BREAKING NEWS: Former BYU football head coach now with Utah state university sent a message to BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake concerning……

In an unexpected and intriguing development sure to send shockwaves across the Wasatch Front and college football fans nationwide, former BYU football head coach Bronco Mendenhall — now newly appointed as the head coach at in-state rival Utah State University — has sent a public and highly scrutinized message to BYU’s current head coach, Kalani Sitake.

While the exact content of the full message remains partly private, sources close to both programs have confirmed that Mendenhall’s message was not only heartfelt and competitive but also carried significant implications for the future of the BYU-Utah State rivalry, recruiting wars, and the ever-evolving landscape of college football in the state of Utah.

A Reunion Years in the Making

Bronco Mendenhall, who famously coached the Cougars from 2005 to 2015 and led them to consistent success including multiple bowl wins, returned to the Utah college football scene in an unexpected twist earlier this year when he accepted the head coaching position at Utah State. The Aggies had been searching for a major leadership shift after two consecutive losing seasons, and Mendenhall’s name surfaced amid rumors of a potential return to coaching after stepping away from his role at Virginia in 2021.

Mendenhall, who had long been associated with building disciplined and principled programs, cited “unfinished business” and a desire to “bring balance back to the state’s football power dynamics” in his introductory press conference in Logan.

This decision already raised eyebrows, but what has drawn even more attention was a carefully worded and widely interpreted message sent to Kalani Sitake late last week — a message that was partially leaked through team insiders and social media.

The Message: Competition, Respect, and a Hint of Challenge

According to sources, Mendenhall’s message to Sitake, who served under him as a defensive assistant for several years at BYU, was respectful but laced with competitive undertones.

“Kalani, my respect for you as a coach and a leader of men has never wavered,” the message reportedly reads. “But it’s time we bring the Old Wagon Wheel back to center stage. Utah State will be ready, and I look forward to standing across the sideline from you — not as mentor and mentee, but as equals.”

The “Old Wagon Wheel” is the traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the annual BYU–Utah State football rivalry game, which had been a staple for decades until BYU’s move to the Big 12 disrupted the yearly schedule. With the two schools scheduling a renewal of the rivalry for 2026, Mendenhall’s message appears to be a shot across the bow.

Kalani Sitake, who took the BYU reins in 2016 and has helped guide the Cougars through a successful transition into the Power Five landscape, offered a brief but telling response during media availability after Tuesday’s summer workout.

“Coach Mendenhall is someone I’ve always respected. If he wants to compete — let’s compete. BYU will be ready,” Sitake said, smiling.

A Brewing Rivalry Rekindled

For fans of college football in Utah, this developing narrative is pure drama. Though the BYU-Utah rivalry has long held the spotlight — dubbed the “Holy War” — the matchup with Utah State has historical weight and passionate roots, especially in northern Utah. Now, with a coaching icon like Mendenhall back in the mix, that rivalry could see a renaissance.

“Bronco returning to coach in Logan is not just about winning games,” said KSL Radio analyst and former BYU player Hans Olsen. “It’s about restoring pride to that program and reigniting some rivalries that may have cooled. The message to Kalani? That’s calculated. He’s setting the tone.”

Recruiting and In-State Tensions

While the rivalry game itself is at least a year away, the impact of Mendenhall’s message may be felt sooner — particularly in recruiting. Utah State has traditionally been the third choice for in-state recruits behind Utah and BYU, but Mendenhall’s credibility and track record of developing players could shift the narrative, especially in Cache Valley and the northern corridor.

“BYU better pay attention,” said Rivals recruiting expert Max Green. “If Bronco builds momentum quickly, kids who grew up idolizing him at BYU may now want to play against BYU. That’s a dangerous prospect if you’re Kalani and you want to maintain dominance in the region.”

BYU’s move to the Big 12 had given it a major recruiting edge, but Mendenhall’s return evens the playing field in some key ways. The Aggies’ program now boasts one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the Mountain West, and with Utah moving to the Big 12 as well, the entire ecosystem of Utah football is shifting.

A Mentor-Turned-Rival Narrative

The personal relationship between Mendenhall and Sitake makes the entire situation even more compelling. Sitake often credited Mendenhall with helping shape his philosophy and discipline as a coach. In many ways, Sitake’s approach to program-building mirrors Mendenhall’s focus on accountability, faith, and leadership.

Yet, that mentorship has now evolved into a potential chess match — with Sitake leading a program Mendenhall once called home, and Mendenhall leading a program eager to re-establish itself as a contender.

“This is a story about legacy,” said sportswriter Janice Atwood. “Kalani is protecting what Bronco helped build, and Bronco is trying to build something new while indirectly challenging what came after him. It’s Shakespearean, if you think about it.”

What’s Next?

While the college football season is still weeks away, the energy surrounding both programs has already begun to rise. Utah State opens their season with a non-conference game against Boise State, while BYU kicks off with an early Big 12 showdown against Cincinnati.

Though the two teams won’t meet in 2025, they are slated to face each other in Logan in September 2026 — the first matchup since BYU’s departure to the Big 12. That game is already being circled as one of the most anticipated in-state matchups in recent memory.

Until then, fans will watch closely as Mendenhall and Sitake continue to build their respective programs. And if Mendenhall’s message is any indication, this is not just about football — it’s about proving something deeper.