Playing football at BYU is a unique experience unlike any other in college athletics. With a heritage that runs deep in on-and-off the field success, members of the team are expected to do all things at a “higher level,” in every aspect of life. The program is guided by three distinct principles—tradition, spirit and honor.

Tradition

BYU’s football history is packed full of championships, bowl games and national honors. This tradition is something that every player that passes through the program will become a part of and appreciate. Since 1974 BYU has played in 29 bowl games, won a National Championship, claimed 23 conference titles and earned 17 national top-25 finishes, including four top-10 finishes. Under head coach Bronco Mendenhall, BYU has posted a record of 56-21, won at least 10 games four of the last five years and gone to six straight bowl games. Since the 1970s, BYU has established itself as one of the top football programs in the West.

• 1984 National Champions
• 23 Conference Championships
• 29 Bowl Games
• Top 5 nationally in passing offense 19 times
• 17 National Top-25 NCAA Finishes
• 50-15 Record in the last five years
• Ranked in the Top 25 during each of the last five seasons

Spirit

As a school operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU provides an opportunity for student-athletes to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives.  More than 60 percent of BYU’s team has served a two-year church mission. All of BYU’s players take part in service opportunities throughout the community. This principle is a large factor in BYU's recruiting approach. Coaches evaluate not only the playing ability and academic achievement of possible recruits but also their moral character. BYU makes it a priority to develop a player’s faith, and help make men of strength, courage, fortitude and service.

• 261 total missionaries who have served or are currently serving who have been coached or recruited by Bronco Mendenhall
• 38 players currently serving full-time missions
• 76 players slated to participate in 2011 have served full-time missions in 33 different countries
• All BYU students must complete at least 14 credit-hours in religion-related coursework
• Players participate weekly in the “Thursday’s Heroes” program, inviting families and individuals with special needs to attend practice to be honored and recognized for their faith, courage and strength

Honor

All BYU students, including student-athletes, are required to follow the University Honor Code, which is a code of conduct and living that helps improve the lives of university students. Coach Mendenhall has worked hard to instill the principles outlined in the honor code. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and non-members are expected to maintain the same standards of conduct. All who represent BYU are to maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity, morality and consideration of others in personal behavior. The basics of BYU’s honor code are as follows:

• Be honest
• Live a chaste and virtuous life
• Obey the law and all campus policies
• Use clean language
• Respect others
• Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
• Participate regularly in church services
• Observe the dress and grooming standards
• Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code