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.

Check out Chief's assistant coach Porter Ellett's full interview with Lauren McClain as they talk about Kansas City getting ready for the Super Bowl, players watching out for him because he's a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and winning a bet with Travis Kelce.

The Cougars are coming off a massive home win over the Texas Longhorns and now travel to West Virginia looking to get their 4th conference win. Lauren is joined by BYU Basketball legend Jonathan Tavernari and BYUtv Sports Producer Hema Heimuli to discuss their upcoming game versus the Mountaineers. They discuss how BYU has been getting it done inside the paint as of recent and talk about whether that will be a trend we see going forward. Lauren, Jonathan, and Hema also discuss our fan-submitted responses about who should be the "go-to" guy at the end of the game for BYU. They also get into how this might be the most important 5-game stretch for BYU this season.

BYU fans love a good tailgate before big games. One of the biggest Cougar fans wants you to stop by to rant and chat about the teams that wear white and blue. Lauren McClain wants to hear from you on Cougar Tailgate as she and her raucous roundtable grill up spicy takes and potentially spicy food.

BYU bounces back after two huge conference wins against UCF and Iowa State. Lauren, Brandon, and Terry briefly recap BYU's dominating performance over the Cyclones. They also debate which team in Utah is the best basketball school at the moment. They discuss whether they enjoy the brutal schedule of Big-12 basketball or would they rather play an easier schedule like they did in the WCC. Lauren, Brandon, and Terry close the show playing "Buy or Sell?" and "Cougs in the News" discussing the importance of BYU's pro athletes success for their alma mater.

After two disappointing losses to begin conference play, Lauren, Jonny, and Hema are here to dissect the positives and negatives of BYU's rocky Big-12 start. They begin the show reacting live to our man-on-the-street responses during Saturday's loss to Cincinnati at the Marriott Center. Lauren, Jonny, and Hema also play basketball and football versions of "Buy or Sell?" They close the show discussing BYU's matchup with UCF and a playoff edition of "Cougs in the News."

Come tailgate with Lauren McClain as she is joined by Hema Heimuli and Brian Logan to talk Coach Pope's greatest wins, play some football and basketball trivia, and talk BYU's football recruiting!

After a disappointing loss to arch-rival Utah, BYU gets back to their winning ways with a dominant win over Denver. Lauren, Jonny, and Hema recap the highlights from BYU's 90-74 win over Denver. Cougar Tailgate producer Tori Kimball gets raw fans reactions about "What is your favorite thing about this BYU Hoops Team?" Lauren, Hema, and Jonny react to the fans responses as well. As always, they play "Buy or Sell?" discussing topics surrounding BYU Hoops going forward. Lauren, Hema, and Jonny close the show talking about the noise BYU players are making in the NFL.

BYU Basketball just keeps on rolling! Jonny Linehan, a big fan of the sport, and Senior Producer Cleon Wall join Lauren McClain to talk expectations, hype, and hopes for this year's squad. With Big 12 play looming, do we ride the hype wave? What should this season look like? Join the crew as they play buy or sell, talk favorite Utah/BYU basketball matchups and discuss Cougs in the News.

BYU Basketball just keeps on rolling! Jonny Linehan, a big fan of the sport, and Senior Producer Cleon Wall join Lauren McClain to talk expectations, hype, and hopes for this year's squad. With Big 12 play looming, do we ride the hype wave? What should this season look like? Join the crew as they play buy or sell, talk favorite Utah/BYU basketball matchups and discuss Cougs in the News.

It's time to say goodbye to the 2023 BYU Football season. Lauren is joined by BYUtv sports producers Hema Hemuli and Brandon Crowe. They discuss BYU Women's Soccer's magical NCAA Tournament run and their favorite BYU sports tournament runs. Lauren, Hema, and Brandon say goodbye to the 2023 BYU Football season and their reaction to the Oklahoma State game. They play an off-season edition of Buy or Sell and discuss fans' responses to whom they will miss most from the football team. The trio then talks about BYU Basketball's impressive 6-0 start and their potential.