Kalani Sitake Leads BYU to Top 10 Ranking
By James Moreau | 01 Nov, 2025

In his tenth season, the Tongan-born coach has guided BYU to an 8-0 record, a top-10 ranking, and a legitimate shot at the College Football Playoff.

In his tenth season as head football coach for Brigham Young Kalani Sitake has led the Cougars to an 8-0 record, positioning them as one of only six undefeated teams remaining in the country.  The impressive start has propelled BYU to a number 10 ranking in national polls, cementing their status as a legitimate Big 12 and potential College Football Playoff contender.

Their most significant win came in the 24-21 “Holy War” victory over ranked archrival Utah.  This marked their third consecutive victory over the Utes – a streak not accomplished since the early 90s.  The electric win followed    an improbable double-overtime win at Arizona. Facing a two-possession deficit in the fourth quarter the Cougars were only given a 4.4% chance to win the game by ESPN Analytics.  They closed out the game by rallying behind freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a physical defensive performance.

In 2016 Sitake became the first FBS head football coach of Tongan descent after taking the job with his alma mater.  Since then he’s accomplished an overall record 80–43 with 5 bowl wins.  At 50 Sitake is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.  The Cougars’ 2026 recruiting class is the 2nd highest in the Big 12 with 5-star quarterback Ryder Lyons.  Before accepting the job at BYU Sitake built his resume as a brilliant defensive coordinator at Oregon State in 2015 and for a decade at Utah.

Kalani Sitake was born in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.  His family emigrated to Laie, Hawaii before moving to Provo, Utah, and eventually to Kirkwood, Missouri where Sitake would graduate high school.  He played fullback for the Cougars under legendary coach LaVell Edwards between 1994 and 2000 which includes a two-year mission with the LDS Church.   Sitake went on to graduate with a bachelor’s in English.