BYU fans truly had a year to remember in 2024. From the remarkable feats of Kenneth Rooks to Andy Reid's third Super Bowl ring, the school's athletes and coaches made waves across the nation and the world. Let's take a closer look at the 12 highlights from BYU's year in sports.

Unforgettable Moments: BYU's 2024 Sporting Triumphs

January: Puka Nacua's NFL Record-Breaking Feat

In January, Puka Nacua's rookie season in the NFL reached new heights. During the Los Angeles Rams' final regular-season game on the 7th, he broke the league's rookie records for total receptions and receiving yards. Not only that, but he also caught his sixth touchdown of the season in the matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, which the Rams won 21 - 20. After the game, Nacua, a former BYU football star, expressed his joy, saying, "To catch the touchdown was sweet, too, to put a nice little cherry on top."This remarkable achievement not only showcased Nacua's talent but also added another chapter to BYU's sporting legacy. His performance inspired fans and fellow athletes alike, proving that BYU's athletes can excel on the national and international stages.

February: Andy Reid's Third Super Bowl Victory

It was a nail-biting finish, but Reid's Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious. On February 11, they won the Super Bowl over the 49ers by scoring a touchdown with just three seconds left on the clock. This win further solidified Reid's reputation as one of the best coaches in football.Reid, who played for and briefly coached at BYU, is now just the fifth coach in NFL history to win at least three Super Bowls. His leadership and strategic prowess have made him a household name in the football world, and his success with the Chiefs is a testament to his abilities.

March: Jimmer Fredette's Olympic Journey

When a career in the NBA didn't pan out, Fredette found a new path to international glory. In March, he was named an official member of Team USA in 3×3 basketball. This was a significant moment for Fredette, as he became part of the first U.S. men's 3×3 team to play in the Olympics.Fredette's journey from a BYU basketball star to an Olympic athlete is a testament to his determination and versatility. His success in 3×3 basketball has opened up new opportunities for him and has also brought pride to BYU.

April: BYU Basketball's New Coach

BYU athletics made a splash in April by hiring Kevin Young away from the NBA. The former Phoenix Suns associate head coach was in high demand for top NBA coaching openings, but he chose to move to the college game and lead BYU basketball into a new era.Young replaced Mark Pope, who left BYU for Kentucky. His arrival at BYU is expected to bring a new level of energy and leadership to the team, and fans are excited to see what he can achieve with the program.

May: Egor Demin's Commitment to BYU

BYU basketball's hot streak continued into May when Young and his staff secured a commitment from Egor Demin, a top European prospect. Demin was the cherry on top of an impressive few weeks of recruiting, during which Young also secured Brody Kozlowski, Utah transfer Keba Keita, and Elijah Crawford.Before a knee injury this month, Demin was climbing up 2025 NBA draft boards thanks to his outstanding early-season play. His commitment to BYU is a sign of the program's growing reputation and its ability to attract top talent.

June: BYU Runners at the Olympic Trials

Current and former BYU runners played a starring role in June's U.S. Olympic track and field trials. Rooks and James Corrigan finished first and third, respectively, in the men's steeplechase event, while Courtney Wayment finished second among the women.Whittni Morgan, who finished fifth in the women's 5,000-meter event, also made Team USA after two runners who finished ahead of her at the track and field trials chose to focus on other events in Paris. This was a remarkable achievement for BYU runners and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

July: Coach Diljeet Taylor's Empowering Book

Taylor, the associate director of track and field for BYU, has been a star in the running world for years. In 2024, she became a star in the sports world in general as she rubbed elbows with other top coaches at the Olympics and reached new heights with her athletes.In July, Taylor released a book, "Believe in Her," about cultivating confidence in girls. It draws on her experiences as a coach and parent and is sure to inspire young athletes and women around the world.

August: Kenneth Rooks' Silver Medal

After winning the silver medal in the men's steeplechase on August 7 at the Olympics, Rooks was in shock. As he told the Deseret News afterward, the phrase "What the heck just happened?" kept flashing through his mind.The shock of Rooks' performance can be heard in the NBC commentators' voices during the race's final lap. His resilience and determination were on full display as he raced for that silver medal. This was a moment of pride for BYU and a testament to Rooks' hard work and talent.

September: Fred Warner's Pick-Six

NFL fans are used to Warner's defensive heroics, but his pick-six against the New England Patriots on September 29 still felt special. Warner fell down while intercepting Jacoby Brissett around mid-field, popped up, and then returned the ball 45 yards for the score.This was the second touchdown of the former BYU defender's seven-year NFL career and a reminder of his skills on the field. Warner's performance is a source of pride for BYU fans and a testament to the school's ability to produce top-notch athletes.

October: BYU Football's Big 12 Success

BYU football's 2024 season was a rollercoaster. The team was undefeated until mid-November after being predicted to finish 13th in the 16-team Big 12 before the season began.Although the season ended on a sour note with the Cougars missing the College Football Playoff, the undefeated start was a remarkable achievement. BYU will wrap up its surprising season on December 28 in the Alamo Bowl against Colorado.

November: BYU Sweeps the NCAA Cross-Country Championship

One national championship is great, but winning two in one day is extraordinary. On November 23, the BYU men's and women's cross-country teams achieved this feat, becoming the first matched pair to take home the crowns in 20 years.Lexy Halladay-Lowry led the way for the BYU women with her 14th-place finish, while Casey Clinger, who came in sixth, was the top finisher among the BYU men. This was a moment of pride for BYU and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the cross-country team.

December: Puka Nacua's Second Magical Performance

Nacua's sophomore NFL season got off to a rough start, especially when compared to his red-hot rookie campaign. He missed several games due to injury and was even ejected from one in November for throwing a punch.But on December 8 against the Buffalo Bills, Nacua was back to his best. He had 162 yards across 12 receptions and rushing and receiving touchdowns in the game, plus a show-stopping sideline catch. His performance was a reminder of his talent and his ability to make an impact on the field.