Looks like programs in the 2025 season are in beast mode. First, Virginia Tech parted ways with Brent Pry after a 0-3 start, and now even UCLA has made the same move. Yeah, that’s right. UCLA fired their HC, DeShaun Foster, after losing three straight games this season. What’s the worst part? He was just there for 1.5 years. But as we say, the show must go on, and that’s exactly why ESPN has already started predicting possible coaches that might come along, and Kalani Sitake is their top choice among 5 early candidates. Looks like teams are behind wins, and knowing Sitake’s success in Provo, he’s a perfect fit. But what is Sitake’s wish?

Kalani Sitake’s 74-43 record and producing three double-digit win seasons in the last five years, including an 11-2 mark last year, show why his name is popping up in this list. And that’s exactly why BYU even extended his contract in late 2024. Best part? On top of that, they are 2-0 in this season, so parting ways with his team isn’t something Sitake would want right now. And he made it pretty clear: “These guys need me to be focused on East Carolina more than anything else. I’ve told them to avoid any distractions that come along the way.”

So, change is not something Kalani Sitake is looking at. And making sure that he and his team avoid all kinds of distractions before going up against North Carolina (2-1).“Distractions come in a lot of different forms, so we’re going to avoid distractions—stay humble, keep working hard, and try to do our best when we show up this weekend against East Carolina. Other than that, just try to keep focus on the young men. We have amazing young men and an amazing culture in the program, and I just want to make sure that we stay focused on that,” said Sitake.

But let’s not forget, despite UCLA’s Big Ten status, they are facing major financial struggles; that’s really not something Sitake would be interested in. As Foster used to earn $3.25 million annually, and reports state Sitake’s deal is way more than that, even when the numbers are not known. Then comes in the worst part: the LA Times reported that UCLA also had a $50 million athletic deficit last year, which was partially covered by a $30 million subsidy. So, getting into a program like that isn’t something Sitake would be interested in.

Now, along with Sitake, Baylor’s HC Dave Aranda‘s name is also on the list. And to be honest, Aranda’s name makes sense as he grew up as a UCLA fan. He also used to take his wife to watch their games. Even Oregon DC Tosh Lupoi is in the mix, who has been one of the top recruiters in the country for a long time and has done an excellent job for Oregon’s defense. Sure, Sitake’s not interested rn, but the list of candidates is pretty long.

Above all, he’s focused on the team’s situation before going up against UNC.

Kalani Sitake gives out a major injury update

After coming off a remarkable win against Stanford, Kalani Sitake’s BYU is high on spirit, but they might not be high on healthy players. As he announced that JoJo Phillips is still out due to upper-body surgery, but expects the receiver to return later this season.

“He’s not [out] for the season,” Sitake said. “In the medical profession, they’re really conservative on [when] they’re going to allow you to come back. What we’re told is that he could come back before the year ends and play a significant amount of time.” With Phillips out, redshirt freshman Cody Hagen is ready to step into the WR3 role, while Tiger Bachmeier, Tei Nacua, and Reggie Frischknecht could also see more playing time.

Coach Sitake also discussed the situation with senior linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother, who was out against Stanford and isn’t listed on the ECU depth chart. While Sitake didn’t get much into the details of his future, he did speak highly of him. “I just want to express my love and appreciation for him and what he’s done for our program,” Sitake said. “So that’s pretty much what it comes down to.” Apart from that, even Oklahoma State transfer Justin Kirkland might play his first game for BYU at defensive tackle after practicing in full pads last week. So that’s an even better sign for them.

Now, BYU’s offensive line could get a lift, too, with projected starting left guard Weylin Lapuaho back in practice after sitting out the first two games due to an undisclosed injury. With several key players nearing a return, BYU hopes to solidify its lineup while Phillips recovers and Bryant-Strother’s status remains uncertain. So, let’s wait and see how that turns out for them!