NEVER SAY NEVER: BYU Football & Colorado State Renew Rivalry After 16 Long Years, Post-Hard Feelings | Owen Leishman Will Fit BYU's Defense | Rob Wright's Revenge Against Arizona Coming?

Classic Mountain West tensions resurface as the BYU Cougars prepare to face the Colorado State Rams for the first time in 16 years—a game loaded with history, rivalry, and significance. Will this long-awaited rematch redefine both programs’ trajectories? Jake Hatch sets the stage for a throwback Saturday night in Fort Collins, revisiting the seismic conference realignment of 2010, the Mountain West’s hardline response to Brigham Young University’s independence plans, and the dramatic vows taken by programs like Colorado State at the time to never play BYU again. With time having healed old wounds, the Rams welcome the No. 11-ranked BYU football program to Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium—now officially hosting the stadium’s highest-profile opponent in its history. Jake Hatch examines why Colorado State reversed course, the financial and competitive incentives on the line, and what this means for both sets of fans hungry for a nostalgic yet high-stakes meeting. Recruiting buzz grows as BYU secures a crucial late addition to the 2027 class—Ridgeline High’s Owen Leishman. Projected as a fast, physical linebacker with notable size (6'3", 215 lbs), Leishman’s commitment offers intriguing possibilities for Kalani Sitake and Kelly Poppinga’s defensive scheme. Jake Hatch analyzes Leishman’s multi-positional athleticism, highlighting a 4.59 forty-yard dash, impressive 100m speed, and a tape filled with tight end flashes that underscore his power, agility, and potential to thrive as a Power 4 athlete. What does this addition signal for BYU’s recruiting philosophy? With other targets like Filisi Filipe on the radar, listeners get a rundown on emerging prospects and the qualities BYU prioritizes for long-term success. Hoops excitement builds as BYU basketball hears the national buzz—Rob Wright III lands a coveted preseason All-American nod from Blue Ribbon Yearbook, marking him as the Big 12’s lone representative on the first team. Jake Hatch details why Kevin Young calls Wright "the best point guard in the nation" and how his growth, complemented by transfer additions like Bruce Branch III, Collin Chandler, and potentially Jaxon Kohler (pending eligibility), could propel the Cougars to Sweet 16 expectations. The episode also highlights ESPN’s decision to feature another Big Monday showdown at the Marriott Center against national powerhouse Arizona, recalling last year’s epic comeback attempt and setting the stakes for a marquee late-season clash. Can BYU football make a statement in its return clash with Colorado State? Will Owen Leishman become a centerpiece of the Cougars’ defense? And is this the season Rob Wright leads BYU basketball on a March run? Jake Hatch delivers everything Cougar fans need to know to get ready for a pivotal sports weekend.