To conclude season 6, get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with former BYU wide receiver Kody Epps. From playing alongside future NFL stars like Bryce Young and Amon-Ra St. Brown at powerhouse Mater Dei High School to becoming the first freshman at BYU to record consecutive 100-yard receiving games, Kody's journey exemplifies resilience and purposeful living.

After catching passes from quarterbacks like Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall, a devastating foot injury nearly ended his career, forcing him into what he calls "deep discovery mode" to understand his body and overcome adversity. Despite not being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kody found his favorite classes at BYU were actually his religion courses, where he embraced an "infant perspective" of learning without ego or barriers. His testimony of faith growth led to speaking at President Worthen's fireside, demonstrating how immersing yourself in different cultures and beliefs can strengthen your own spiritual foundation.

Rather than pursuing the NFL, Kody chose to "bet on himself" by retiring from football to launch Sonny Golf Club, his entrepreneurial venture creating magnetic golf ball markers with his business partners. Through stories of overcoming injuries, building bridges across racial and religious diversity, and finding mentorship from professors like Lee Daniels, Kody shares how stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing diversity of thought can solve world problems. His message is clear: find true joy and happiness by pursuing your dreams the right way, surrounded by people who believe in your vision, because "birds of a feather flock together."

Check out Sonny Golf Club: https://www.instagram.com/sonnygolfclub?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Video Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:47 - Meet Kody Epps

1:15 - Northern California Roots and Mater Dei High School

2:33 - Elite Competition and High Standards

3:29 - Learning Among Future NFL Stars

4:18 - The Infant Perspective

5:51 - Football Focus at Mater Dei

6:55 - High School Championships and Success

7:31 - College Recruitment Process

7:49 - Spiritual Calling to BYU

9:31 - Lee Daniels as Favorite Professor

11:20 - Sonny Golf Club Business Venture

13:43 - Learning Business from Life Examples

14:02 - BYU Football Career Highlights

15:41 - Bone Injury Crisis

18:15 - Over a Year Recovery Process

18:47 - Support System During Adversity

20:04 - Gratitude to LDS Church as Non-Member

21:23 - Religion Classes at BYU

23:02 - Speaking at President Worthen's Fireside

24:41 - Faith Journey Through Different Schools

25:33 - Current Passions and Golf Obsession

28:01 - Connection with Coach Sitake

28:12 - BYU's Discipline and Honor Code

29:17 - Decision to Retire from Football

30:42 - Purpose Beyond Football

32:22 - Sonny Golf Club Partnership

33:14 - Advice for Diverse Athletes at BYU

35:48 - Diversity and Team Unity

38:07 - Diversity of Thought Philosophy

39:31 - Final Message

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Kelly Popinga, BYU Football's Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Ends Coach. From earning the nickname "K-Pop" from a teammate's daily dose joke to becoming "Coach Pop" at Virginia and beyond, Kelly's journey exemplifies loyalty, growth, and the power of relationships in college football. After transferring from Utah State to play for Bronco Mendenhall, Kelly developed into a team captain and defensive leader before beginning his coaching career.

His coaching philosophy centers on building trust through truth-telling and accountability while creating family-like bonds with players - taking them golfing, having them over for dinner, and developing the tight-knit connections essential for special teams success. Kelly shares the secrets behind BYU's creative special teams plays, including the famous "MJ" fake field goal against UCF that required weeks of practice with punter Sam Vanderhaar. He explains how special teams gets roughly 30 opportunities per game to impact field position and momentum through "complementary football." From managing the tension between offensive and defensive coordinators who don't want to give up players, to recruiting diverse talent that embraces BYU's culture of focus and minimal distractions, Kelly reveals how the program builds unity across different backgrounds and beliefs.

Through stories of player leadership, defensive schemes that confused Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, and the reality of coaching loyalty in modern college football, Kelly demonstrates how staying true to your values while adapting and growing can create lasting impact both on and off the field.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with BYU football standouts Lamason Waller and Tre Alexander. Fresh faces to the program, these talented young athletes share their journey from their hometowns to BYU's football program. Waller, a highly-rated wide receiver from Hesperia, California who graduated high school early to join BYU, and Alexander, a cornerback from East Atlanta who already has an Alamo Bowl appearance under his belt, offer unique perspectives on their transition to college athletics.

The pair discuss the culture of "love and learn" at BYU, their strong defensive backfield, and what separated BYU from other prestigious programs during their recruitment. Tre shares how his relationship with former teammate Keelan Marion "Unc" influenced his decision, while Lamason explains his motivation to be a role model for kids in his hometown. Through stories of overcoming challenges, adapting to college life, and embracing their roles on the team, Lamason and Tre demonstrate the "humble and hungry" mentality that defines BYU football.

Follow Beyond the Game on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hoo.be/btg45podcast⁠⁠

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:41 - Meeting Lamason Waller and Tre Alexander

01:24 - Spring Football Experience

02:31 - Player Backgrounds and Physical Attributes

03:10 - Challenges of Being a Tall Cornerback

04:06 - College Transition and Academic Adjustment

05:51 - BYU's Standout Defensive Backfield

07:02 - Coaching Impact on Defensive Performance

09:05 - Team Culture and Brotherhood at BYU

10:39 - Support Among Teammates Across Classes

12:41 - What Makes a Great Wide Receiver

14:18 - Cornerback Technique Against Skilled Receivers

16:41 - Learning from Coaching Staff and Teammates

18:16 - Pressure is a Privilege - Tre's Perspective

20:00 - Looking Forward to Improving on Last Season

22:01 - Why They Chose BYU Over Other Programs

24:18 - Adjusting to Utah's Climate and Culture26:11 - "Humble and Hungry" Team Mentality

27:14 - Discussing Standout Teammates and Team Dynamics

31:23 - Running Back Room Dynamics and Playing Styles

34:05 - Tre Alexander's Personal Journey from Atlanta

42:02 - Academic Success and Future Goals

43:34 - Lamason Waller's Story from Hesperia, California

45:11 - Closing Thoughts

47:11 - Outro