BYU Cougars football team is the college football program representing Brigham Young University ( BYU ) , a private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . It is located in Provo , Utah . The Cougars began collegiate football competition in 1922 , and have won 23 conference championships and one national championship in 1984 . The team has competed in several different athletic conferences during its history , but since July 1 , 2011 , they have competed as an Independent . The team plays home games at the 63,470-seat LaVell Edwards Stadium , which is named after legendary head coach LaVell Edwards . LaVell Edwards won 19 conference championships , seven bowl games , and one national championship ( 1984 ) while coaching at BYU , and is regarded as the most successful coach in BYU program history
Independent
NCAA Division I FBS independent schools
BYU Cougars football