# BYU Cougars: A Premier Collegiate Athletic Program The BYU Cougars represent the 21 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams of Brigham Young University, a private institution owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and located in Provo, Utah.[1] With an enrollment of 35,743 students, BYU has cultivated one of the most distinctive athletic programs in American higher education, blending competitive excellence with faith-based values. ## Historical Foundation and Development Founded on October 16, 1875, BYU's athletic program began collegiate football competition in 1922.[2] The program has evolved significantly over decades, moving through various conferences including the Western Athletic Conference and Mountain West Conference before joining the Big 12 in recent years. A pivotal moment came in 1984 when the Cougars won their sole national football championship.[2] ## Achievements and Recognition BYU Athletics boasts an impressive competitive record with 14 NCAA titles and 2 NIT championships.[1] The football program ranks ninth nationally in college football wins over the past 50 years.[9] The athletic department has produced 1,512 All-Americans, 90 Olympians, and one Heisman Trophy winner (Ty Detmer).[1] Recent accomplishments include winning national championships in both women's and men's cross country in 2024, and women's volleyball has made the NCAA Tournament in 13 consecutive years.[9] ## Current Operations and Support Today, BYU Athletics operates under Athletic Director Brian Santiago and maintains 21 varsity teams competing primarily in NCAA Division I-A.[1] The organization funds its programs through the Cougar Club, the official booster organization offering membership levels ranging from $150 to $1 million