BYU Faces Big 12 Championship Amid Coach Kalani Sitake’s Penn State Rumors

The BYU football program is entering a pivotal weekend with the Big 12 championship on the line against Texas Tech. The Cougars sit at 11-1 on the season, with their lone loss coming against the Red Raiders, making Saturday’s game critical for College Football Playoff hopes.

At the same time, BYU faces uncertainty off the field. Head coach Kalani Sitake has been linked to the Penn State head coaching vacancy, and the program is actively working to retain him amid interest from the Nittany Lions. CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz described the situation as “fluid” but noted optimism on BYU’s side regarding Sitake’s potential return.

Penn State is seeking a new head coach after parting ways with James Franklin, who had lost three consecutive Big Ten games. Franklin will begin leading Virginia Tech in 2026, leaving the Nittany Lions with a top coaching opening that Sitake reportedly leads the list for.

Sitake, a former BYU player and graduate assistant, has led the Cougars since 2016. His deep ties to the program, combined with a strong season record, make his potential departure a significant storyline for both BYU and the broader college football landscape.

1. Sitake’s Role and Legacy at BYU

Kalani Sitake has been a central figure in BYU football for nearly a decade. After playing for the Cougars, he returned as a graduate assistant and eventually became the head coach in 2016. Under his leadership, BYU has steadily improved, culminating in an 11-1 record this season. His tenure has been marked by consistent on-field performance and a commitment to player development. Sitake’s familiarity with the program and the community has helped cultivate a strong culture within the team, one that is now facing uncertainty due to external interest. Beyond wins and losses, Sitake’s presence has anchored BYU’s recruiting and program identity. His leadership extends beyond Xs and Os, shaping the development of student-athletes both on and off the field. Losing Sitake would mark a major shift for the program. His deep roots in the university and sustained success make his potential departure a critical decision for BYU’s administration and fanbase.

2. Penn State Interest and Coaching Landscape

Penn State has been actively searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of James Franklin. The Nittany Lions reportedly view Sitake as a top candidate, particularly after missing out on other targets like Indiana’s Curt Cignetti. Sitake’s track record—leading a top-tier program in a competitive conference—makes him an attractive option for Penn State. Executives and analysts believe his ability to manage high-pressure games and develop talent aligns with the expectations in the Big Ten. The coaching carousel highlights the demand for proven leaders who can sustain program success. Sitake’s connection to BYU complicates matters, as the Cougars are eager to retain him while balancing the coach’s potential career aspirations. How this situation resolves may influence not just BYU’s season but broader staffing decisions across major college programs seeking stability and leadership.

3. Focus Shifts to the Big 12 Championship

Amid speculation, Sitake has stressed that the team’s focus remains on the Big 12 championship. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game, he emphasized preparation, accountability, and finishing the season strong. “Well I have to address it cause the world is small now and people can see stuff on social media…But I will say this isn’t about me,” Sitake said, according to Sports Illustrated. “I’ve asked our team to be focused on what we can control…This is a great distraction to have, let’s be honest. But right now we need to be focused on giving our best shot against Texas Tech.” A win against Texas Tech is essential for BYU to have a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff. A loss would likely eliminate the Cougars from contention, making preparation and focus paramount despite off-field distractions. The Big 12 championship game on Saturday will test BYU’s ability to compartmentalize coaching speculation while executing at a high level on the field. How the team responds may define the season and shape the program’s immediate future, regardless of Sitake’s decision.