The hype was real — and AJ Dybantsa delivered. In BYU’s season-opening win over Villanova, the freshman phenom dropped 21 points, grabbed six rebounds, and showed exactly why he’s being called one of the most NBA-ready players college basketball has seen in years. But this wasn’t a one-man show. Keba Keita dominated the paint, Rob Wright kept the offense humming, and Richie Saunders made winning plays all over the floor as the Cougars closed out a gritty 71–66 victory in Las Vegas.

In this episode, we break down Dybantsa’s debut, the key sequences that defined the game, and what BYU’s balanced attack says about their ceiling this season. From paint control to perimeter poise, the Cougars look deeper, tougher, and more connected than ever — and it’s only Game One.

If you love smart, detailed Utah sports talk, follow Beehive Sports Report on X, TikTok, and Instagram, all linked in our bio. Ratings and reviews help more Cougar fans find the show. We really appreciate all the support!

The Utah Mammoth aren’t just the NHL’s newest story — they’re becoming one of its best. After a scorching start to the season that’s turned heads across the league, the Mammoth look less like an expansion curiosity and more like a bona fide Stanley Cup contender. In this episode, we break down exactly why: from Logan Cooley’s breakout goal-scoring tear and Nick Schmaltz’s veteran consistency, to the coaching precision of André Tourigny and the stellar goalie tandem of Vítěk Vaněček and Karel Vejmelka.

Utah’s blend of youth, depth, and discipline is turning the Delta Center into one of the toughest rinks in hockey. We’ll revisit the Mammoth’s biggest wins — including statement games against Colorado and Boston — and explore how GM Bill Armstrong and Smith Entertainment Group have quietly built one of the most balanced rosters in the Western Conference. This isn’t just a hot start; it’s the blueprint of a franchise arriving ahead of schedule.

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram and please leave a rating and review — it’s the best way to help more fans discover Utah’s newest powerhouse. We appreciate all the support!

Utah isn’t supposed to compete with L.A. or Texas — but it keeps doing it anyway. From the Jazz’s decades of success in one of the NBA’s smallest markets, to the Utes storming into the Big 12 as perennial contenders, to BYU’s never-ending streak of shocking the college football elite, the Beehive State has built a sports culture that flat-out defies logic. In this episode, we unpack why Utah keeps overachieving — tracing the underdog DNA that runs through every locker room and front office in the state.

We’ll explore how small-market economics force Utah teams to build smarter, how community and culture have become competitive advantages, and how leaders like Ryan and Ashley Smith are turning that mindset into a full-blown sports empire. From the Jazz and Utes to the Cougars and Mammoth, this is the story of a state that doesn’t just play catch-up — it sets the pace. Because in Utah, the odds have never mattered.

Follow Beehive Sports Report on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more Utah sports stories, postgame reactions, and fan debates — and don’t forget, ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow. We appreciate all the support!

Before Utah dreamed of NHL teams, MLB expansion, or downtown sports districts, it hosted the world. The 2002 Winter Olympics didn’t just redefine Salt Lake City — they redefined what Utah believed it could be. In this episode, we trace the state’s transformation from a small-market host plagued by scandal to one of the most successful Olympic cities in modern history. From the bribery fallout and Mitt Romney’s rescue mission to the unforgettable moments — Sarah Hughes’ gold, Jim Shea’s emotional win, and Vonetta Flowers’ groundbreaking victory — this was the Games that rebuilt Utah’s global reputation.

We’ll revisit how the venues built for 2002 became the backbone of Utah’s sports identity — the Utah Olympic Oval, Park City’s training centers, Rice-Eccles Stadium, and even the modern-day Delta Center. The Games left more than medals; they left a blueprint for how Utah would host, grow, and dream big. And now, with the 2034 Olympics returning, that legacy is coming full circle — proving that Utah’s flame never burned out, it just moved forward. 

If you love deep-dive Utah storytelling, follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for behind-the-scenes Utah sports coverage — and don’t forget, ratings and reviews are the best way to help Beehive Sports Report grow.

We have a very special guest on the show today - Kyle Shurtz of Avalaunch Media! Kyle has an incredible perspective on Utah sports for a few reasons: he was born and raised in Utah, has decades of marketing experience, and loves sports. 

On the show, we discuss Kyle's perspective on Smith Entertainment Group's strategy with the Mammoth, the progress we've seen with the Jazz, and his thoughts on the Holy War Game. (we recorded before the game, so we'll see if his score prediction is close!)

Explore Avalaunch Media: https://avalaunchmedia.com/

Check out Kyle's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-shurtz-wild-bet-king/

If you like the content, please consider engaging with us on socials (X, TikTok, Instagram), all linked in our bio. Ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow, and we truly appreciate all the support!

The Holy War delivered — and BYU walked out of LES with a win that’ll echo through the Big 12 race. From LJ Martin’s bruising start to Bear Bachmeier’s highlight-reel hurdles, the Cougars showed poise, physicality, and playmaking when it mattered most. Utah’s defense flashed early dominance, but costly penalties, red zone struggles, and two brutal turnovers flipped the game on its head.

We’ll break down every turning point — from Utah’s failed 4th-down calls and muffed punt to Bachmeier’s third-down magic and BYU’s speed-option success. We’ll talk about what went wrong for the Utes, how Devon Dampier’s flashes couldn’t overcome execution issues, and why Elijah Davis might still be Utah’s defensive MVP despite the loss. BYU played disciplined, opportunistic football — zero turnovers, only three penalties, and a statement that they’re no longer the little brother in this rivalry. So where does this leave both teams? Can BYU ride this momentum into Big 12 contention with Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati on deck? And can Utah regroup after letting one slip away at home?

All that and more in this week’s Beehive Sports Report — where we break down every hit, hurdle, and heartbreak from the 2025 Holy War. Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, and ratings and reviews are the most helpful. We appreciate all the suppport! 

Utah might not be the first place people think of when it comes to NFL factories — but the Beehive State has quietly produced some of the league’s most respected stars. From BYU icons like Steve Young and Fred Warner to Utah greats like Eric Weddle, Alex Smith, and Julian Blackmon, this episode celebrates the gridiron legends who’ve carried Utah’s toughness, discipline, and underdog spirit to the biggest stage in football.

We’ll rewind through generations — from Lavell Edwards’ BYU offenses that rewrote college football, to Kyle Whittingham’s relentless defensive culture at Utah that’s turned out pros for decades. You’ll hear the stories, the stats, and the moments that made Utah football a pipeline for NFL success — plus a few names who don’t always get the love they deserve. 

If you love the show, come join the conversation on X, TikTok, and Instagram — and don’t forget, ratings and reviews are the best way to help other Utah fans find Beehive Sports Report. We appreciate the support!

Every Jazz fan has a draft they still dream about — or one they still can’t forgive. From the nights that built legends to the ones that broke hearts, this episode dives deep into the Utah Jazz’s biggest hits, misses, and what-ifs. We’ll revisit how back-to-back drafts of John Stockton and Karl Malone in the mid-80s set the tone for two decades of dominance — and how later misfires like Luther Wright, Raul Lopez, Trey Burke, and Dante Exum sent the franchise searching for its next cornerstone.

We’ll also trace the comeback — how smart scouting brought Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell to Salt Lake, and how Danny Ainge’s modern draft strategy with Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Ace Bailey could be laying the foundation for the Jazz’s next great era. 

Follow along as we relive the rollercoaster of Utah’s draft history — from “how did we get this guy?” to “how did we miss that one?” If you like the content, connect with us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, and don’t forget — ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow. We appreciate the support!

Training camp is here, and the Utah Jazz are shaping up to be one of the league’s most fascinating teams heading into the 2025–26 season. In this week’s episode, Zach Quinn sits down with Court Vision host Jake Bender to break down everything happening in Salt Lake — from lineup experiments and media-day soundbites to trade chatter surrounding Lauri Markkanen and the team’s next phase of development. Are the Jazz ready to take a step forward, or is another roster shake-up on the horizon?

We’ll cover the camp highlights: Keyonte George’s expanded role, Ace Bailey’s early flashes, and how Coach Will Hardy plans to balance adaptability with chemistry. Then we dive into the trade front — who stays, who goes, and what kind of player Utah should target if they make a move. Plus, Jake weighs in on what realistic success looks like for this roster and how fans should judge the first few games of preseason and beyond.

If you enjoy the conversation, come join us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for postgame reactions, fan takes, and more — all linked in our bio. Ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow. We appreciate the support!

Utah’s sports landscape has been transformed in just a few short years — and Ryan and Ashley Smith are the reason why. From buying the Jazz in 2020 to welcoming the NHL’s Utah Mammoth in 2024, the Smiths have gone all-in on turning Salt Lake into a major-league city. They’ve upgraded the Delta Center, launched new facilities, and even secured land for a future entertainment district that could change downtown forever.

In this episode, we walk through the full story: the Jazz purchase that doubled in value, the whirlwind NHL relocation that birthed the Mammoth, and the fan-first rebrand that drew nearly a million votes. We’ll also dig into SEG’s broader civic vision, the risks they’ll need to manage, and why fans across Utah are already reaping the rewards.

If you like what you hear, follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and fan features. Ratings and reviews are the best way to help us grow — so join the community and help spread the word about these fantastic Utah sports!

The MLB looks at a variety of factors when choosing expansion franchise locations, and it's probably still a few years away. But, Salt Lake City is banding together private, public, and community support to make it happen. In this episode, we'll dive into what the MLB looks at when deciding on locations, why Utah stacks up well, and all the recent news on the subject. 

Throughout the episode, we mention a consortium of companies and individuals pushing this narrative forward: Big League Utah. Their website is down below!

https://bigleagueutah.com/

If you like the content, please drop us a rating and review as that really helps us grow. We're on X, TikTok, and Instagram, so we'd love to have you come interact with us there too!

This week in Utah sports had it all: the Utes marched into Morgantown and silenced West Virginia blowout fashion, BYU survived the chaos of Boulder behind freshman QB Bear Bachmeier’s grit, and the Mammoth and Jazz inch closer to the start of their regular seasons. We’ll break down how Utah’s win sets them up for their bye week, why BYU’s tough road test builds real identity, and what to expect as the Mammoth and Jazz prepare for each of their opening nights. 

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for fan reactions, postgame takes, and more Beehive sports coverage every week. Ratings and reviews are most helpful to grow the show and reach more Utah fans like you! 

The Utah Mammoth are taking some lopsided losses in preseason, and the headlines are already starting to buzz — but is it really time to worry? In this episode of Beehive Sports Report, Zach Quinn digs into why the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story. From split-squad mismatches against NHL-heavy rosters to early injuries keeping key centers out of action, we look at what’s actually behind the Mammoth’s slow start.

We’ll also explore the psychology of a brand-new facility. Yes, the state-of-the-art practice complex is a huge win, but the adrenaline of fresh surroundings can sometimes mask the grind needed to build chemistry and consistency. Zach breaks down how other teams are using veteran-loaded lineups, why close losses matter more than blowouts, and what early roster moves and goaltending depth signal about the season ahead.

If you enjoy these deep dives, make sure to follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, all linked in our bio. And if you’re liking the show, the best way you can help us grow is by leaving a rating and review!

What makes Utah such a growing market in sports right now? With talks of an MLB expansion franchise, the recent success of the Utah Mammoth, and the investments being made in the Jazz, Utah seems to be on FIRE! Special Guest Neil Schwartz sits down with us to talk about the Utah market, why bringing an MLB franchise to the state may be a tough ask, and why Utah can defy the odds anyway. 

Neil is the President of SBRnet, a research and data analytics company focused on the business of fandom. The company serves over 260 organizations seeking insights into sports fandom, consumer behavior, gambling trends, licensed merchandise sales, and sponsorship opportunities. He is also the founder of the annual Get in the Game Conference and hosts his own podcast, My First Job in Sports. 

SBRnet: https://sportsmarketanalytics.com/home.aspx 
Get in the Game Conference: https://getinthegameconference.net/GITG/Home.aspx 
My First Job in Sports Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-job-in-sports/id1582595426 

If you like the content, please consider engaging with us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, all linked in our show bio. Ratings and reviews are most helpful so we can reach more Utah fans! 

FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff is coming to Salt Lake City for the first time ever — and Utah fans are ready to put on a show. The 16th-ranked Utes face off against 17th-ranked Texas Tech in a Big 12 opener that feels bigger than just one game. It’s national TV, it’s history in the making, and it’s a chance for Utah to prove they belong at the top of the new Big 12.

In this episode of Beehive Sports Report, we dive deep into what makes this matchup so special: the rare history between these two schools, Utah’s explosive start to 2025, the Red Raiders’ dangerous passing attack, and the key matchups that will decide Saturday’s showdown. From Devon Dampier’s breakout leadership to Utah’s edge rush dominance, we break down exactly how the Utes can seize this spotlight — and why we think they’ll come out on top.

If you’re enjoying the show, come hang out with us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more Utah sports coverage. And if you like what you hear, ratings and reviews are the best way to help us grow.

The AP Poll dropped this week, and once again BYU fans are left shaking their heads. After two dominant wins to open the 2025 season—including a 69-0 shutout of Portland State and a 27-3 dismantling of Stanford—the Cougars are still sitting outside the Top 25. Meanwhile, 0-2 Notre Dame somehow clings to a spot in the rankings. How does that make any sense?

In this episode of Beehive Sports Report, Zach Quinn breaks down why perception and brand strength so often outweigh on-field performance in college football’s ranking system. We dive into how the AP Poll actually works, why reputation carries so much weight, and what BYU has already proven on both sides of the ball. Plus, we talk about what the Cougars still need to show if they want to force their way into the rankings this fall.

If you enjoy the show, make sure to follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more Utah sports takes and behind-the-scenes content. And if you really want to help us grow, leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast app—it’s the best way to support Beehive Sports Report, a Life in the Stands production.

The Utah Mammoth just got a serious home upgrade. In this episode of Beehive Sports Report, we take you inside the team’s brand-new practice facility in Sandy and the major renovations at the Delta Center. From two NHL ice sheets and recovery spas to a first-of-its-kind riser system downtown, these upgrades are more than cosmetic—they’re game changers for how this franchise trains, recovers, and connects with the community.

We’ll walk you through how the facility was designed with player input, why the Delta Center had to be re-engineered for hockey sightlines, and what a day in the life looks like now for Mammoth players. You’ll also hear how these changes will impact fans, youth hockey in Utah, and the team’s ability to recruit and develop talent for years to come. Make sure you’re following us on X, TikTok, and Instagram to keep up with all things Beehive.

And if you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—it helps more Utah sports fans find us. Beehive Sports Report is a Life in the Stands production.

The Holy War isn’t just BYU vs. Utah—it’s the heartbeat of Utah sports. In this episode, Zach Quinn takes you on a storytelling deep dive through the full history of the rivalry: from leather helmets in the 1890s, to LaVell Edwards revolutionizing BYU football, to Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham flipping the script at Utah, to unforgettable moments like Beck-to-Harline, the 2009 Max Hall rant, and the Las Vegas Bowl chaos.

We’ll unpack the culture, the families, the faith, and the passion that make this game unlike anything else in college football. And then we’ll fast-forward to today for a way-too-early preview of the 2025 Holy War—now a Big 12 showdown with real playoff stakes on the line.

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram, and if you’re enjoying the show, ratings and reviews are the best way to support the Beehive Sports Report and help more fans find it.

From New Orleans and “Pistol” Pete Maravich… to Stockton and Malone’s legendary pick-and-roll… to Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert’s rise and fall… and now, the Lauri Markkanen era — this episode takes you through the entire story of the Utah Jazz.

We’ll cover the wild early years when the team nearly folded, the heartbreak of the 1997 and 1998 Finals, the Deron Williams–Carlos Boozer run, and the modern rebuild led by Danny Ainge. Along the way, we’ll relive the moments every Jazz fan remembers: Stockton’s shot to send Utah to the Finals, Jordan’s Flu Game, the “We Believe” Warriors series, and Mitchell’s epic duel in the bubble.

Whether you’re a die-hard Jazz fan or just curious how this small-market team became one of the NBA’s most passionate franchises, this is the full story. Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram for more Utah sports coverage — and if you enjoy the show, ratings and reviews are the best way to help us grow.

Week 1 brought fireworks for both BYU and Utah—so naturally, it’s time to overreact. Zach Quinn breaks down the Cougars’ 69–0 demolition of Portland State, including Bear Bachmeier’s historic debut, a dominant O-line, and a defense that allowed just 51 total yards. Then, we head to Pasadena, where Devon Dampier lit up UCLA in his first start, Utah’s defense silenced a five-star QB, and even defenders got in on the scoring action. Are these early performances signs of bigger things to come—or just opening-week illusions?

Follow us on X, TikTok, and Instagram @LifeInTheStands, and don’t forget—ratings and reviews are the best way to help the show grow!