How Tayvon Kitchen Led 250 Runners at NCAA Cross Country as a True Freshman—The Psychology of Believing Before You Have Any Proof

THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST · Feb 12, 2026 · 51m

Tayvon Kitchen joined one of the deepest programs in college running as a freshman, and immediately became top billing.

He kicked the door down, and in just a few months at BYU, he’s gone from high school phenom to All-American, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and now one of the fastest U20 5,000-meter runners in American history.

Tayvon earned All-American status in his NCAA Cross Country Championships debut in 2025, finishing 32nd overall and as the top BYU runner. He was also named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big 12 honors.

In his indoor track debut for BYU, he ran an…