History of BYU Cougars football in Timeline

BYU Cougars football represents Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, since 1922. They've secured 23 conference titles and a national championship in 1984. The team is a significant part of BYU's athletic identity.

1900: Football banned from all LDS Church schools

In 1900, football was banned from all LDS Church schools as a result of an accidental football-related death in Utah, leading to a temporary halt in the sport's presence in these institutions.

1903: Brigham Young Academy converted into a university

In 1903, Brigham Young Academy (the precursor to BYU) was converted into a university, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's history.

1919: Football brought back to BYU

In 1919, after a 20-year ban, football was brought back to BYU on an intramural basis, setting the stage for a resurgence of the sport at the university.

1919: Football ban lifted from LDS Church schools

In 1919, after a hiatus, football was brought back to BYU on an intramural basis, signaling the return of the sport to the university.

1920: Intercollegiate games resumed

In 1920, intercollegiate games were resumed under coach Alvin Twitchell, marking the return of competitive football to BYU after a period of absence.

1921: BYU admitted to the Rocky Mountain Conference

In 1921, BYU was admitted to the Rocky Mountain Conference, signifying a step forward in the university's athletic affiliations and competitive opportunities.

1922: Cougars began collegiate football competition

In 1922, the BYU Cougars football team started their collegiate football journey, marking the beginning of the program's competitive history.

1928: New era in Cougar football

In 1928, Romney and his successor Eddie Kimball ushered in a new era in Cougar football in which the team went 65–51–12 between 1928 and 1942.

1929: First winning year

In 1929, BYU had its first winning year under coach G. Ott Romney, who BYU recruited from Montana State University the year before.

1932: Cougars posted an 8–1 record

In 1932, the Cougars posted an 8–1 record and outscored their opponents 188–50, which remains one of the school's finest seasons on record.

1942: New era in Cougar football

In 1942, Romney and his successor Eddie Kimball ushered in a new era in Cougar football in which the team went 65–51–12 between 1928 and 1942.

1943: University did not field a team

In 1943, the university did not field a team due to World War II, disrupting the continuity of the football program during this period.

1945: University did not field a team

In 1945, the university did not field a team due to World War II, disrupting the continuity of the football program during this period.

1949: Only winless season

In 1949, BYU football suffered its only winless season, going 0–11, marking a low point in the program's history.

1957: Back-to-back winning seasons

In 1957, BYU achieved back-to-back winning seasons, indicating a positive turn for the football program under the leadership of Hal Kopp.

1958: Back-to-back winning seasons

In 1958, BYU achieved back-to-back winning seasons, indicating a positive turn for the football program under the leadership of Hal Kopp.

1961: Eldon "The Phantom" Fortie became the school's first All-American

In 1961, Eldon "The Phantom" Fortie achieved recognition as the school's first All-American, marking a significant milestone for BYU's football program.

1962: BYU moved to the Western Athletic Conference

In 1962, BYU transitioned to the Western Athletic Conference, marking a change in the university's athletic affiliations and competitive landscape.

1964: Cougar Stadium was built

In 1964, Cougar Stadium was built with a capacity of 30,000, providing a new home venue for BYU football games and events.

1965: First conference championship

In 1965, head coach Tommy Hudspeth led the Cougars to their first conference championship with a record of 6–4, marking a significant achievement for the program.

1972: LaVell Edwards promoted to head coach

In 1972, assistant coach LaVell Edwards was promoted to head coach, succeeding Hudspeth and beginning a new era for BYU football.

1974: Conference championship every year except one

From 1974 to 1985, the Cougars won the conference championship every year except one, marking a period of dominance for BYU football under LaVell Edwards.

1979: LaVell Edwards received the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award

In 1979, LaVell Edwards received the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

1980: Won the "Miracle Bowl"

In 1980, BYU won its first post-season game in the Holiday Bowl, known as the "Miracle Bowl," after trailing SMU 45–25 with four minutes left.

1981: Won the bowl game

In 1981, BYU won its bowl game, contributing to a string of successful post-season performances for the football program.

1983: Cougars won 11 consecutive games

In 1983, BYU concluded the season with 11 consecutive wins, setting the stage for their championship run in 1984.

1983: Won the bowl game

In 1983, BYU won its bowl game, adding to the program's reputation for success in post-season competitions.

1984: Awarded a consensus National Championship

In 1984, BYU was awarded a consensus National Championship.

1984: BYU recognized as college football national champions

In 1984, BYU was recognized as college football national champions, marking the pinnacle of the program's success, with an undefeated season and a victory in the Holiday Bowl against Michigan.

1984: Won the national championship

In 1984, BYU won the national championship, solidifying their status as a top-tier college football program under the leadership of LaVell Edwards.

1984: LaVell Edwards received the AFCA (Kodak) Coach of the Year Award

In 1984, LaVell Edwards received the AFCA (Kodak) Coach of the Year Award.

1984: LaVell Edwards won national championship

In 1984, head coach LaVell Edwards won one national championship while coaching at BYU.

1984: BYU's national championship 25-year anniversary

In 2009, BYU used a throwback jersey paying tribute to the 25-year anniversary of the 1984 national championship.

1985: Conference championship every year except one

From 1974 to 1985, the Cougars won the conference championship every year except one, marking a period of dominance for BYU football under LaVell Edwards.

1985: Robbie Bosco finished third in the Heisman balloting

In 1985, quarterback Robbie Bosco achieved recognition by finishing third in the Heisman Trophy balloting, showcasing his talent and contribution to the BYU football program.

1986: Jason Buck became the first BYU player ever to win the Outland Trophy

In 1986, defensive lineman Jason Buck made history as the first BYU player to win the Outland Trophy, a prestigious award recognizing the nation's best interior lineman.

1989: Mo Elewonibi won the Outland Trophy

In 1989, offensive lineman Mo Elewonibi won the Outland Trophy, marking another significant achievement for BYU's football program and its players.

1990: First victory over a top-ranked team

In 1990, the Cougars achieved their first victory over a top-ranked team by defeating the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes early in the season, signaling a significant milestone for the program.

1996: Won first ever WAC Championship Game

In 1996, BYU won the first-ever WAC Championship Game in Las Vegas and earned a bid to play in the Cotton Bowl against Kansas State of the newly formed Big 12 Conference.

1999: BYU school colors were royal blue and white

From the 1970s to 1999, BYU school colors were royal blue and white, with the football team wearing royal blue jerseys and white pants at home and white jerseys and royal blue pants on the road.

1999: BYU left the WAC

In 1999, BYU left the WAC along with seven other teams to form the Mountain West Conference, marking a shift in the university's athletic affiliations.

1999: School colors switched and football helmets changed

In 1999, Coach Edwards' penultimate year, the school colors switched to dark blue, white, and tan, and the football helmets switched from white to dark blue. The block 'Y' remained on the sides of the helmet but received a new, more modern treatment. The home uniforms consisted of dark blue jerseys with white "bib" and dark blue pants, and the away uniforms consisted of white jerseys with white pants.

1999: Navy blue helmets combination

In March 2021, the navy blue helmets are reminiscent of the combinations used from 1999-2004

2000: White bib on the front of the blue home jersey removed

In 2000, the NCAA required the BYU team to remove the white bib on the front of the blue home jersey because NCAA rules require that a team's jersey have a single dominant color. The home jersey was then modified with blue replacing the white on the bib area.

2000: Edwards announced final year as head coach

Just prior to the 2000 season, Edwards announced that it would be his final year as the program's head coach, and Cougar Stadium was renamed "LaVell Edwards Stadium".

2001: Gary Crowton's first season

In 2001, Gary Crowton's first season as head coach was successful, with a 12–2 record and running back Luke Staley earning the Doak Walker Award.

2001: Navy blue helmets combination

In March 2021, the navy blue helmets especially recognized the highly successful 2001 team that featured players such as Luke Staley and Brandon Doman.

2003: LaVell Edwards received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award

In 2003, LaVell Edwards received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award for career achievement.

December 1, 2004: Crowton forced to resign

On December 1, 2004, Gary Crowton was forced to resign as head coach due to losing records and negative publicity.

2004: New uniform style introduced

In 2004, a new uniform style incorporating New York Jets-style shoulder stripes was introduced (the helmets remained the same). The new uniforms were worn in a mix-and-match strategy.

2004: Navy blue helmets combination

In March 2021, the navy blue helmets are reminiscent of the combinations used from 1999-2004

2005: Traditional design with white helmet and former logo re-introduced

For the 2005 season, the traditional design with the white helmet and former logo was re-introduced. The uniforms were also changed to be similar to the 1980s uniforms, the darker blue remained instead of the former royal blue, but all tan highlights were eliminated. This change was done at the insistence of new head coach Bronco Mendenhall, with LaVell Edwards' help, BYU was able to take the field in new, traditional uniforms.

2006: Top 25 finish

In 2006, Mendenhall led BYU to a bowl game and a Top 25 finish, marking a successful season for the program.

2007: Top 25 finish

In 2007, Mendenhall led BYU to a bowl game and a Top 25 finish, marking a successful season for the program.

2007: Small traditional 'Y' logo added to the bottom of the collar

In the 2007 season, a small traditional 'Y' logo was added to the bottom of the collar of the BYU Cougars uniform.

2008: 146 BYU Cougars football players have gone on to play professional football

As of 2008, 146 BYU Cougars football players have gone on to play professional football. Team alumni have competed in 48 NFL Super Bowls, including Super Bowl MVP Steve Young and two-time Super Bowl winner Jim McMahon. One former Cougar has won multiple Super Bowls as a coach, Andy Reid who won Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and Super Bowl LVIII as a head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl XXXI as an assistant with the Green Bay Packers.

2008: Top 25 finish

In 2008, Mendenhall led BYU to a bowl game and a Top 25 finish, marking a successful season for the program.

2009: BYU used a throwback jersey paying tribute to the 25-year anniversary of the 1984 national championship

In 2009, BYU used a throwback jersey paying tribute to the 25-year anniversary of the 1984 national championship. They were the same design as the contemporary jerseys, but used royal blue instead of navy blue. They were introduced against rival University of Utah and again in the Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State.

2009: Top 25 finish

In 2009, Mendenhall led BYU to a bowl game and a Top 25 finish, marking a successful season for the program.

September 1, 2010: BYU announced it would begin competition as a football independent

On September 1, 2010, BYU announced it would begin competition as a football independent starting in the 2011 season, due to frustration with the lack of TV coverage in the Mountain West Conference.

February 2011: Ben Cahoon joined the coaching staff

In February 2011, CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award-winner Ben Cahoon joined the coaching staff as the wide receivers coach, enhancing the team's coaching expertise.

July 1, 2011: Competed as an FBS Independent

On July 1, 2011, BYU competed as an FBS Independent, shifting away from conference affiliations for their football program.

2011: BYU changed quarterbacks mid-season

In 2011, BYU changed quarterbacks mid-season from sophomore Jake Heaps to junior Riley Nelson, marking a strategic shift in the team's offensive leadership.

2011: Competition as a football independent

Starting in the 2011 season, BYU began competition as a football independent, primarily due to frustrations with TV coverage in the Mountain West Conference.

October 13, 2012: BYU debuted a "blackout" jersey

On October 13, 2012, BYU debuted a "blackout" jersey for a home game against Oregon State with royal blue accents and black facemasks. The endzones were also painted black for the occasion.

2012: Three different quarterbacks utilized

In 2012, BYU utilized three different quarterbacks at different points in the season, showcasing versatility and adaptability in their offensive strategy.

2013: Cougars competed against four pre-season-ranked teams

For the 2013 BYU football season, the Cougars were slated to compete against four pre-season-ranked teams, presenting a challenging schedule for the team.

2013: BYU introduced an all-royal combination

In 2013, BYU introduced an all-royal combination (with the exception of the helmets, which remained its traditional white) against Utah.

January 2015: Games against BYU would not count toward the "Power 5" requirement

In January 2015, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced that games against BYU would not count toward the "Power 5" requirement.

July 2015: Big Ten announced that games against BYU would count toward the conference's "Power 5" scheduling requirement

In July 2015, the Big Ten announced that games against BYU would count toward the conference's "Power 5" scheduling requirement that takes effect in 2016.

December 4, 2015: Mendenhall accepted the head coach position with Virginia

On December 4, 2015, Mendenhall accepted the head coach position with Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), concluding his tenure at BYU with 99 wins in 11 seasons.

2015: Renditions of the "throwback" royal blue uniforms appeared

In 2015, renditions of the "throwback" royal blue uniforms appeared, once in the team's Homecoming game against East Carolina, and again against Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl.

2015: Kalani Sitake hired as head coach

With the hiring of Kalani Sitake as head coach at the end of 2015, BYU has seen the gradual return of wearing royal blue combinations.

2016: Big Ten Conference's "Power 5" scheduling requirement takes effect

In 2016, the Big Ten Conference's "Power 5" scheduling requirement took effect, with games against BYU counting toward the requirement.

2017: Royal blue combinations worn more regularly

From 2017 onward, the royal blue combinations have been worn more regularly.

2017: ACC members had to play at least one non-conference game each season against a "Power 5" team

In 2017 forward all members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) had to play at least one non-conference game each season against a "Power 5" team.

2018: BYU's annual revenue placed it 55th in total revenue

In 2018, BYU's estimated $67 million in annual revenue placed it 55th in total revenue, comparable to the lower half of the Pac-12 and more than any Group of Five school.

2018: All-royal combination against Western Michigan

In 2018, the all-royal combination reappeared in the Potato Bowl against Western Michigan.

2019: ESPN extended deal through the season

In 2019, ESPN exercised an option to extend its contract with BYU through the 2019 season, indicating satisfaction with the partnership and its financial aspects.

2019: New combinations introduced

In 2019, several new combinations were introduced, including an all-white combination with royal accents, and a variation on the "away" combination with some styling changes to pay tribute to the uniforms of the 1960s. This last alternate uniform was accompanied by a throwback midfield logo and an endzone paint scheme that matched the field design used by BYU in the 1960s. A more modern design of the retro combination appeared in a game at the end of the season at San Diego State.

2020: SEC teams had a total of five games scheduled with BYU

From 2015 to 2020, three SEC teams had a total of five games scheduled with BYU.

2020: Team reintroduced a gray facemask

In 2020, the BYU Cougars team reintroduced a gray facemask that paid tribute to former Cougar and Houston Oilers quarterback Gifford Nielsen for their game at the University of Houston. The team wore the gray facemasks several times that season, which was highlighted by the most frequent usage of the royal blue in decades.

March 2021: New helmets added to collection

In March 2021, the BYU Cougars football program added two new helmets to their collection, with royal blue helmets paying tribute to the teams of the 1970s and navy blue helmets reminiscent of the combinations used from 1999-2004; the navy helmet especially recognized the highly successful 2001 team that featured players such as Luke Staley and Brandon Doman.

September 10, 2021: Big 12 accepted BYU's application

On September 10, 2021, the Big 12 Conference unanimously accepted BYU's application to join the conference, setting the stage for a new chapter in BYU football.

June 30, 2022: Competed as an FBS Independent

On June 30, 2022, BYU concluded its time as an FBS Independent, marking the end of an era before joining a conference.

2022: BYU leads the series with Utah State

Through the 2022 season, BYU leads the series with Utah State 51–37–3.

July 1, 2023: BYU officially joined the Big 12

On July 1, 2023, BYU officially became a member of the Big 12 Conference, marking a significant transition for the university's athletic program.

November 1, 2023: Big 12 opponents revealed

On November 1, 2023, BYU's Big 12 opponents from 2024 through 2027 were revealed, with their rivalry game against Utah being a protected annual game.

2023: Struggled in first Big 12 season

In 2023, BYU struggled during its first season of Big 12 play, finishing with a 5-7 overall record and a 2-7 conference record.

2023: BYU began competing in the Big 12 Conference

In the 2023 season, BYU began competing in the Big 12 Conference, marking a significant transition for the university's athletic program.

2024: Official record against current Big 12 opponents

As of the completion of the 2024 regular season and bowl games, this entry refers to the official record (including any NCAA imposed vacates and forfeits) against all current Big 12 opponents.

2024: Improved significantly in the second Big 12 season

In 2024, BYU improved significantly in their second season of Big 12 play, finishing in a four-way tie for first in the conference with an 11-2 overall record (7-2 in conference). They ended the season with a 36-14 win over a ranked Colorado team in the Alamo Bowl, and finished ranked 14th in the Coaches' poll and 13th in the AP poll.