BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has always led with a combination of humility, passion, and quiet intensity. Coming off a 10-win regular season in 2024, Sitake’s Cougars found themselves just outside the Big 12 Championship Game and left out of the newly expanded College Football Playoff—an outcome that stung not only the fan base but also the players and coaching staff who believed they had done enough to earn a spot among the nation’s elite. For Sitake, the snub has become a motivational anchor as BYU prepares for the 2025 season.
In reflecting on last year, Sitake didn’t sugarcoat the disappointment. “We’ll figure it out, we’ll find out,” he said in a recent media session. “I mean my job as a head coach is to make sure that we’re playing at our best, so did we do that last year? Not consistently enough for me…”
That candid admission points to a deeper truth about BYU’s 2024 campaign. While 10 wins is an impressive feat, particularly in the ultra-competitive Big 12, the Cougars struggled with consistency, especially in crucial late-season matchups. They posted key wins over ranked opponents but also dropped games that likely cost them a shot at the conference title and, ultimately, the Playoff. In Sitake’s eyes, those missed opportunities weren’t just on the players—they were a reflection of the program as a whole.
Still, Sitake has never been one to dwell on the past for too long. The missed postseason shot is now fuel, a source of internal fire for a program still adjusting to life in a Power Five conference. This fall, the message is simple: be better in the moments that matter.
“Last year showed us how close we are,” said Sitake. “But close doesn’t count when the goal is to compete for championships. We have to be sharper, more disciplined, and more resilient. That’s what we’re focused on every day now.”
That drive has already permeated throughout the locker room. Returning players have spoken about how the playoff exclusion has motivated offseason workouts and summer training. Team leaders have echoed their coach’s sentiments, vowing not to leave any doubt on the field this time around.
From a program-building perspective, Sitake has emphasized culture and development as central pillars. He’s cultivated a team identity rooted in toughness, brotherhood, and accountability—values that don’t always show up in highlight reels but define successful seasons. After several years of building toward national relevance, 2024 was a breakthrough in many ways, but also a reminder that the next step requires even greater precision.
Looking ahead to 2025, expectations are high. The roster is more experienced, the coaching staff is cohesive, and Sitake seems as focused as ever. The mission is clear: earn a spot in the Big 12 title game and force the committee to take notice.
For Kalani Sitake and BYU, last season’s snub isn’t a setback—it’s a spark. And come fall, they intend to make sure their performance on the field leaves no room for debate.
