Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball

BYU football unraveled against UCF as critical breakdowns and missed opportunities spark renewed debate about the program’s trajectory in the Big 12 Conference race. Does Bear Bachmeier’s late-game execution or the defense’s inability to contain UCF quarterback Keyone Jenkins raise tougher questions about where Kalani Sitake’s team stands—and who’s ultimately responsible for the setback?

The conversation focused on a handful of pivotal moments that swung the contest out of BYU’s control. One concept discussed was Bachmeier’s costly interception near field-goal range late in the first half, which set up a UCF touchdown ju...

BYU men's basketball showcased grit and growth as they stormed past the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, overturning a double-digit first half deficit for an 89-77 victory—are the ingredients for a Big 12 Conference breakthrough already in place? Collin Chandler flashed the all-around game that made him Utah's former Mr. Basketball, while freshman Bruce Branch III celebrated his 18th birthday with an electrifying second-half performance, sparking talk of a “Fab Four” core alongside Robert Wright III and Jaxon Kohler.

The conversation focused on the BYU Cougars’ resilience and ability to stick with their game plan despite a poor start, turning...

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! The magical, undefeated run for the BYU Cougars has officially come to a heartbreaking end following a wild, mistake-laden 39-31 double-overtime loss to the UCF Knights down at a hostile Bounce House in Orlando.

On today’s episode, we break down every agonizing angle of a chaotic afternoon where nothing seemed to go right for Kalani Sitake’s squad. Just weeks after pulling off historic heroics against top-tier competition, the Cougars found themselves on the wrong side of an absolute thriller, learning the hard way how...

BYU football's 29-4 surge since 2024 has fans and critics alike asking: what more can Kalani Sitake’s team do to earn national respect? Despite climbing to the No. 2 national ranking after toppling then-No. 2 Notre Dame, naysayers continue to discount the BYU Cougars’ title credentials—so can this resilient squad block out the noise and keep rolling against UCF? The conversation focused on the persistent undervaluing of BYU’s accomplishments, how Sitake’s “control what you can control” mantra drives the team forward, and the current stakes as Big 12 Conference and College Football Playoff dreams intensify.

One concept discussed was...

Utah welcomes Houston to Rice-Eccles Stadium for a top-15 Big 12 Conference clash with College Football Playoff hopes on the line. The conversation focused on whether Devon Dampier and the Utes can withstand Houston’s electric offense, led by quarterback Connor Weigman, in an atmosphere charged by a rare double feature of ESPN's College GameDay and a late night kickoff. Houston arrives as one of the Big 12's hottest teams, with a steadily improving defense and play-calling wizardry. Key matchups include Houston’s fierce front seven against a Utah attack known for its "eye candy" and big plays, and questions swir...

BYU football is riding high at #2 in the national polls after their resounding victory over Notre Dame, but the pressure ramps up as Kalani Sitake’s team heads to UCF for a high-stakes Big 12 clash. Is this the week the BYU Cougars prove to the nation—and to the skeptics—that their championship ambitions are for real? Jake Hatch breaks down why the matchup at the Bounce House is a pivotal opportunity for Brigham Young University to reinforce their reputation, maintain their perfect record, and test the “big dog” mentality that's driving this season’s success.

Key discussions...

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! We have officially reached the midseason mark of the 2026 college football season, and what a thrilling first half it has been for Kalani Sitake’s squad. Sitting at a pristine 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play— punctuated by that historic, heart-pounding 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame—the BYU Cougars have firmly established themselves as national contenders.

On today’s episode, we hand out comprehensive midseason report card grades for every unit on the team. We evaluate Aaron Roderick’s offense as it adapts to a runni...

BYU football stands at a crossroads after their monumental win over Notre Dame, arriving at UCF’s Bounce House in a high-stakes clash that could define their season. Can Kalani Sitake keep his squad focused and hungry, or will the BYU Cougars fall victim to a classic “trap game” now that they are the hunted, not the hunters? The national spotlight burns bright—BYU’s highest AP ranking since 1984 intensifies playoff implications and sets the stage for an electric showdown in Orlando. Is this the moment UCF delivers a season-altering upset on their home turf?

Jake Hatch and Mike G...

Big 12 powers face a playoff ranking crisis as ESPN’s FPI continues to favor SEC teams, sparking heated debate among fans and analysts. Despite BYU’s statement win over Notre Dame, the Cougars remain frozen in the rankings, while Texas, LSU, and Oregon all jump ahead of Big 12 contenders. Is the Big 12’s momentum in the AP poll enough to overcome the College Football Playoff Committee’s reliance on opaque analytics?

The Big 12 Squad breaks down the pivotal Houston vs. Oklahoma State clash, Utah’s bowl-eligible struggles, and whether Conner Weigman has emerged as the conference's next elite quar...

The Big 12 Conference’s biggest win of the season turns chaotic as a clock controversy overshadows BYU football’s epic victory against Notre Dame—did a league-issued apology open the door for critics to challenge the legitimacy of the outcome? Playoff committee implications, national perception, and the conference’s PR strategy all come into question in a pivotal week for the Big 12. Drake Toll and Jake Hatch break down every angle, from Kalani Sitake’s authentic leadership in the postgame press conference to Steve Young’s memorable appearance at Lavell Edwards Stadium.

Analyzing the pivotal BYU-Notre Dame finish, the...

BYU men's basketball just took a massive leap forward—a court ruling secures Jaxon Kohler’s eligibility, instantly injecting star power and experience into Kevin Young’s already dangerous roster. National buzz intensifies as the Cougars enter the season ranked 25th, with fans and analysts alike wondering: Does this breakthrough position BYU for a Sweet 16 run or more? Placing a tenacious rebounder and versatile scorer like Kohler alongside key contributors Bruce Branch III, Rob Wright, and Collin Chandler, BYU’s roster suddenly boasts depth and dynamism unmatched in recent memory.

Jake Hatch breaks down the biggest implications of Kohle...

BYU football has taken college football by storm as Bear Bachmeier’s electrifying performance against No. 2 Notre Dame elevates both player and program into national headlines. Bachmeier became the first player in 30 years to notch passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns against a top 5 AP-ranked team, earning him the AP National Player of the Week and a spot in the Heisman Trophy conversation. Is this the start of a new era for BYU football, and can Bachmeier’s meteoric rise push the BYU Cougars all the way to the College Football Playoff?

Jake Hatch breaks down the seismic shif...

BYU football has surged to No. 2 in the AP poll after dispatching Notre Dame in a high-stakes showdown, but head coach Kalani Sitake isn’t letting his team bask in the hype. With national pundits and fans alike hailing BYU’s playoff credentials, Sitake cautions against swallowing “rat poison”—the kind of external praise that can derail even the most talented squads. Can the BYU Cougars maintain their laser focus as they gear up to face the UCF Knights on the road, navigating the pitfalls of cross-country travel and a potential letdown matchup?

Jake Hatch breaks down Sitake’s p...

BYU football stunned the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a program-defining victory, vaulting to No. 2 in the national rankings for the first time since their 1984 championship season. Are the BYU Cougars ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with college football’s elite? Host Jake Hatch takes listeners inside one of the most hotly contested matchups of the year, spotlighting Kalani Sitake’s steady leadership and the team’s transformation into a "big boy" football program. With Walker Lyons emerging as a premier tight end prospect and Bear Bachmeier delivering punishment as much as he receives, BYU’s offensive identity and depth shine ag...

Welcome into another historic edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! Under the roaring lights at a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium, the No. 8 BYU Cougars pulled off one of the greatest, most defining victories in program history, knocking off the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling 28-24 instant classic to improve to 6-0 on the season.

On today’s episode, we break down every unforgettable moment from a night where BYU proved it truly belongs on the grandest stage of college football. We start with quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who put on an absolute ma...

BYU football stands on the brink of a historic opportunity as they prepare to battle the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in front of a potential record-setting College GameDay crowd. Can Kalani Sitake’s team capitalize on a moment decades in the making and assert themselves as a true force in college football? With the eyes of the nation glued to Provo, the stakes extend far beyond a single win or loss—this matchup is about legacy, program trajectory, and grabbing the respect the BYU Cougars have long sought on the national stage.

The conversation focused on the magn...

BYU men's basketball deliver an early statement with a 72-61 exhibition victory over Nebraska, sparking excitement about a potential breakout season under Kevin Young. Facing a veteran Cornhuskers squad led by Fred Hoiberg, BYU shook off a slow first half to surge past their Big Ten foes through sheer depth, unselfish ball movement, and a perimeter-oriented attack. Collin Chandler shines with 19 points, aggressive defense, and a trio of steals, while freshman Bruce Branch III impresses in his debut, bouncing back from a shaky start to finish with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Rob Wright’s steady presence and Jaxon Kohler’s do...

Big 12 respect is on the line as BYU hosts Notre Dame in a matchup that could redefine the conference’s national reputation. Bear Bachmeier faces his toughest challenge yet, battling the elite Notre Dame defense in front of a high-stakes home crowd. Can Bachmeier’s arm lift the Cougars into the Heisman conversation and spark a potential playoff run, or will the absence of preseason star LJ Martin become the crucial caveat shaping post-game narratives? The panel debates if BYU’s performance is a referendum on the entire Big 12, dissecting how a win or loss might sway perceptions coast-to-coast, and wh...

BYU football prepares for a defining moment in program history as they take on the storied Notre Dame Fighting Irish under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium. With ESPN's College GameDay setting up shop in Provo and national attention zeroed in, can Kalani Sitake’s squad show the college football world that they belong in the upper echelon—despite injuries to key players like LJ Martin and Andrew Gentry?

Jake Hatch previews the high-stakes clash, challenging whether the BYU Cougars can go toe-to-toe with Notre Dame and shake their “second-tier” label within the Big 12 and nationally. After a 28-4 r...

BYU football hosts Notre Dame in what might be the Big 12’s most pivotal showdown since Texas and Oklahoma’s departure. With College GameDay rolling into Provo for the first top-10 battle ever at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Kalani Sitake’s Cougars look to shake up the college football world and cement both their own and the Big 12’s legitimacy on a national stage. Hampered by key injuries but fueled by playoff dreams, BYU aims for a breakthrough victory against a heavily favored Fighting Irish squad that has yet to face real adversity this season. Cody Stovall and Jake Hatch spotligh...

BYU football braces for their biggest home game in decades as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish roll into Provo for a primetime, top-10 college football clash that could alter the national landscape. With College GameDay in town and ticket prices skyrocketing, the stakes couldn’t be higher—can Kalani Sitake’s squad seize the moment and finally break through against a storied power like Notre Dame? Will Bear Bachmeier’s dynamic playmaking and a raucous, sold-out crowd deliver a statement win that plants the BYU Cougars firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation, or will the Irish spoil the party wi...

LIVE FROM SUNDANCE: This top-ten heavyweight collision between No. 8 BYU and No. 2 Notre Dame isn't just another fixture on the autumn calendar—it is a monumental, earth-shaking referendum on the entire landscape of college football.

When two undefeated powerhouses lock horns under the Saturday night prime-time lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium, with ESPN’s College GameDay descending upon Provo, the entire sports world stops. This game is massive because it completely shatters the cozy, coastal narrative that elite national relevance belongs exclusively to regional monopolies and legacy brand names. Kalani Sitake’s squad didn't ask for permission to cra...

Are BYU, Oklahoma State, and Utah hiding cracks beneath their winning records? As Big 12 contenders escape with shaky victories, questions swirl about foundational weaknesses and whether these programs are true playoff threats or potential frauds. The Big 12 Squad unpacks narrow escapes, fourth-down blunders, and the surprising rise of teams like Houston—blowing past opponents while others barely hang on. 

Sharp insight highlights defensive lapses, quarterback performances from Drew Mestemaker and Noah Fifita, and hot takes on the College Football Playoff Committee's eye test versus scoreboard watching. Key debates center on West Virginia’s historic defensive struggles, Utah’s lack...

Defense reigns supreme as the BYU Cougars gear up to host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. Are fans ready for a hard-hitting chess match under the lights, or will an offensive star emerge to change the narrative? Both teams enter Saturday night with top-10 defensive rankings: Notre Dame comes in allowing just 214 yards and 11 points per game, while BYU football counters with a stingy 13.4 points allowed on average and a top-20 rush defense. The stage is set for a physical battle—can Kalani Sitake and defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga outmaneuver the...

BYU men’s basketball seize a national showcase as they land games on a staggering eight different TV and streaming networks this season—a clear sign that Kevin Young has turned the BYU Cougars into must-see action for college hoops fans. Will this unprecedented exposure fuel a breakout campaign as BYU basketball looks to build off promising recent seasons and maximize a talented roster featuring standout performers like Rob Wright III, Jaxon Kohler, and potential NBA lottery pick Bruce Branch III?

Jake Hatch breaks down the Big 12’s media designations and what the robust broadcast presence means for th...

BYU Football stands at a crossroads as the Cougars prepare for their first-ever top-10 showdown at LaVell Edwards Stadium—hosting college football blue blood Notre Dame. Will BYU finally earn national respect, or will the program be left fighting familiar biases after a heavyweight clash? Jake Hatch kicks off with a pointed look at the prevailing double standard in college football coverage: Notre Dame receives outsized benefit of the doubt for an arguably weak schedule, while BYU faces continual skepticism despite similar resumes and an impressive win over Arizona.

The conversation centers on the key question: why do...

BYU Football gears up for one of its most pivotal weeks in program history as College GameDay descends on Provo for a titanic top-10 showdown against #2 Notre Dame. With the national college football spotlight squarely on LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU faces a moment that could redefine its reputation and aspirations. Can Kalani Sitake’s BYU Cougars deliver on the big stage and prove they’re more than just a solid Big 12 contender? Jake Hatch analyzes why Sitake’s refreshingly candid approach—embracing the hype, the pressure, and the historic opportunity—might be exactly what BYU needs to elevate its status amo...

BYU football faces a pivotal moment as they welcome in Notre Dame Saturday and have ESPN’s College GameDay returning to Provo for the first time since 2009. The stakes couldn’t be higher—can Kalani Sitake’s team fix its critical red zone issues and convert missed opportunities into a signature win? Bear Bachmeier’s growth at quarterback and Aaron Roderick’s play-calling under the national spotlight are under the microscope. As the Cougars prepare for a game that could redefine their place in the college football landscape, fans and analysts are asking: will the BYU Cougars finally shake off the doub...

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! The No. 8 BYU Cougars improved to a flawless 5-0 on the season with a 24-10 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. While the final score reflects a double-digit win, this was an intriguing night of Big 12 football that felt like a complete blowout on the stat sheet, yet remained closer than expected due to critical mistakes.

On today's show, we break down a sensational performance from freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who put his full star power on display. Bachmeier carved up...

Big 12 title hopes hang in the balance as injuries, unexpected breakout stars, and quarterback controversies threaten to rewrite the conference pecking order. Can BYU’s depth hold up with LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker sidelined, and will Bear Bachmeier reprise his breakout performance against Iowa State? Drake Toll, Jake Hatch, Chris Level, Cody Stovall, and the Locked On Big 12 crew tackle the trickiest weekend slate yet, spotlighting how Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and Kelly Poppinga adjust schemes to keep BYU in the hunt. Utah’s impressive point differential, Arkansas win, and Devin Dampier’s emergence lead to a heated debate...

BYU football prepares for their most intriguing test yet as they welcome Iowa State, with star running back LJ Martin out due to injury. All eyes turn to Bear Bachmeier, the BYU Cougars' dynamic quarterback now tasked with leading BYU’s offense. Can Bachmeier’s combination of poise, leadership, and big-play ability continue to spark BYU’s attack and prove the “Bear Raid” is for real? Jake Hatch dives into the implications of this identity and style shift, analyzing whether BYU’s proven core identity can hold steady and keep the Cougars unbeaten with their key rusher sidelined.

The discus...

BYU football faces a pivotal moment in their Big 12 campaign as Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin is sidelined for 4–6 weeks. The running back’s absence puts additional pressure on quarterback Bear Bachmeier to become the engine of the offense, just as the Cougars prepare for a critical stretch that features marquee matchups with Iowa State, Notre Dame, and the fierce Holy War against Utah. Can BYU’s “Bear Raid” attack adapt rapidly enough to stay atop the Big 12 standings, or does this injury spell wider opportunity for Iowa State and other conference contenders?

Jake Hatch and Nick M...

BYU football’s championship dreams take a pivotal turn as star running back LJ Martin is ruled out for 4–6 weeks with a lower-body injury, just as the team prepares for its toughest stretch of the season. With Martin sidelined, BYU loses its top offensive weapon ahead of marquee matchups against Iowa State, No. 3 Notre Dame, and a looming rivalry clash with Utah. Can quarterback Bear Bachmeier shoulder the offensive burden and lead the “Bear Raid” attack to keep the BYU Cougars' College Football Playoff and Big 12 Conference title hopes alive?

Jake Hatch breaks down the seismic impact of Marti...

The Big 12 contenders are starting to emerge. The Locked On Big 12 Squad dives into the latest going on within the conference, including one shocking take about the Baylor Bears.

Baylor's surprising 4-1 start has quietly turned heads across the Big 12, especially given how few pundits expected Dave Aranda's squad to make this kind of noise right out of the gate.

After a heartbreaking, literal one-point stumble against Auburn in the opener, the Bears didn't spiral—they completely flipped the script. The offense has suddenly found a devastating, explosive rhythm, highlighted by a masterclass performance in a...

The BYU Cougars face a massive test this week as they prepare to host the Iowa State Cyclones, and the biggest storyline in Provo centers around how the offense will cope without star running back LJ Martin. On this episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch dives deep into the major personnel dilemma facing Aaron Roderick's offense and breaks down the exact blueprint needed to overcome this crucial absence against a formidable Big 12 opponent.

With LJ Martin sidelined, the offensive load shifts to a committee of running backs. We analyze what a triumvirate of Preston Rex...

BYU football is quietly positioning themselves as a Big 12 threat, thriving on being underestimated as national media attention shifts toward Utah, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. Could this underdog status fuel their run to a championship? Jake Hatch highlights Kalani Sitake's steadying presence and BYU's impressive 27-4 record over the past two-plus seasons as evidence that writing off the Cougars could be a costly mistake. Following a hard-fought victory over TCU—a game that saw Bear Bachmeier candidly address his own struggles—the BYU Cougars remain focused on their “handle business week by week” mentality. With a crucial Friday night te...

BYU football faces a turning point as they gear up to take on the Iowa State Cyclones, likely missing two of their most influential playmakers: LJ Martin on offense and Isaiah Glasker on defense. Can Kalani Sitake and his staff rally around the team's developed depth and recalibrated schemes to overcome these adversity-fueled challenges, or will absences in the lineup force a major shift in BYU’s strategy and outlook?

Jake Hatch digs into the details of BYU’s resilience, examining how Aaron Roderick may pivot from a run-centric approach to a more pass-first, air raid philosophy with...

BYU football showcased grit and resilience in a tough, weather-affected win over TCU, further solidifying their status as a Big 12 Conference contender. Bear Bachmeier emerged as the heart of the offense, carrying Brigham Young University through adversity after LJ Martin left with an injury. Jake Hatch breaks down how Kalani Sitake’s squad leaned on defense, a ground-heavy approach, and Bachmeier’s timely heroics—including a 21-yard touchdown run—to outlast the Horned Frogs. The game plan shifted out of necessity, with BYU relying on a “run-and-don’t-turn-it-over” blueprint that defied their usual high-octane offense, as penalties and offensive line miscues t...

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! The No. 10 BYU Cougars showed true grit and championship character on Saturday night, heading into Fort Worth and grinding out a tough 17-10 road victory over the TCU Horned Frogs to improve to a flawless 4-0 on the season.

On today's show, we break down a wild and hard-fought battle at Amon G. Carter Stadium. It was a night of adversity for the Cougars, who unfortunately saw key playmakers LJ Martin, Isaiah Glasker, and Cannon DeVries sidelined due to injuries. But in the face of...

Arizona State and Baylor collide in a matchup that could redefine the Big 12 hierarchy. With the Sun Devils reeling from offensive line injuries and Baylor’s defensive front racking up sacks and tackles for loss, the desert showdown has massive implications for both programs. Cutter Boley’s volatility at quarterback and the loss of Kamari Anderson force Arizona State into creative solutions, while Baylor’s lack of a run game and lingering questions about DJ Lagway’s health keep the Bears’ outlook cloudy. Which team’s weaknesses will be exposed—and whose strengths could push them into the Big 12 title conversa...