Ryan Smith, known for his roles as a NBA team owner and prominent donor in college athletics, has a deeply personal connection to BYU that goes beyond the current matchup. Born in Eugene, Oregon, in 1980 while his father taught at the University of Oregon, Smith’s family later settled in Provo. The move was driven by a belief that BYU would be a better environment for their five children, a decision that would shape Smith’s earliest sports memories.
Growing up near LaVell Edwards Stadium, Smith recalls a simplest of beginnings: on game days, he and other children were dropped off and left to navigate their way into the game. Those afternoons became the foundation of his lifelong sports passion. Today, that same stadium holds even more significance as BYU prepares to host a high-stakes clash with an undefeated Notre Dame squad.
This weekend’s matchup features Notre Dame ranked No. 2 with a 6-0 record and BYU at No. 8 with a 5-0 mark. For Smith, the prospect of this game is charged with personal meaning. He attributes much of BYU’s success this season to head coach Kalani Sitake and quarterback Bear Bachmeier, highlighting the cohesion and growth he has witnessed in the program.
Smith’s ties to BYU extend beyond sentiment. He and his business partner, Ryan Sweeney, have maintained a long-standing relationship with the university and its athletics programs for more than a decade. Their collaboration has included significant financial backing and support for NIL initiatives, reflecting a broader commitment to empowering student-athletes. Smith has been clear about the distinction between college sports and professional sports, noting that while both environments have rules, the mechanics and governance differ in ways that shape the athlete experience.
The upcoming game also carries a notable media presence. ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast from The Lawn at Heritage Halls, with analysts and notable guests slated to appear, including former BYU quarterback Steve Young and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. The national attention surrounding the BYU-Notre Dame series adds an emotional layer for Smith, who sees personal history intertwined with the moment.
For fans and players alike, the game promises a compelling narrative: a homecoming of sorts for a lifelong supporter whose early experiences at BYU helped mold his path, now intersecting with a high-profile college football faceoff that has the sport’s spotlight focused on Provo. The two-year home-and-home series between BYU and Notre Dame is set to unfold with added anticipation, as both programs seek to build on recent momentum and fans anticipate a memorable contest on campus.
As the weekend arrives, the BYU community—and especially those who know Smith’s story—will be watching closely. The game is poised to be more than a marquee matchup; it represents a full-circle moment tied to memory, community, and the enduring impact of a university that helped shape a young fan into a prominent figure in collegiate and professional sports.
