the Sabbath for this BYU men's hoops team.

The Cougars got a massive bounce-back win over the 11th-ranked Baylor Bears. Former BYU basketball star Jonathan Tavernari and BYUtv Sports Producer Hema Heimuli join Lauren to break down the positives from the Baylor game. They also discuss your fan-submitted responses and play "Buy or Sell?" regarding BYU men's hoops! They close the show with Jonathan discussing his relationship with his faith and how his faith has changed his life for the better.

Lauren McClain is joined by Carlie Ellett, wife of Chiefs Assistant RB Coach Porter Ellett. Carlie give a behind the scenes look of what Super Bowl day is like. Lauren is also joined by BYUtv producer Brandon Crow and BYUradio senior producer Cleon Wall to discuss all things BYU men's hoops! Lauren, Brandon, and Cleon briefly talk about their takeaways from BYU's narrow win over UCF. They also discuss fan-submitted responses on who the most important player on the team is and which team in the Big-12 should be BYU's rival. They close the show playing "Buy or Sell?" debating whether Fouss should start over Aly Khalifa, whether Dallin Hall deserves more minutes, and whether BYU can steal a win on the road at Iowa State and Kansas.

We've got former Cougs in this year's Super Bowl! That includes Chiefs assistant coach Porter Ellett, who joins Lauren for an extended interview. Former BYU Football stars Mitch Matthews and Brian Logan then talk to Lauren about who they are rooting for in the big game and if they enjoy the Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift drama. Plus, they discuss "Cougars in the Pros" and the impact all these former Cougs are making in the NFL.