In a college football landscape dominated by flashy hires, transfer portal drama, and NIL headlines, Kalani Sitake continues to quietly build something remarkable in Provo, Utah. While the sport often celebrates hype over substance, Sitake’s work at BYU stands as one of the purest examples of sustainable program-building anywhere in the nation.
Now in his 10th season as head coach, Sitake has guided the Cougars to yet another historic run. BYU sits at 8–0 for the second consecutive year, a first in school history, and has done so in the heart of the Big 12 Conference, where the Cougars are proving they belong among college football’s elite.
Kalani Sitake Is the Most Underrated Coach in College Football
Winning Without Excuses
What makes Sitake’s success even more impressive is how he’s achieved it. BYU doesn’t have the same resources, recruiting pipelines, or NIL war chest that SEC and Big Ten schools boast. Yet the Cougars consistently win.
This season, Sitake lost veteran starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff to the transfer portal, a move that could have derailed many programs. Instead, BYU reloaded without skipping a beat. True freshman Bear Bachmeier has stepped into the starting role and become one of the most pleasant surprises in all of college football, showing poise and confidence well beyond his years.
That kind of next-man-up success doesn’t happen by accident, it’s a direct reflection of the culture Sitake has built. BYU doesn’t chase quick fixes; they develop from within. The Cougars rarely overhaul their roster through the portal, instead using it to fill needs and maintain balance. Players stick around because they believe in the program and in their coach, something increasingly rare in today’s college football world.
A Program Built on Culture and Consistency
Sitake’s influence extends well beyond the field. His players constantly speak about his leadership, compassion, and authenticity all being traits that foster a locker room rooted in accountability and brotherhood. Under his guidance, BYU football has become a reflection of its head coach: tough, disciplined, humble, and relentlessly competitive.
In his tenure, Sitake has amassed an 80–43 record, including a 5–2 mark in bowl games, all while navigating BYU’s transition from independence to the Big 12. What could have been a rocky adjustment has instead been a smooth ascent, thanks to Sitake’s steady leadership.
As columnist Patrick Kinahan of KSL.com put it, BYU’s emergence under Sitake has “significantly enhanced the Big 12,” giving the conference a competitive, well-coached team that brings national credibility to its ranks. In just two years as a Big 12 member, BYU has gone from an outsider to a legitimate conference contender.
Why Sitake Deserves More Respect
Despite this sustained success, Sitake’s name rarely surfaces in national coaching conversations. He’s not linked to high-profile job openings or featured in “best coach” lists , a glaring oversight given his résumé. In a sport that often prioritizes glitz and short-term success, Sitake’s program is a model of longevity, identity, and results.
While others chase portal stars, Sitake builds teams. While others make excuses about resources, he develops players. And while many programs crumble under pressure, BYU continues to thrive in one of college football’s most competitive environments.
At a time when many coaches are chasing the next big opportunity, Sitake is proving that greatness isn’t about headlines: it’s about consistency, culture, and character.
The Bottom Line
Sitake has transformed BYU from a respected independent program into a Big 12 powerhouse and he’s done it his way. No shortcuts. No excuses. Just results.
As BYU continues its undefeated run and climbs national rankings, the rest of the country is starting to take notice. But for those who have followed Sitake’s journey, this success isn’t surprising, it’s the culmination of years of quiet excellence.
It’s time college football gives Sitake the respect he’s earned. He’s not just one of the most underrated coaches in the game today, he’s one of the very best.
Main Image: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
