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The transfer portal door may be closed, but the ripple effects are still shaping Utah and BYU heading into next season. Matt breaks down where both programs stand, why BYU’s talent retention under Kalani Sitake continues to separate them nationally, and how Utah has quietly reloaded after significant departures.

The episode then shifts to the Utah Mammoth, who are riding one of the best stretches in the NHL and holding firm in the playoff picture. Defensive consistency, unexpected contributors, and looming trade deadline questions take center stage as Utah proves it can skate with the league’s best.

Basketball closes the show, with a blunt look at the Utah Jazz’s continued struggles, Utah State’s reality check against Grand Canyon, Utah’s uphill battle in the Big 12, and BYU’s tough loss to Texas Tech as conference play tightens.

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This week’s episode of The Matt Cave Podcast is packed with storylines across Utah sports.

The show opens with a full transfer portal breakdown across Utah State, Utah, and BYU — including why Kalani Sitake’s ability to retain elite talent has been one of the most impressive developments of the offseason. While there are still fair questions about BYU’s defensive coordinator hire, the overall roster retention and portal additions put the Cougars in an outstanding position heading into next season.

From there, the focus shifts to the Holy War on the hardwood, where BYU earns a hard-fought 89–84 win at the Huntsman Center in a rivalry game that lived up to its chaotic reputation. The episode breaks down what BYU did well, what still needs tightening, and why Utah — despite its Big 12 struggles — showed signs of real potential.

The spotlight then moves north to Logan, where Utah State basketball continues to be overlooked nationally. At 14–1, blowing out conference opponents and sharing offensive production, the Aggies look every bit like a Top-25 team and a serious Mountain West title contender.

There’s also a candid look at the Utah Jazz, whose struggles without Lauri Markkanen have turned patience into frustration, followed by an encouraging update on the Utah Mammoth, who have won four of their last five games and are entering a crucial homestand with playoff positioning firmly in sight.

From transfer portal chaos to rivalry intensity to pro teams moving in opposite directions, it’s a full Sunday spelunk into the state of Utah sports.

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The first episode of 2026 is a full-state check-in on Utah sports — and it starts with BYU finally having real options.

Matt breaks down the Cougars’ defensive coordinator search and explains why this hire is different from past cycles, with deep dives on Shaun Nua, Vic So’oto, Gary Andersen, Justin Ena, and why an in-house move would be settling. From there, the focus shifts north to a University of Utah program in flux, examining the coaching exodus to Michigan, the loss of elite offensive line development, roster departures, and the pressure now facing Morgan Scalley.

The episode also tackles the Utah Mammoth’s maddening inconsistency, questioning roster construction, special teams accountability, and whether lingering Coyotes-era holdovers are preventing real progress — while giving a well-earned Olympic shoutout to Clayton Keller. The Utah Jazz’s directionless rebuild comes under fire next, followed by Real Salt Lake’s Ojeda sale, what it means financially, and why the January transfer window complicates attacking upgrades.

Finally, Matt closes with BYU basketball and the AJ Dybantsa show, breaking down elite production, turnover concerns, short rotation warning signs, and why this Cougar trio might be the best in the country.

This episode sets the tone for 2026: less patience, more accountability, and real expectations across Utah sports.

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