Wyoming
There's not a lot of love lost between Wyoming and BYU, even though the former conference foes no longer meet on a regular basis
BYU starting free safety Tanner Wall is a college football junkie.
After the Cougars beat SMU 18-15 on Friday, for instance, Wall spent most of Saturday watching other teams throughout the country play their games.
“This is a special game, really, when you get down to it, for our players, for our program, and for the state. They are not on any future schedule. I don’t know if they ever come back to War Memorial Stadium.”
— Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel on this week’s BYU-Wyoming game
The redshirt junior from Arlington, Virginia, might have grown up on the East Coast, but he is also well-versed in BYU football lore. That’s because he’s been a lifelong fan of the Cougars, and also because his father, Ryan, attended BYU when Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer was in Provo.
Naturally, Ryan Wall has told his son all about a BYU-Wyoming rivalry that once burned hot. Like, really, really hot.
“He has always explained to me kind of the bad blood, and really some of the energy surrounding that rivalry between us and Wyoming,” Tanner Wall said Monday as the Cougars started preparations to meet Wyoming on Saturday (7 p.m. MDT, CBS Sports Network) at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.
“I wouldn’t say I am an expert on the history there, but I do know and understand that going up there, it is kind of a hostile environment,” Tanner Wall said. “It is going to be a huge game for them, and for us. And their fans in War Memorial Stadium, it is going to be an important game for them.”
It will be BYU’s first trip to Laramie since the 2009 season, when both schools were members of the Mountain West Conference. Max Hall completed 20 of 22 passes for 312 yards and four touchdowns in just over two quarters of action in a 52-0 BYU romp. BYU went independent in 2011, and Wyoming athletic director Tom Burman famously said his school had no interest in ever playing the Cougars again — in anything.
The unrest from the Brown and Gold for a program it couldn’t seem to catch since fortunes turned after the 1969 “Black 14″ incident in Laramie had reached a boiling point.
It had cooled considerably by the time 2016 rolled around and the Cougars and Cowboys found themselves squaring off in the final Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego. BYU’s Kai Nacua — Puka Nacua’s oldest brother — intercepted future NFL star Josh Allen in the final minutes to preserve a 24-21 BYU win.
So when BYU and Wyoming announced a home-and-home scheduling agreement on Aug. 28, 2018, the deal was met with a high degree of surprise. BYU beat Wyoming 38-24 two years ago in Provo, the Cougars’ ninth-straight win in the series that dates back to 1922.
Now, it is BYU’s turn to return to Laramie, and the natives are restless, having not defeated BYU since a 13-10 decision in 2003 at War Memorial.
“This is a special game, really, when you get down to it, for our players, for our program, and for the state,” Wyoming coach Jay Sawvel said in a press briefing on Monday. “They are not on any future schedule. I don’t know if they ever come back to War Memorial Stadium.”
That the game is at night should add to the festive, energized atmosphere; Wyoming upset BYU 24-14 in the first night game ever played at War Memorial in 1988, intercepting Detmer — a freshman at the time — four times in the stunning victory. BYU leads the all-time series 46-30-3, but Wyoming is 17-16-3 against BYU in Laramie.
“This will be a big deal to everyone in the state of Wyoming,” said Sawvel, who replaced longtime Wyoming coach Craig Bohl in the offseason. “Not only are you playing an old rival, you are playing a really quality opponent at home, and that makes it a big deal.”
BYU players who spoke to reporters via Zoom on Monday said they are well aware of the disdain Wyoming has for BYU and are expecting a dogfight from the winless Pokes on Saturday.
“I think all us (BYU) players know that this game goes way back. Besides Utah and Utah State, the history of BYU playing Wyoming, it is the third-most played game in BYU history,” said linebacker Harrison Taggart, a Corner Canyon High product. “And we know that Wyoming is a hostile environment. We know what their fans are about, we know what their team is about. We are ready for them to give us their best shot. Yeah, we are excited to go up there.”
BYU tight end Mata’ava Ta’ase has heard all about the once-bitter rivalry from his father-in-law.
“There is a lot of history between BYU and Wyoming,” said Ta’ase, who has caught two touchdown passes this season after catching just one pass all of last season. “Funny enough, my father-in-law grew up right around there. So I have known a little bit of history behind Wyoming (games). It will be fun and we expect to get the best game from the Cowboys.”
Sawvel said it will be a “charged-up game” and he won’t need to worry about the Cowboys being ready to play, even if they are 0-2 and lost 17-13 Saturday to Idaho of the FCS ranks. The first-year head coach said nobody on the high plains has thrown in the towel.
BYU coaches say their guys will be ready to rock as well, and are taking time this week to make sure the Cougars know what they are getting into at 7,200 feet above sea level.
“Very tough place to play. Their fans are outstanding. They get after it up there. They are good fans for their team,” said BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, a former BYU receiver.
BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill said he faced Wyoming in Laramie twice as a player when he played for the Utah Utes, and lost both times.
“It is a tough place to play. The fans are crazy. It looked like they had a phenomenal crowd last week. I love the challenge of going into a hostile environment,” Hill said. “… We are going to get Wyoming’s best shot, because they are a little wounded right now. They have not played great in games. But they have got ability and they are going to be searching for everything they can to put it back together.”
Head coach Kalani Sitake has also played and coached in Laramie, when he was a fullback for the Cougars under legendary coach LaVell Edwards, and an assistant coach at Utah.
“I know they have a passionate fan base. It is actually why college football is so good, is the fans make it real, and I know they love their team,” Sitake said. “They have a lot of pride in their team, and they are looking forward to this game, just like we are.”
A pair of bills signed into law last week aim to build out a more comprehensive system of literacy education across Wyoming’s public schools.
One mandates evidence-based practices and requires regular screenings for dyslexia, while the other enables the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) to hire a dedicated literacy professional to oversee statewide compliance.
Gov. Mark Gordon’s signing of both bills on Friday was the latest accomplishment of an ongoing push for improved literacy standards. That push has been spearheaded by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
“Wyoming is not going to let a single child fall through the cracks,” Degenfelder said during a public bill signing last week. “We are not going to fall behind when it comes to ensuring that our children can read at grade level.”
The primary bill, Senate File 59, establishes a statewide K-12 program for teaching students to read that is built on “evidence based language and literacy instruction, assessment, intervention and professional development that supports educators, engages families and promotes literacy proficiency for all Wyoming students.”
The bill defines evidence-based strategies as those that conform to the science of reading, a term that will be defined and updated by Degenfelder’s office. Nationwide, it generally means putting academic research into practice in classrooms. SF 59 specifically prohibits the exclusive use of “three-cueing” — a strategy once widely employed to teach reading but which education experts now say is outdated and less effective than other strategies.
It also requires annual dyslexia screeners for students below the third grade, and testing for reading difficulties for all students.
The screeners are used to identify the severity of reading difficulties in order to direct “tiered” support that offers the most intensive interventions to the students most in need, while still providing “evidence based” language instruction to all students.
Each school district must formulate an individualized reading plan “for each student identified as having reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes.”
Districts must now report to the state annually regarding their literacy-related work. Any district where 60% or more of the students are struggling will be required to implement “summer literacy camps or extended supports, including after school support and tutoring.”
The bill also requires literacy related professional development for teachers and specialists “appropriate to their role and level of responsibility” related to literacy education.
SF 59 was backed by dyslexia advocates and literacy specialists.
Senate File 14, the other literacy bill signed into law Friday, appropriates $120,000 annually for the next two years for a full-time position at WDE “to assist school districts in implementing a reading assessment and intervention program and language and literacy programs.”
Both bills go into effect July 1.
LARAMIE — The University of Wyoming and the Mountain West Conference announced the Cowboys’ 2026 football schedule Monday, a slate that opens with the Border War and concludes with back-to-back home games in Laramie.
Wyoming opens the season Sept. 5 on the road against Colorado State in the 118th edition of the Border War. The Cowboys then host Northern Colorado on Sept. 12 in the home opener before traveling to Central Michigan on Sept. 19.
The Cowboys begin Mountain West play Sept. 26 at home against Hawaii in a matchup for the Paniolo Trophy. Wyoming then faces back-to-back road games at North Dakota State on Oct. 3 and San Jose State on Oct. 10.
Advertisement – Story continues below…
University of Wyoming sports coverage
in Southwest Wyoming is supported by these great sponsors:
Wyoming returns to War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 17 to host conference newcomer Northern Illinois before facing Air Force at home on Oct. 24. The Cowboys will have an open week on Oct. 31.
The Cowboys open November with road games at UNLV on Nov. 7 and at UTEP on Nov. 14, marking Wyoming’s first meeting with the Miners as members of the Mountain West. Wyoming closes conference play by hosting New Mexico on Nov. 21 and wraps up the regular season with a nonconference game against UConn on Nov. 28 in Laramie.
Each Mountain West team will play four home and four road conference games during the 13-week season, which will conclude with the Mountain West Football Championship Game featuring the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages. The championship game date will be announced later.
With the conference schedule set, Mountain West television partners CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and The CW will begin selecting broadcast games, which could include moving some contests to non-Saturday dates. Network assignments and kickoff times will be announced at a later date.
Season ticket renewals for the 2026 Wyoming football season are now available. Fans can renew their tickets online by visiting gowyo.com/tickets and logging into their account.
The 2026 Wyoming prep girls’ basketball season is nearly done. Two state champions were crowned in Classes 1A and 2A last Saturday. Southeast won the 1A title for the third consecutive season, and Sundance won the 2A title for the first time in eight years. Class 3A and 4A held their regional tournaments, which qualified teams for the state tournament later this week in Casper.
WYOPREPS WEEK 12 GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS 2026
These are the girls’ basketball team records for all games played through March 7, 2026. For all but 16 teams, this is the final record of the season. Those squads will play in the 3A-4A state tournament starting on Thursday in Casper.
1A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Burlington 24-5, 8-0
Riverside 14-10, 6-2
Dubois 11-10, 4-4
St. Stephens 3-16, 1-7
Meeteetse 1-20, 1-7
1A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cokeville 23-4, 10-0
Little Snake River 23-4, 8-2
Farson-Eden 16-12, 5-5
Saratoga 13-11, 5-5
Ft. Washakie 8-13, 2-8
Encampment 3-19, 0-10
1A Northeast: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Upton 16-7, 10-0
Kaycee 13-12, 7-3
Hulett 12-13, 7-3
Arvada-Clearmont 9-12, 4-6
Casper Christian 4-13, 2-8
Midwest 1-16, 0-10
1A Southeast: (Overall Record, followed by Reg. Season Points)
Southeast 24-5, 40 points
Lingle-Ft. Laramie 17-11, 31 points
Lusk 15-13, 26 points
H.E.M. 13-11, 24 points
Rock River 6-14, 12 points
Guernsey-Sunrise 2-18, 4 points
2A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Thermopolis 16-13, 5-1
Greybull 16-15, 4-2
Rocky Mountain 9-17, 2-4
Shoshoni 11-18, 1-5
2A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wyoming Indian 23-7, 6-0
Big Piney 8-16, 4-2
Kemmerer 2-21, 1-5
Wind River 2-23, 1-5
2A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Sundance 23-4, 5-0
Big Horn 21-6, 4-1
Tongue River 18-11, 3-2
Pine Bluffs 17-12, 2-3
Moorcroft 7-18, 1-4
Wright 3-23, 0-5
Read More Girls Basketball News from WyoPreps
WyoPreps 1A-2A Girls State Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps 3A-4A Girls Regional Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Final Basketball Poll 2026
WyoPreps 1A-2A Girls Regional Basketball Scoreboard 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Poll 2-25-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 10 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Poll 2-18-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 9 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-11-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 8 Scores 2026
WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-4-26
WyoPreps Girls Basketball Week 7 Scores 2026
Nominate A Basketball Player for the WyoPreps Athlete of the Week Honor
3A West: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cody 24-0, 10-0
Lander 21-4, 9-1
Pinedale 20-5, 7-3
Powell 16-9, 6-4
Lovell 16-10, 4-6
Worland 9-16, 2-8
Lyman 10-11, 2-8
Mountain View 4-19, 0-10
3A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Wheatland 22-4, 10-0
Buffalo 13-11, 8-2
Douglas 14-11, 6-4
Burns 16-13, 5-5
Torrington 10-11, 5-5
Glenrock 12-13, 3-7
Newcastle 1-22, 1-9
Rawlins 2-21, 0-10
4A Northwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Green River 23-2, 6-0
Natrona County 9-16, 4-2
Kelly Walsh 8-15, 2-4
Rock Springs 5-20, 0-6
4A Southwest: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Star Valley 16-7, 5-1
Evanston 16-10, 5-1
Riverton 7-19, 1-5
Jackson 3-19, 1-5
4A East: (Overall Record, followed by Conference Record)
Cheyenne East 21-3, 11-1
Cheyenne Central 16-9, 10-2
Sheridan 14-10, 7-5
Thunder Basin 14-10, 6-6
Laramie 12-11, 6-6
Campbell County 1-19, 1-10
Cheyenne South 1-21, 0-11
*The second Campbell County-Cheyenne South girls’ game was canceled.
Wyoming 3A Boys Swimming & Diving State Championships 2026
Photos from the 3A Boys State Swim Meet
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Marcello Monterastelli Photography & Jared Newland, WHSAA
South-Carolina9 seconds ago
Source: Lamont Paris returning to South Carolina next season
South Dakota6 minutes ago
Trading property tax for sales tax: Legislature moves forward with parts of homeowner relief package
Tennessee12 minutes ago
In final address, Gov. Bill Lee credits TN economic, innovation gains
Texas18 minutes ago
Most applicants for Texas school choice vouchers already attend private schools, state data shows
Utah24 minutes ago
‘They’re trying to change the rules’: Republicans ramp up fight to stop new maps in Utah
Florida1 year ago
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Oregon2 years ago
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Connecticut2 years ago
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
Virginia2 years ago
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana2 years ago
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
News2 hours ago
Map: 2.3-Magnitude Earthquake Reported North of New York City
Politics3 hours ago
Trump stirs GOP primary drama with visit to Massie’s Kentucky home turf
World4 hours ago
Israeli air strike targets building in south Lebanon
News5 hours ago
Ed Martin, outspoken Justice Department lawyer, is formally accused of ethical violations | CNN Politics
Politics15 hours ago
Trump reveals top issues GOP should focus on to secure midterms victory: ‘I’ve never been more confident’
-
Wisconsin1 week agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Maryland1 week agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Pennsylvania5 days agoPa. man found guilty of raping teen girl who he took to Mexico
-
Florida1 week agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Sports6 days agoKeith Olbermann under fire for calling Lou Holtz a ‘scumbag’ after legendary coach’s death
-
Virginia6 days agoGiants will hold 2026 training camp in West Virginia
-
Politics1 week agoMamdani’s response to Trump’s Iran strike sparks conservative backlash: ‘Rooting for the ayatollah’