Get ready for a showdown that’s more than just a game—it’s a battle for state pride. Few rivalries in college football ignite as much passion as the BYU-Utah clash, and no one knows this better than Cougars Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick. With 21 games under his belt as either a player or coach in this heated series, Roderick is gearing up for his 22nd installment this Saturday at 6 p.m. MDT in Provo’s LaVell Edwards Stadium. But here’s where it gets controversial: Roderick, a former Utah assistant, has become the mastermind behind BYU’s recent success, including a 6-0 start in 2025 and a remarkable 17-2 record in their last 19 games. Could this be the year the Cougars pull off the upset against the No. 23 Utes? And this is the part most people miss: Roderick’s journey from Utah to BYU isn’t just about football—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the ability to rise above personal grudges.
Roderick’s story is deeply intertwined with this rivalry. A Bountiful High star turned BYU receiver, he later served as a graduate assistant under the legendary LaVell Edwards before joining Utah’s coaching staff under Kyle Whittingham. His dual perspective makes him a unique voice in this intense competition. But what’s truly remarkable is how he’s transformed BYU’s offense, particularly with freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who’s emerged as a legitimate power conference QB. Head coach Kalani Sitake praises Roderick’s work, calling it ‘amazing,’ but also highlights the challenges of his role: ‘I trust A Rod, and I think one of the most difficult positions in BYU football is to be the OC… it comes with a lot of criticism, but I don’t know if it comes with enough praise.’
The rivalry’s unpredictability adds to its allure. Roderick recalls that nine or ten of the 21 matchups he’s been part of came down to the final possession or play. Take the 2010 game, for instance, where BYU’s freshman quarterback Jake Heaps nearly led the Cougars to victory, only to have Utah’s Brandon Burton block the game-winning field goal attempt. Despite the heartbreak, Roderick was one of the first to console then-BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall, showcasing his class and sportsmanship. ‘I’ve never liked all the negativity and nastiness that the rivalry brings out in people,’ Roderick once said, a sentiment that speaks volumes about his character.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Roderick’s departure from Utah in 2016. After 12 years under Whittingham, he was let go despite a respectable 9-4 season. Yet, Roderick holds no grudges. ‘I don’t even look at it that way,’ he said. ‘I look back on that time and it really just feels like we were winning all the time.’ This lack of bitterness is rare in such a cutthroat sport, and it’s a testament to his professionalism.
Now, as BYU’s OC, Roderick is arguably the program’s best in two decades, outshining predecessors like Robert Anae and Ty Detmer. His impact was evident in BYU’s 26-17 win over Utah in 2021, which snapped the Utes’ nine-game winning streak. Yet, he remains humble, focusing on the team’s success rather than personal vindication. ‘Our goal is to stay humble and stay hungry,’ Sitake emphasizes, a philosophy Roderick embodies.
As Saturday’s game approaches, the question lingers: Can Roderick lead the Cougars to another victory, or will the Utes reclaim dominance? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a rivalry as intense as this, is it possible to separate personal history from professional ambition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
