Utah, BYU, and Michigan coaches promote respect in college football rivalries
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 12:41 AM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Morgan Scalley of Utah, Kalani Sitake of BYU, and Kyle Whittingham of Michigan are advocating for a more respectful approach to college football rivalries. At Big 12 Football Media Days, Scalley and Sitake emphasized family ties and positivity in the Holy War rivalry. Whittingham echoed similar sentiments regarding the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, saying it can be intense without hatred. However, changing long-standing traditions in college football may prove challenging despite these coaches' intentions. The coaches’ efforts reflect a shift from traditional hostility to mutual respect in rivalries that date back over a century.
- •Scalley and Sitake promote positivity in the Holy War rivalry.
- •Whittingham seeks respect in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
- •Coaches emphasize family ties and emotional intensity without hatred.
- •Traditions may be hard to change despite coaches' efforts.
- •Conversations occurred during Big 12 Football Media Days.
- 12:41 AMYahoo Sports — Three coaches with Utah roots are redefining college football rivalries
"From Salt Lake City to Ann Arbor, coaching legends are trading traditional hostility for mutual respect, challenging fans to swap generational bitterness for a new era of sportsmanship.
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