BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has recently emerged as a significant and unexpected candidate linked to the Penn State head coaching vacancy, following the mid-season firing of James Franklin. The rumors have gained considerable momentum as several early, high-profile targets—including Curt Cignetti, Matt Rhule, and Eli Drinkwitz—have signed contract extensions to remain at their current programs, narrowing Penn State's list of proven candidates. The Source of the Speculation Sitake's sudden surge is largely driven by movement on predictive betting markets, specifically Kalshi , where his odds to be the next Nittany Lions head coach have climbed sharply, placing him among the top two contenders alongside James Madison's Bob Chesney and ahead of Alabama's Kalen DeBoer. This has prompted speculation that he could be the "mystery" candidate that had been hinted at by media observers. Why Sitake is a "Wild Card" The interest in Sitake is noteworthy because he is a non-traditional fit for a Penn State search. He has spent his entire coaching career on the West Coast, is an alumnus of BYU (where he played fullback from 1997-2000), and has deep ties to the program's unique culture. However, his 10 seasons at BYU and his strong 82-44 overall record show a proven track record of stabilizing a program for the long run. In his time at BYU, Sitake has produced four 10-win seasons and has successfully guided the Cougars through their difficult transition into the Big 12 Conference, clinching a spot in the Big 12 Championship game this year. This credibility of managing a significant shift and maintaining a competitive program in a Power conference makes him an intriguing, albeit unexpected, candidate for the permanent Penn State job. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Omaha Steaks Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. Aura Frames For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
