BREAKING NEWS: Bronco Mendenhall Sends Emotional Message to Kalani Sitake Ahead of BYU-Utah State Showdown
LOGAN, Utah — In a powerful and unexpected gesture that has captivated fans across the Beehive State, former BYU football head coach and current Utah State leader Bronco Mendenhall has sent a heartfelt message to BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, just weeks ahead of a high-stakes matchup between the Cougars and Aggies this fall.
Mendenhall, who returned to college football this year as the head coach of Utah State after a multi-year hiatus following his tenure at Virginia, has been instrumental in revitalizing the Aggies’ program. But despite the fierce rivalry between the two Utah-based schools, Mendenhall took a moment during a press conference Monday morning to extend a public message to Sitake — his former assistant and longtime friend.
“Kalani, I want you to know how proud I am of everything you’ve built at BYU,” Mendenhall said, visibly emotional. “You’ve carried the torch with class, courage, and an unbreakable commitment to your players. No matter what happens when we meet on the field, you’ve already won in the bigger game — building men of faith and character.”
The message comes amid a wave of anticipation for the first BYU-Utah State matchup since Mendenhall’s hiring, with tickets for the October clash at Maverik Stadium selling out in under an hour. The Aggies are projected to be a dark horse contender in the Mountain West this year under Mendenhall’s experienced leadership, while BYU continues to navigate the challenges of Big 12 competition.
Sitake responded later in the day via social media, stating:
“Grateful for Coach Mendenhall. Learned so much from him. He’s one of the best men in football. Can’t wait to share the field again — as competitors, as brothers.”
This rare display of respect in the cutthroat world of college football has drawn praise from fans and analysts alike, highlighting the unique brotherhood that exists among coaches — even when the rivalry runs deep.
One thing is certain: when BYU and Utah State collide this fall, the stakes will be high, the emotions will be raw, and the sidelines will be led by two men bound by legacy, loyalty, and love for the game.
