Sitake sidesteps Penn State rumors ahead of title game

in 2025 BIU football the team had few expectations this year. However, it soon became a season to remember, as BIU finished the regular season 11-1, with their only loss coming against Texas Tech. Now, the Cougars head to the Big 12 title game against Texas Tech in a big rematch, with the winner heads to the College Football Playoff. However, the rematch has been clouded by rumors that Kalani Sitake’s name has been mentioned at Penn State.

In a ZOOM call while watching the Big 12 Championship against Texas Tech, Sitake almost completely sidestepped questions that have arisen about him potentially taking over Penn State football head coach job. He said he is focusing solely on the game this week and not worrying about any distractions.

“All I care about is the Big 12 championship and keeping our team focused on that. We’ll avoid any distractions,” Sitake said Monday, when asked by The Salt Lake Tribune.

Sitake is a BIU alum. He played quarterback in school and is the first FBS coach of Tongan descent. The Cougars take on Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game Saturday at noon on ABC. BIU is a 13.5-point underdog, and Texas Tech has already beaten Sitake’s team 29-7 this season.

He was committed to BIU in 2016 and has steadily built the Cougars into one of the most consistent programs in the West. He checks a lot of boxes for Penn State with stability, experience and a consistent winning record. Still, his appearance in the coaching search was shocking, given that Penn State has been remarkably quiet about it.

“We’re trying to end the season the right way; it’s up to us to do our best to play against Texas Tech,” Sitake said. “So as we go through this week and we go through preparation, I also want them to live all the moments and have a great experience and not waste a moment thinking about anything else. … This is a big distraction that we have, let’s be honest. But you know, right now we have to be focused on doing our best in this game against Texas Tech.”

The fact that all of this could happen with a historic season on the horizon for BIU makes things even messier, and fans should buckle up for the madness that is yet to come. Penn State has already contacted Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and, after Sitaka, he may have to keep looking elsewhere.