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

BYU football enters a pivotal showdown with Arizona as College Football Playoff narratives already hang in the balance. Pollsters dropped Kalani Sitake’s team despite a 63-7 thrashing of Utah Tech, fueling frustration among fans and raising the stakes for every game ahead. Can the Cougars overcome what Jake Hatch calls a national bias against programs like BYU, where convincing wins aren’t enough to maintain their place among college football’s elite? With USC leapfrogging BYU in the AP ranking and the Cougars falling to 15th despite meeting expectations, every snap against Arizona could determine whether BYU keeps its Bi...

BYU football aims to extend its reign over the Arizona Wildcats in a pivotal Big 12 showdown—can Kalani Sitake keep the streak alive, or will Brent Brennan and quarterback Noah Fifita deliver long-awaited payback? With BYU holding a five-game winning streak and Sitake undefeated against Arizona in his head coaching tenure, Saturday’s matchup in Provo is shaping up as an early season tone-setter for both programs. Arizona’s players and staff have openly targeted this contest for redemption, and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzalez claims preparation started the moment last year’s double-overtime loss ended. The Wildcats seek to reverse...

LSU Tigers dismantle Clemson in a high-stakes opener, sparking fierce debate across the college football landscape—are Lane Kiffin’s Tigers poised for a deep playoff run, or did a depleted, transfer-averse Clemson make them look better than they are? Spencer McLaughlin, Jake Hatch, Alex Donno, Isaiah Hole, and Steven Willis break down every angle of LSU’s dominant showing, from the Tigers’ physicality and offensive firepower to Clemson’s drop in talent stemming from Dabo Swinney’s refusal to embrace the transfer portal. The conversation dives into Chris Vizzina’s rocky quarterback play, the decline of the once-mighty Clemson roster...

BYU football gears up for their first Big 12 conference test of the season against the Arizona Wildcats, determined to keep Kalani Sitake’s flawless 5-0 record in the matchup intact. With Arizona’s players, led by quarterback Noah Fifita, vocalizing their motivation for payback after last year’s double-overtime heartbreaker, the stakes soar for both programs. Will BYU’s home field advantage at LaVell Edwards Stadium once again tip the balance, or can Arizona finally end the streak and launch its own Big 12 campaign in style?

The conversation focused on the unique storylines that shape the BYU-Arizona rivalry...

BYU football sent a powerful statement with a dominant 63-7 victory over Utah Tech, sparking optimism about a potential Big 12 Conference title charge and a run at the College Football Playoff. With Bear Bachmeier’s improved speed at quarterback, Legend Glasker’s record-setting debut hat trick, and Cannon DeVries’ electrifying all-purpose impact, Jake Hatch breaks down why the BYU Cougars look every bit like a veteran-laden squad ready to be hunted this season. Key moments included the first-string offense putting the game away in the first half and the defense unveiling an aggressive new identity under Kelly Poppinga, blending the co...

Welcome into another edition of Locked On Cougars, hosted by Jake Hatch! The No. 14 BYU Cougars put on an absolute clinic under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday night, dismantling the Utah Tech Trailblazers in a dominant 63-7 rout to kick off the home slate in style.  On today’s episode, we break down every angle of this explosive 56-point victory.

We start with a surgical performance from quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who carved up the Trailblazers' defense with 198 yards and three touchdowns—all efficiently delivered in a masterclass first half.  

Next, we spotlight an unf...

Big 12 teams face early-season pressure as Baylor preps for a high-stakes showdown against Auburn in the Aflac Kickoff. Can DJ Lagway ignite the Bears’ offense and save Dave Aranda’s job, or will Auburn’s transfer-heavy roster under Alex Golesh hold the upper hand? The group debates talent disparities, the impact of new coaching staffs, and whether last year’s stats offer any real insight for fans expecting a breakout performance.

The conversation focused on Oklahoma State’s revamped lineup, raising questions about defensive improvement and the upside of bringing in nearly an entire staff from North Texas. UCF’s Alon...

BYU football sets the stage for a season with sky-high stakes, eyeing an 11-1 regular season that could launch the program into the College Football Playoff conversation. Jake Hatch breaks down why he predicts BYU can conquer powerhouses like Notre Dame at LaVell Edwards Stadium, even if they sacrifice a heated road rivalry game at Utah. With the Big 12 title game and national spotlight in play, the episode spotlights how the BYU Cougars’ roster is constructed for both explosive results and record-breaking performances.

LJ Martin headlines the offensive firepower, with the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Ye...

BYU men's basketball stands at the brink of another breakthrough, with Kevin Young’s squad reshaping expectations across the Big 12 and beyond. Can incoming star Bruce Branch III match AJ Dybantsa’s legacy as a projected top NBA pick, and how high is this program’s new floor? Jake Hatch examines ESPN’s latest projections, which put BYU’s ceiling at 26 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance—despite continued uncertainties surrounding key roster pieces like Jaxon Kohler and Jakub Urbaniak. Even with questions at center and that one open scholarship slot, the national spotlight remains fixed on BYU, thanks to relentless r...

Kalani Sitake’s future at BYU remains the talk of college football as his coaching success attracts interest from programs the ilk of USC and Penn State. Fresh off a season highlighted by double-digit wins and an enhanced long-term deal, the BYU Cougars’ head coach finds himself in the national spotlight again—with major outlets wondering if his next move is coming sooner rather than later. Jake Hatch unpacks the latest Adam Rittenberg piece, exploring why Sitake’s West Coast ties, reputation as an elite recruiter, and proven results make him an appealing target for schools with bigger budgets and gran...

Lane Kiffin ignites chaos in college football as he maneuvers to bring NFL-caliber talent back to LSU, prompting a mutiny among SEC coaches and sparking fears of a potential conference boycott or outirght expulsion from the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 Squad dives headfirst into the high-stakes drama: Could LSU actually find itself on the SEC’s chopping block? With the NCAA’s eligibility rules under scrutiny and coaches like Kiffin pushing boundaries for a competitive edge, the lines between amateur and professional football grow increasingly blurred. The conversation intensifies around the 5th-year eligibility debate, the SEC’s shifting stance on ret...

BYU football set the stage for a statement season opener against Utah Tech—will Kalani Sitake’s squad deliver the dominant start BYU fans expect, and how prepared is the team for a looming revenge showdown with Arizona? Jake Hatch breaks down why the BYU Cougars should be able to “name their score” against Utah Tech and what BYU’s coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, genuinely hopes to extract from this lopsided matchup. Clean execution, disciplined game prep, and establishing a competitive standard are top of mind as the veteran offense—featuring Bear Bachmeier at quarterback and LJ Marti...

BYU Basketball’s roster strategy takes center stage as the Cougars pursue Serbian 7-footer Petar Ostojic, while top prospect Xavion Staton heads elsewhere. With questions swirling about why BYU would part ways with one project big man only to seek another, Jake Hatch breaks down the program’s recruiting philosophy and examines how the eligibility of Jaxon Kohler and European prospect Jakub Urbaniak could dramatically alter the team’s frontcourt plans this season. Is BYU prepared for a worst-case scenario, or could their calculated risks translate to on-court success? Jake Hatch explores whether international recruits will truly have the time t...

The BYU football program stands at a crossroads as off-field drama threatens to overshadow a pivotal season. Promises made—and possibly broken—between head coach Kalani Sitake and athletic director Brian Santiago are fueling a high-stakes power struggle. Jake Hatch uncovers exclusive reporting from Dick Harmon and Gordon Monson revealing contract delays, leadership disputes, and the behind-the-scenes Jay Hill interview saga when Sitake briefly considered the Penn State job. With BYU football driving $125 million of the athletic department’s $155 million revenue yet receiving less than 50% of that in return, tension over NIL budgets and program resources has never been higher...

The 14th-ranked BYU football program enters game week with fresh optimism and a revamped depth chart spotlighting the rapid rise of young standouts and the enduring presence of veteran leaders. Legend Glasker headlines the conversation after grabbing a top spot at wide receiver, confirming preseason hype and ESPN’s All-Big 12 chatter. Host Jake Hatch breaks down every key move, from Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin anchoring the backfield alongside a surprising emergence from Preston Rex—a converted player making waves as the running back corps becomes one of the deepest in years.

On the offensive line, the Coug...

The BYU Cougars sent shockwaves through college football by separating their football program, led by Kalani Sitake, from the broader athletic department under athletic director Brian Santiago. Is this bold administrative realignment a short-term “Band-Aid fix” or the beginning of a deeper philosophical split within BYU Athletics? Jake Hatch unpacks insider perspectives—including Brett McMurphy’s report and Dick Harmon’s analysis—on whether true success in the Big 12 era depends on choosing between Sitake’s modern, adaptable approach and Santiago’s established structure, or if BYU can forge a new hybrid model to keep all sports thriving. The rising professio...

TCU faces high stakes and high tension as they open the Big 12 football season against UNC in Dublin. Can the Horned Frogs shake off internal drama and avoid the infamous “Emerald Isle” curse, or will UNC’s chaotic coaching situation prove less of a distraction than expected? This week’s Big 12 Squad show gathers local experts from across the conference, including Jake Hatch and voices from the rest of the Locked On Big 12 Squad, to break down the wild landscape ahead of the official kickoff.

Overseas games steal the early spotlight, sparking spirited debate about Brett Yormark’s push for...

Kalani Sitake finally gets his wish—the BYU football program now reports directly to university leadership, bypassing athletic director Brian Santiago. The real challenge begins: Can Sitake translate this off-field win behind the scenes into historic success on the field and lead the BYU Cougars into the College Football Playoff for the first time? Armed with increased autonomy and fresh support, the stakes have never been higher for both Sitake and the program as Cougar Nation expects nothing short of a double-digit win season and national relevance.

Jake Hatch analyzes the seismic shift in leadership structure, examining th...

Big 12 powerhouses face chaos as preseason rankings ignite controversy. West Virginia surges into Big 12 title contention, Arizona State faces widespread doubt over quarterback Cutter Boley, and Oklahoma State’s offense emerges as a major talking point—all while transfer portal shakeups and 55 new Cowboys players raise questions about defensive trust. Is this the wildest preseason prediction era fans have ever seen?

The Big 12 Squad breaks down key storylines, spotlighting top prospects like DJ Lagway and Avery Johnson, and analyzing Kansas State’s star-studded NIL roster. Debates heat up over the changing quarterback landscape, group-of-five versus power-f...

Welcome to a breaking-news edition of Locked On Cougars, your daily home for all things BYU athletics. On today’s show, host Jake Hatch dives deep into a massive administrative shakeup in Provo and a controversial new ruling from the Big 12 Conference that directly impacts the hardwood.

First, we tackle the seismic news surrounding the BYU Athletic Department. In a stunning structural shift, BYU is officially separating the football program from Athletic Director Brian Santiago’s direct oversight. Going forward, head football coach Kalani Sitake will report directly to BYU Advancement Vice President Keith Vorkink. Jake breaks down...

Jaxon Kohler’s eligibility status for the BYU men's basketball program triggers major questions for Brigham Young University and the Big 12 Conference. As the NCAA’s legal wrangling over pro-athlete returns heats up, could BYU’s highly-touted transfer be benched before the season tips off? Jake Hatch spotlights the ongoing battle between conference rulebooks and individual player circumstances, separating fact from speculation gripping Cougar Nation. Analyzing freshly released parameters by the Big 12 and SEC, Jake Hatch reveals why legal injunctions and contract fine print—such as Kohler’s unsigned Exhibit 10 deal—might tip the scales in BYU’s favor. Adding to the...

The BYU football program's pursuit of a consistent passing attack takes center stage as questions swirl around Kalani Sitake’s projection for a deep wide receiver rotation. Jake Hatch challenges the idea Sitake suggested of rotating up to eight wideouts, pointing to recent seasons where production has concentrated among a core group, and breaks down why offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is likely to put the bulk of snaps in the hands of just a select few. With massive yardage departed through the exits of Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan, the spotlight turns to the new receiver hierarchy—Jojo...

The BYU football program signals their intent for a Big 12 championship and a long-awaited College Football Playoff breakthrough, riding high on confidence as camp wraps up. Can Bear Bachmeier’s leap at quarterback and the emergence of fresh faces propel Kalani Sitake’s squad through their toughest test yet? Veteran leadership is everywhere—on both sides of the ball—and expectations in Provo have never been higher. The national media are taking notice too, slotting Brigham Young University 14th in the AP Top-25 preseason poll, the second-highest spot in program history.

Jake Hatch recaps training camp’s key moment...

Welcome to another jam-packed edition of Locked On Cougars, your daily home for all things BYU athletics. On today’s show, host Jake Hatch dives into two major talking points shaping the late-summer sports landscape in Provo: the rising expectations for the hardwood and the hard realities of roster management on the gridiron.

First, we turn our attention to the Marriott Center, where Kevin Young and the BYU Men’s Basketball program are gearing up for a massive season. With the roster taking its final shape following a whirlwind recruiting and transfer cycle, the debate over the star...

Is the BYU football program about to redefine its offensive identity? With offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick pushing Bear Bachmeier to rely more on his arm and less on his bruising runs, the BYU Cougars are eyeing a season where quarterback health and explosive passing may trump old habits. Bachmeier, famous for wearing No. 47 and playing with a "fullback mentality," faces a coaching staff determined to amplify his strengths as a pinpoint passer. Will this change in approach help him avoid last season’s punishing hits and keep BYU in contention against heavyweights like Arizona, Utah, and Notre Dame, especially wi...

BYU men's basketball stuns the college hoops world with the late addition of Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, signaling a dramatic shift in the program’s Big 12 aspirations. Is a trip to the Sweet 16 now within reach? Jake Hatch unpacks how Kevin Young and his staff pulled off this incredible recruiting coup, landing a coveted big man at the eleventh hour after months of frustrating misses. Hatch explains why Kohler, a Utah County native and gifted offensive weapon, could instantly become one of the BYU Cougars' top scoring threats—perhaps even averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds—with his refined post moves...

Big 12 chaos looms as BYU and Texas Tech emerge as consensus favorites, but Utah’s bold push for the title stirs heated debate. Could the conference see not just two, but three playoff contenders, with Oklahoma State, Houston, Arizona State, and West Virginia all making their case? The Big 12 Squad breaks down quarterback battles, explosive offenses, and key schedule advantages in the race for Arlington. Intrigue grows as the crew spotlights the most pivotal matchups—BYU vs. Notre Dame, Oklahoma State vs. Oregon, and BYU-Arizona—all with playoff implications. Can Devon Dampier, Will Hammond, and Drew Mestemaker shine on the bi...

Kalani Sitake is the lifeblood of the BYU Football program, and his potential departure could shake the very foundation of the BYU Cougars. Jake Hatch opens with a hard-hitting assessment: Sitake is irreplaceable at BYU, not just for his coaching prowess but for his unique connection to the university’s culture and mission. From growing up a BYU fan to leading Brigham Young University's football program to some of its greatest heights since the 1984 national championship season, Sitake has embodied everything BYU stands for—loyalty, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jake Hatch explores why replacing Sita...

The BYU football program have a new look on their offense with major questions looming: Can their new-look wide receiver corps and veteran offensive line spark a playoff run in 2026? After losing their top three pass catchers—Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan, which accounted for roughly 80% of last season’s aerial production—the BYU Cougars face intense scrutiny about their ability to reload and compete in the Big 12 and against national powerhouses like Notre Dame. With Bear Bachmeier locked in as QB, Brigham Young University eyes impact transfers and highly touted freshmen, including Oregon transfers Roger Saleapaga and Ky...

LJ Martin’s preseason All-American nod sets the stage for the BYU Football program’s ambitions in the Big 12 Conference, but is one Cougar star enough to satisfy the fanbase in this heated Utah-BYU rivalry? Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill kick off this crossover episode by analyzing Martin’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year status and questioning which other BYU and Utah players—like Bear Bachmeier of Cade Uluave—deserved a spot on the Associated Press lists. Does the AP’s limited roster leave Big 12 standouts underrated, and can Utah’s Devon Dampier crash the postseason All-American conversation with a breakou...

The college basketball landscape has been completely upended by massive legal rulings, and the BYU Cougars are right at the center of the storm! On this episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch dives deep into the latest preliminary injunctions shaking up the NCAA transfer portal and what it means for Kevin Young’s program and the current roster construction in Provo.

We open with the massive news surrounding former Michigan State standout big man Jaxon Kohler. Kohler secured a legal injunction allowing him to enter the transfer portal for a fifth year of eligibility, and th...

The BYU football program lands at No. 14 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, and the placement sparks debate—are the BYU Cougars being underestimated, or is this their ideal launch position? Jake Hatch argues that Kalani Sitake is uniquely positioned to spin the ranking to BYU’s advantage, either fanning the flames of the perennial “disrespect” card or building on newfound national recognition. With Texas Tech, Utah, and Houston as the other notable Big 12 teams in the poll, can BYU leverage this top-15 ranking into a legitimate College Football Playoff run? The narrative focuses on BYU’s strengths as an underdo...

Kalani Sitake’s leadership of the BYU football program enters a critical phase, as mounting scrutiny surrounds whether BYU administration—especially Brian Santiago—will provide the competitive resources promised in Sitake’s contract. Is Brigham Young University truly positioned to break through college football’s upper ranks, or will internal debates over NIL dollars and staff support threaten to stall a potential College Football Playoff run? Tensions and expectations are explored in light of Adam Rittenberg’s ESPN article, which features pointed comments from both Sitake and Santiago, revealing the stakes for retaining high-caliber coaches and players. Sitake’s priorities are...

The BYU Cougars are charging into the 2026 season with momentum, experience, and high expectations—could this be the year the Cougars break through to the College Football Playoff? Jake Hatch takes you inside the latest projections and in-depth analysis from Bill Connelly’s ESPN Big 12 preview, where BYU faces off against the likes of Texas Tech and Houston as one of the league’s favorites. With Bear Bachmeier under center and LJ Martin powering the backfield, the Cougars are primed to unleash their most dynamic offense since Zach Wilson and Dax Milne led the memorable 2020 campaign. Four veteran linemen, anchor...

Big 12 conference realignment chaos looms as the Protect College Sports Act threatens to trigger a wild reshuffling of teams. Could Clemson, Florida State, and Miami bolt for the SEC or Big Ten, while the Big 12 hunts for programs like Virginia Tech and Pitt? The Big 12 Squad weighs the potential fallout, debate league size caps, and question whether this shakeup finally returns tradition—or drives conferences further apart. Tensions rise as Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers stirs controversy by picking his own Cyclones to win the Big 12 after losing over 50 players to the transfer portal. The crew analyzes Rogers’ bold...

Distraction threatens to overshadow the BYU football program as head coach Kalani Sitake faces ongoing rumors of friction with athletic director Brian Santiago. Can the BYU Cougars maintain their focus and cohesion with the season around the corner, or will internal power struggles derail a promising season? Jake Hatch breaks down Kalani Sitake’s latest media appearance, where he deflects questions regarding resources and administration, choosing to emphasize the need to avoid distractions and keep attention on the players. The podcast scrutinizes the implications of Sitake’s comments about “letting my agent handle it,” likening his stance to a pro athl...

The BYU football program stands at a crossroads as Kalani Sitake’s candid remark about needing to “do the most with the least” ignites debate within Cougar Nation. Are the BYU Cougars positioned to compete with college football’s top-tier programs, or does their budget reality put a ceiling on championship ambitions? Jake Hatch unpacks the national conversation, examining BYU’s $44.5 million football operating expenses that stand in stark contrast to blue bloods like Ohio State, Alabama, and Miami—programs spending upwards of $90 million annually. With rising costs and shifting Power 4 dynamics, can increased booster support and Big 12 revenues truly bridge...

The BYU football program stands at an apparent inflection point as Kalani Sitake publicly presses the BYU administration for additional Big 12-level resources, making it clear that doing “more with less” is no longer an option if BYU wants sustained relevance on a national stage. With overt comparisons to Penn State and inside knowledge about what other programs offer, Sitake’s pointed demands spotlight the widening gap between the BYU Cougars and their conference peers. Can BYU step up before another ambitious program lures their head coach away? Jake Hatch breaks down how Sitake’s recent comments constitute the most dir...

Controversy erupted over the weekend around BYU Athletics as rumors swirl over athletic director Brian Santiago’s employment status. Over the weekend, speculation ran rampant on message boards, with some BYU fans convinced of Santiago’s firing—prompting an almost unheard-of move by the BYU athletic department: an official statement on CougarBoard. Jake Hatch unpacks the origins of the frenzy, examining whether taking to message boards sets a risky precedent for college athletic departments and what it reveals about the power of fan-driven media in the age of instant online reactions. Is Brigham Young University’s embrace of direct, transpar...

Training camp is officially heating up in Provo, and Kalani Sitake’s squad faces crucial roster questions as preparation intensifies. On this episode of Locked On Cougars, we dive deep into the players who must step up and assert themselves during camp to solidify their starting roles and key rotation spots for the upcoming season. From finding depth in the trenches to identifying dynamic playmakers on the outside, we examine who needs to turn offseason potential into tangible production before the Cougars officially take the field for a grueling Big 12 schedule.

We also take a fascinating look at...