BYU football lost Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford to Michigan. Despite those moves, BYU has retained some key defensive personnel.

Many BYU players shared "Run It Back" messages, making it clear they would be returning for the 2026 season.

KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper discussed those announcements and also the latest on the defensive coordinator search to fill the void left by Jay Hill.

Also, what went right and what went wrong for BYU football in 2025. Harper discussed that.

Then, finally, Cougar Stock Exchange looks at BYU Basketball as the Cougars move up in the AP Top 25 poll. But the talent of AJ Dybantsa shines bright after a road win at Kansas State.

Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes.

Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT).

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609

YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh

Download the KSL Sports app

Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US

 iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.

Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.

Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.