But I also don't really consider them Cougars any longer, because they chose to be at another school. I won't root against them, but I certainly won't really follow their career with any kind of interest like I would players who didn't transfer away.

I would expect that Washington Huskies fans don't consider Puka Nacua one of their own and follow his career with pride. To them, he's a Cougar. To us, even though he started his college career at Washington, he's a Cougar.

Richie Saunders has chosen to be a Wildcat with Mark Pope. I'm grateful for the seasons they had, but they also chose to go somewhere else where a fan base may or may not embrace them. They're not dead to me, but I also care about as much about their careers as anybody else in college sports who doesn't go to BYU.

I'm grateful for the players who are staying, and the new ones coming who want to be a part of Cougar Nation. They will continue to have a special place in the hearts of the fan base.

Not that my opinion matters to any college athletes. The players who left probably all sleep just fine knowing that they disappointed some random BYU fan who doesn't actively follow them any longer.