BYU Football Cheers on Sweet 16 Basketball Team with Tater Tot Challenge
BYU football is concluding its spring practices this week. During their breaks, they are showing support for the BYU basketball team, which is heading to the Sweet 16.
The football players demonstrated their enthusiasm for BYU basketball through a “Shot for a tater tot” challenge video.
In case you missed it, BYU basketball features “Tater Tot King,” Richie Saunders, who is the great-grandson of the man who created tater tots.
The “Tater Tot King” and his teammates are preparing to face the No. 2 seed Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. This marks BYU’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011.
Even in New Jersey, Saunders shared that most of the questions he’s getting these days are about tater tots.
BYU football participated in a “Shot for a tot” challenge To celebrate, BYU football players showcased their basketball skills on a mini hoop outside the locker room and weight room in the Student Athlete Building, with cups of tater tots as prizes.
Wide receiver Keelan Marion kicked off the video with an alley-oop assist from fellow wide receiver Jojo Phillips, finishing with a dunk.
Marion then spotted the cup of tater tots and exclaimed, “Shot for a tot!”
Offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho sank a jumper and said, “For the tater tot king, baby. Let’s go! Elite Eight, we’re coming for you!”
Even head coach Kalani Sitake joined in the fun.
He cheered, “Let’s go, Richie! Keep shooting, buddy!”
Richie Saunders, the tater tot king himself, posted his reaction to the video on Instagram Stories with three laughing emojis.
BYU basketball faces Alabama on Thursday night, while BYU football wraps up its spring practices on Monday.
BYU basketball vs. Alabama
Regional Semifinals – 2025 NCAA Tournament
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Arena: Prudential Center
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Tip-Off: 5:09 p.m. (MDT)/7:09 p.m. (EDT)
TV: CBS
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM in Utah – Extended pregame begins at 3 p.m. MDT/5 p.m. EDT)
