BYU has changed its acceptance profile to include more and more "non-Utahn's" over the years. And with that, many coming to BYU from outside the state, did not grow up following them. They may have grown up Longhorn, Trojan, Buckeye, Husky, and other...fans. I would like to know how much of the student population is from Utah versus from outside the state. This isn't a knock on those from other states. But, if we are looking at resident fans, they are thinning as the Church and BYU continue to cater to students from outside the state. When I was a Bishop, I saw several from my ward that had GPA and SAT Scores that were well within the range that is accepted, get turned away--or--told they could come to their semester as summer school and stay enrolled. This turned them off, and they ended up at USU or Utah because of the slight. At the same time, I had a nephew and niece from another state get accepted with lower scores and GPA than those in my ward. I believe the Chruch wants to spread the "BYU experience" around for an influence for good around the country and world. I understand that, but I truly believe it affects the strength of the local fanbase. Add with that, Utah's lottery win with P12 entrance, and success in football (particularly against BYU) over the last decade, and its compounded.

Another potential cause is the admissions requirements at BYU in general. Let's face it, I'm willing to bet that a larger number of those with a 4.0GPA/34ACT profile are not as interested in sports, than the 3.0GPA/25ACT profile. I may get roasted for that comment, but think about it...BYU has more nerds at it now than in the 80's/90's...just sayin. 😜

[Edit: I apologize if my points here, are the same made as some above. I should have read the entire thread before my comments.]