College Sports Established
1922
Location
Provo, Utah
College Name
Brigham Young University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1922 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2023 - Future / Big 12 Conference
2011 - Present / West Coast Conference
1999 - 2010 / Mountain West Conference
1962 - 1998 / Western Athletic Conference
1938 - 1961 / Skyline Conference
1922 - 1937 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Nickname
Cougars - Are you a fan of BYU Cougars? Have you ever wondered where the nickname came from and what it means? The origins of the BYU Cougars are rooted in history, but they have become an iconic symbol for fans worldwide.
The name "Cougar" was first used to describe Brigham Young University's teams in 1922 when athletic director George E. Cobabe wanted to create a nickname representing strength and courage. He chose cougar because it embodied those qualities perfectly; he liked how it sounded! 1924 Cobabe adopted "Cougars" as BYU's official mascot and team name.
Since then, there has been some debate about whether this accurately represents cougars since they typically live in mountainous regions, whereas Provo (where Brigham Young University is located) isn't exactly known for its mountains! Many still associate this animal with strength and power - characteristics that fit perfectly into any sports team’s identity. Moreover, over time “BYU Cougarnation” has become synonymous with loyalty to their school, making them even more beloved by students & alumni alike!
In addition to being associated with strength & courage on-the-field performance-wise, off-the-field too – BYUs mascot also serves as a reminder of respectability within college athletics programs across NCAA divisions I through III (as well as nondivisional members). This includes following rules regarding eligibility requirements, such as academic standards set forth by governing bodies like National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Thus making sure all student-athletes who compete under their banner maintain high levels of integrity both academically & athletically throughout their collegiate career at BYU – something all true fans should be proud of supporting!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1920
- 1953
- 1984
- 2005
- 2006
- 2019
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Cougar Team Naming
All teams are named the “Cougars”, a name that was first introduced by Eugene L. Roberts in the 1920s, initially only applied to the football team. -
First BYU Mascot Creation
The athletics mascot, Cosmo the Cougar, was created by Dwayne Stevenson, and made his first appearance before BYU fans on October 15, 1953. Cosmo is the official mascot of Brigham Young University’s (BYU) athletic teams. He can be seen at almost all sporting events, wearing the uniform of the team that is playing. In the past, Cosmo’s job was a volunteer ... -
Consensus National Champion
In 1984, the undefeated Cougars Football team were voted the consensus national champion. BYU is known as a “quarterback factory” for producing several successful quarterbacks, including 1990 Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer. Alumni who have played in the NFL include Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Gifford Nielsen, Bart Oates, Chad Lewis, Vai Sikahema, Todd Christensen, John Beck, and Zach Wilson. -
BYU Cougars men’s basketball Coach
Dave Rose was named the head basketball coach at BYU in 2005, replacing Steve Cleveland and began the first of eleven straight 20-win seasons in 2005-06. Rose inherited a 9-21 team and immediately posted a 20-9 record, the second best turnaround in college basketball in 2005-06 -
Ranked in top 25 NCAA programs
The BYU men’s basketball team is ranked among top 25 NCAA programs for all-time total victories. As of 2006, BYU had 82 winning seasons, 26 conference titles, 21 NCAA tournament invites, 10 NIT invites, and 2 NIT titles (1951 and 1966). In the 2006–07 season, the Cougars became nationally ranked for the first time since 1994 and won the Mountain ... -
BYU Cougars baseball Coach
The team’s current head coach is Mark Pope, who was hired in 2019 while he was the head coach at Utah Valley University. Mark Edward Pope (born September 11, 1972) is an American basketball coach and former player who is the nineteenth and current head coach of Brigham Young University’s (BYU) men’s basketball team. He played college basketball for the ...
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History of the Cougars
The most extraordinary moment in BYU history was December 21st, 1984 when their football team won the national championship against Michigan at Holiday Bowl Stadium in San Diego. Led by quarterback Robbie Bosco and wide receiver Mark Bellini, this victory marked a significant milestone for Brigham Young University and all of college football, as it was just the fourth time a school from outside one of the significant conferences had won a title game since 1936.
Since then, BYU has continued its success with multiple conference titles across various sports, including basketball, where Jimmer Fredette led them to three consecutive MWC tournament championships between 2008-2010; baseball, where they earned six WCC regular season titles between 1999-2015; volleyball which saw them win two WCC Tournament Championships during that same period; soccer which included four straight MWC regular season crowns from 2011-2014 plus many other accolades along the way.
In addition to these accomplishments on the field/court/mat etc., what makes being part of Cougar Nation so special is how much spirit students bring each day, whether it be through tailgating before games or cheering loudly during match-ups regardless of a home or away – something truly unique about this program compared others around country! So next time you’re looking for team support for your favorite sport, consider rooting those amazing athletes out in Provo - Go Cougs!!
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