PROVO, Utah – BYU’s trip to Tennessee earlier this month has made an impact on the lives of many people. First, the Cougars came away with a thrilling double-overtime victory which gave Cougar fans a memory they will never forget.

Then in the postgame, the Knoxville Police Department came away impressed with how they were treated by BYU fans. Now we have another feel-good story to emerge from this game.

17-year-old Tennessee fan and graphic designer Ryan came away so impressed with BYU fans before and after the game against his beloved Vols.

Usually, Ryan designs Tennessee uniform concepts for Volunteer fans. But as thanks to the kindness of BYU fans that were in attendance in Knoxville, he decided to create some helmet edits for BYU’s fans.

Since I'm also rooting for BYU this season, I thought I'd make a couple helmet designs for my new few(😂) BYU followers. Cream & Blue. What do you guys think?

Tag a fellow fan! #BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/YRpjI085Lp — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

“The BYU fans were incredibly nice before and after the game,” Ryan said. “In fact, many BYU fans I’ve interacted with became Vol fans. After recovering from the loss against BYU, I found myself rooting for BYU to beat USC. Partially because it made us (Tennessee) look better but also because BYU had grown on me. I’ve been wanting to create something new, so I had a random idea to create a cream helmet for BYU. I thought I’d post it on Twitter. Since then my account has exploded with BYU fans.”

They have now raised me to a little over 500 followers! Thank you guys so much! I’ve got some more helmet designs coming tomorrow! #GoCougs #GBO 💙🧡 — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

Cougar fans definitely exploded Ryan’s account putting in requests for additional uniform concepts and edits of their beloved Cougars. Ryan kept creating.

Royal Blue…💙💙💙 You asked, so here you guys go!

BYU really needs to bring Royal Blue back! What do you guys think?

(something extra in the thread) Tag a fellow fan! #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/0q3ruW7956 — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

I made a few wallpapers for you wonderful, ROYAL people. Thank you guys so much for your support! #GoCougs 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/2MfNindnTo — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

Royal Blue Color Rush…💙

White & Royal Blue…💙

White, Royal Blue, & Chrome… 💙

Smokey Grey & Royal Blue…💙🧡 What do you think?

Tag a fellow fan! #GoCougs! pic.twitter.com/C6QbmuECgG — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from the BYU fans,” Ryan said.

BYU fans were so impressed with the jersey concepts and phone wallpapers that they decided to raise money to send Ryan and his family to an upcoming BYU football home game against Boise State.

We’re getting the newest Cougar Nation member a trip to Provo to watch BYU beat up Boise State. He’s a HS Senior who does sick BYU designs. Donate if you can. @Spencer_Linton @jaromjordan maybe we can get him on the show to tell his fun twitter story? pic.twitter.com/gq67Q9UYR4 — Devin (Sporty) (@SportyMcSports) September 17, 2019

Devin Pyne, a BYU fan from Lehi, who was one of many Cougar fans involved in helping spread the word on the fundraiser had this to say, “I love how college football can bring people together, especially after all of my friends who went to Knoxville said how much they loved it and how nice the Vol fans were. So, I saw the tweet of Ryan’s (cream helmet edit) that said he’s now a BYU fan. I thought we need to make this guy feel the love that BYU fans felt in Tennessee.”

White helmet alternatives with white pants! Oversized Sailor Coug…💙 pic.twitter.com/SSD6WqZRax — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

In less than 24 hours after Pyne and some other BYU fans spread the word on Twitter, the donations quickly followed.

One Cougar fan donated Delta SkyMiles to cover the flights from Nashville to Salt Lake City on the weekend BYU will host Boise State. Then over $1,400 were raised to a Venmo account that will cover hotel, transportation, souvenirs, and more for the Volunteer family to experience BYU football firsthand.

“This is literally insane,” Ryan said. “I don’t even know what to say or do. It feels so surreal and the fact they want me to take some family with me makes it even more surreal.”

BYU and Boise State square off on Saturday, October 19th, the same day Tennessee squares off against rival and No. 2 ranked Alabama. Ryan isn’t too worried about missing his Vols take on the Crimson Tide as this trip to BYU will be a unique chance for him and his family to see another part of the country.

So, how do you guys feel about a Smokey grey with an oversized Y? pic.twitter.com/geTogc57yI — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 17, 2019

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I don’t think Tennessee will beat Alabama, unfortunately, so it’s not a huge deal even though I love Vol football to death,” Ryan said.

According to Pyne, Cougar fans will meet up with Ryan and his family and sit next to them at the Boise State game next month.

Also, what do you guys think about this helmet? pic.twitter.com/S5jac7dZzw — I’m A Vol Coug Aight 🐝 (@Im_A_Vol_Aight) September 16, 2019

Ryan’s message to Cougar Nation, “Thank you guys so much! To those of you who have donated and followed me, you all are incredible!”

And yes, he plans to keep creating Vols and BYU uniform concepts going forward.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.