Oaks Meets BYU Players Before Arizona State Win
The Church president met BYU football players and coaches before the Cougars defeated Arizona State 27-20.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
President Dallin H. Oaks, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, met with BYU football players and coaches before the team's game against Arizona State on Saturday. BYU won 27-20.
Why it matters
The Church sponsors Brigham Young University, so the visit drew attention from fans and members in Provo and across the Church. Social media posts by the team and players shared the moment with a wide audience.
BYU defeated Arizona State 27-20 after the pre-game meeting, and the team is ranked No. 7 nationally ahead of its matchup with No. 3 Utah. The extraction does not specify whether similar visits are planned.
The players
Dallin H. Oaks
Dallin H. Oaks is the prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private university in Provo, Utah, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Kalani Sitake
Kalani Sitake is the head football coach at Brigham Young University.
The details
Before the game, President Oaks met quarterbacks Bear Bachmeier and Treyson Bourguet and head coach Kalani Sitake. BYU football's social media team shared videos of the meetings, and defensive end Hunter Clegg posted a photo of himself shaking President Oaks' hand on Instagram.
Timeline
Saturday (November 1, 2026): President Oaks met BYU players and coaches before the Arizona State game.
Saturday at 10 a.m. MST: BYU plays Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium on ABC.
Season Trajectory
The meeting comes as BYU prepares to face No. 3 Utah in a ranked matchup that carries significant weight for the team's season. Church leaders' involvement with the football program adds a faith-centered dimension to the team's broader competitive narrative.
Fans planning to attend or watch the BYU-Utah game can find it at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday at 10 a.m. MST, broadcast on ABC. Those in Provo should plan for game-day traffic around the stadium.
The takeaway
The visit underscores the close link between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and BYU's athletic community. Readers interested in the program can follow the Cougars' upcoming matchup against Utah.
What happens next
BYU plays No. 3 Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday at 10 a.m. MST on ABC.
Further reading
Explore more Latter-Day Saints coverage for context on the Church's leadership and its role in Provo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
