Days ahead of the Big 12 Championship Game between BYU and Texas Tech, the Cougars are engaged in a critical battle to retain head coach Kalani Sitake amidst interest from Penn State. Sitake was identified as a target for Penn State’s coaching search earlier this week. Reports suggest he has received an offer, with rumors indicating a strong possibility of him leaving for Penn State. However, in the last 24 hours, BYU has intensified efforts to keep Sitake in Provo.

Optimism for BYU: People connected to BYU are hopeful as discussions with sources have indicated a chance to retain Sitake, even as Penn State reportedly believed it was close to securing him. This uncertainty arises just before the early signing period and only days before BYU’s debut in the Big 12 title game, where a victory could solidify their spot in the playoff.

Support from Alumni: Sitake, a graduate of BYU, has a solid record of 83-44 over ten seasons. Additionally, the donor community, including Crumbl CEO Jason McGowan, is rallying strongly to ensure sitake’s continued involvement with the program.

In the Midst of a Coaching Search: As BYU considers its path forward, Penn State continues a complicated search for coaches with various candidates considered, including Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, among others.