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

Is BYU football on the verge of a program-defining recruiting breakthrough? On this episode of Locked On Cougars, we dive deep into the most critical weekend of the 2026 recruiting cycle for Kalani Sitake and his staff. With the Cougars hosting their most impressive collection of top-end talent to date, the pressure—and the opportunity—is on to secure a haul of commitments that could completely reshape the program's trajectory. We break down the impact of these high-priority visitors and discuss how a successful weekend could serve as a "slingshot," propelling BYU from the bottom of the Big 12 recruiting rankings up i...

In this episode of Locked On Cougars, we break down the breaking news regarding former BYU receiver Parker Kingston. With his rape case dismissed by the court, we explain the legal nuances of a dismissal "without prejudice," why the judge denied the prosecution’s request for a continuance, and what this development means for his standing with Brigham Young University and the football program.

The legal landscape surrounding former BYU standout Parker Kingston has shifted dramatically. On Thursday, Judge Jay Winward of Utah’s 5th District Court dismissed the first-degree felony rape case against the former wide rece...

BYU Basketball’s offseason is heating up as Head Coach Kevin Young opens summer workouts but remains on a relentless hunt for a game-changing big man. Despite roster upgrades elsewhere, the Cougars are still missing a true center—an inside-out threat who can defend the rim, rebound, facilitate in dribble handoffs, and finish lobs. Jake Hatch analyzes Kevin Young’s candid update: BYU is laser-focused on one specific international prospect, but academic eligibility and international contracts have complicated the pursuit. With names like Xu Xin from the CBA, Egor Ryzhov from Russia, and France’s Momo Faye linked to the team...

Texas Tech faces a new low point as quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s abrupt exit and gambling scandal make the Red Raiders the most controversial team in the Big 12. After a high-stakes legal battle, public relations blunders, and a failed push by coach Joey McGuire and the Texas Tech administration to protect Sorsby’s eligibility, the program is left reeling. The Big 12 Squad tackle Tech’s costly fight to keep Sorsby on the field, the $5 million NIL frenzy, and a now-infamous Times Square billboard welcoming a QB who didn’t play a single down. With public opinion turning sharply against Texas Te...

The BYU Cougars set their sights on Big 12 Conference dominance as the turbulent Brendan Sorsby saga comes to a dramatic close—but is Kalani Sitake’s program truly ready to topple Texas Tech and assert itself among the conference powerhouses? Jake Hatch breaks down the week’s biggest storyline, chronicling the unraveling of Texas Tech’s high-stakes gamble to clear Sorsby amidst NCAA sanctions and legal fireworks. Listeners get the inside track on how Big 12 leadership, aided in part by Utah’s Attorney General Derek Brown (a BYU grad), and other state officials helped push Texas Tech and Sorsby toward the...

Faletau Satuala’s injury shakes up the BYU Cougars’ defensive landscape just months before the 2026 season. The acclaimed All-American safety, who dazzled last year with his rare combination of height, speed, and playmaking, now faces a crucial recovery period after fracturing his foot. With Satuala projected to miss at least eight weeks, Jake Hatch examines the timeline and the potential pitfalls BYU faces if he’s not 100% by the high-stakes Week 2 matchup against Arizona—a game set to define the early Big 12 race. Can BYU's defense remain elite without its versatile anchor patrolling the back end?

Jake Hatch zo...

The BYU Cougars spotlight integrity as Texas Tech faces backlash over the Brendan Sorsby eligibility saga. With Texas Tech leadership—headlined by Kirby Hocutt and Joey McGuire—working overtime and even issuing legal threats to get Sorsby under center, BYU fans and Jake Hatch revisit BYU’s unwavering tradition of upholding the honor code. Hatch draws on pivotal moments, from the Brandon Davies suspension derailing a Final Four-caliber basketball team to recent cases involving Jake Retzlaff, Parker Kingston and Harvey Unga, emphasizing that BYU has repeatedly chosen its standards over on-field or on-court success. Is Texas Tech’s win-at-all-costs mentalit...

Big 12 turmoil reaches a tipping point as the BYU Cougars’ leadership takes center stage in the high-stakes showdown with Texas Tech over quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility and recent legal maneuverings. With President Shane Reese representing BYU on the conference’s pivotal executive committee, the Brett Yormark and the Big 12 Conference face a defining moment: whether to uphold league standards amid mounting threats of injunctions from Texas Tech, whose influential boosters and administrators remain fiercely committed to Sorsby. The conversation focused on the consequences of allowing a player with a documented gambling history to play after a brief suspension—posing f...

The BYU Cougars are rising fast, entering the Big 12 conversation as not just favorites for the coming season, but as a program built for sustained success. Anchored by Bear Bachmeier at quarterback—coming off an eye-popping freshman campaign with over 3,000 passing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns—BYU’s future looks brighter than ever. Recruiting momentum is surging, with the Cougars notching the conference’s second-most blue-chip prospects and landing top talents like Ryder Lyons and Brock Harris, fueling expectations for consistent national competitiveness. Is this the beginning of a new era where BYU becomes a perennial College Football Playoff contender?

Th...

Texas Tech faces national backlash after quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s suspension is reduced to just two games following NCAA gambling violations. Rival schools, including Nebraska and Georgia, threaten to pull out of future matchups, while debate rages over league commissioner Brett Yormark’s power to intervene. The Big 12’s reputation, integrity, and potential for a new villain take center stage as some argue Tech is simply getting the SEC-style favoritism others have enjoyed for years. 

The Big 12 Squad breaks down the legal maneuvering, what this precedent means for player discipline, and whether Sorsby’s return shifts the balance o...

BYU finds itself at the heart of Big 12 controversy as the fallout from the Texas Tech–Brendan Sorsby injunction continues to ripple across the college football landscape. Will the Cougars stand alone as voices of reason, or are they at risk of being caught in a conference-wide feud that threatens to exile Texas Tech from key matchups? Jake Hatch takes listeners inside the tense dynamics following a Lubbock County judge’s decision granting Sorsby a temporary injunction despite his self-admitted gambling violations—over 9,000 bets placed, including wagers on his own team. As the Big Ten and SEC consider outright bans o...

In this episode of Locked On Cougars, we break down the massive news out of Lubbock: Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been granted a court injunction allowing him to play the 2026 season despite an NCAA gambling ban. We discuss how this legal victory shifts the Big 12 title race, where it leaves BYU in the hunt, and the broader, dangerous implications for collegiate athletics when legal intervention overrides the integrity policies of the NCAA.

The college football landscape shifted beneath our feet on Monday. In a ruling that has sent shockwaves from Lubbock to the halls of...

June emerges as a decisive month for BYU Cougars football, as the new recruiting calendar places official visits at the heart of building a Big 12 contender. With Kalani Sitake at the helm, can BYU capitalize on this critical window to attract top-tier prospects and bolster a roster capable of pursuing a College Football Playoff berth? Jake Hatch leads an engaging Fan Friday panel featuring Tawnya, Ammon, and Bobby to break down why June recruiting could shape the Cougars’ long-term trajectory—and what’s next for BYU in the highly competitive Power 4 landscape.

The discussion spotlights key expectations for th...

Utah’s high-profile private equity deal unravels as layoffs hit the athletic department—has financial control slipped away from the Utes? The Big 12 Squad dissects Utah’s $500 million capital saga, audit scrutiny, and the controversial shift in hiring power to Wall Street investors. With concerns mounting over depleted rainy day funds and drastic staff moves, rivals question if skipping the RedBird deal saved other schools from similar turmoil. 

The show pivots to football as The Athletic names BYU the Big 12’s “clear favorite,” igniting debates about preseason rankings, quarterback turnover, and Arizona’s surprising exclusion from the top 25. Texas T...

SEC bias takes center stage as BYU’s College Football Playoff case sparks controversy and resentment within the Power 4 ranks. Cam Stuart and Jake Hatch unpack the behind-the-scenes dynamics that have SEC coaches—led, surprisingly, by Texas Longhorns head coach and former BYU quarterback Steve Sarkisian—actively advocation for BYU to be ranked behind SEC teams like Vanderbilt and Texas in College Football Playoff discussions. How did BYU’s 12-2 season get overshadowed by conference politics and narratives prioritizing SEC losses over Big 12 wins? The hosts spotlight the hypocrisy in how conference title game defeats are valued differently by selectio...

Utah and BYU’s rivalry reaches new heights as Big 12 quarterback supremacy is up for grabs. Is Bear Bachmeier the state’s top passer after shattering expectations in his true freshman season, or does Devon Dampier’s dual-threat dominance and resilience give Utah the edge heading into his senior campaign? Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill spark a passionate state-and-Big 12 Conference-wide debate, dissecting Bachmeier’s statistical milestones—over 3,500 total yards and fewer than 10 turnovers—and Dampier’s breakout 34-touchdown performance. With the November 7 showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium looming with Kalani Sitake and Morgan Scalley's programs, both hosts question whether this is the best BY...

The BYU Cougars claim the spotlight as Big 12 favorites, with sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and dynamic running back LJ Martin poised to lead one of college football’s most compelling teams into the upcoming season. After back-to-back 11-win campaigns and a Big 12 Championship Game appearance, all eyes turn to whether Kalani Sitake’s crew can rise to the challenge and convert high expectations into a College Football Playoff breakthrough.

Jake Hatch delivers a detailed analysis of BYU’s new status, tying national projections to Texas Tech’s quarterback controversy and the likely loss of Brendan Sorsby. The episode...

SEC coaches target BYU and the Big 12, arguing the Cougars didn’t deserve their top-12 College Football Playoff ranking after falling to Texas Tech—yet are these complaints grounded in fact or just another SEC-driven narrative? Jake Hatch starts the episode with a fiery breakdown of the controversy that’s lit up college football circles: the SEC’s spring meeting complaints about how the BYU football program and their Big 12 schedule were treated by the playoff committee. With SEC teams suffering playoff misses while the Big 12’s Cougars surged, is the power dynamic in college football shifting for good? Jake Hatch...

Kalani Sitake’s impressive rise puts BYU Football’s transformation front and center. Now ranked as high as fifth among top college football coaches by CBS Sports, Sitake’s leadership has powered the Cougars to a 23-4 record over the last two seasons, climaxing in a Big 12 championship game appearance and serious College Football Playoff ambitions. With star quarterback Bear Bachmeier and impact running back LJ Martin at the core, BYU has rapidly shifted from Big 12 newcomers to a bona fide national powerhouse. Is Sitake poised to break into the coaching elite and bring BYU its long-awaited Big 12 championship and a...

Texas Tech softball ignites controversy as Jason Williams gets ejected for flipping off Florida Gators fans during a heated Super Regional. Can the Red Raiders’ postseason run fuel Big 12 pride against SEC rivals? 

The Big 12 Squad breaks down the latest Big 12 action, spotlighting Texas Tech’s gritty softball win and the electric response from Williams after Florida’s classless tactics. The crew previews the NCAA baseball regionals—analyzing Oklahoma State’s power lineup, West Virginia’s postseason outlook, and Houston’s coaching search. 

Plus, CBS Sports’ post-spring football power rankings deliver surprises: BYU leaps Texas Tech, while Housto...

BYU men's basketball ramps up their pursuit of a game-changing center, targeting 7-foot-5 Chinese pro Xu Xin as their answer to the pressing need for elite rim protection. Could this towering prospect finally fill the void and bring BYU’s defense to national prominence? Jake Hatch breaks down Xin’s rise from Beijing’s elite youth program to standout performances with both the Guangdong Southern Tigers and Guangzhou Loong Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association. Averaging over 11 points, 8 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game last season, Shu Xin’s unmatched size and defensive instincts have Cougar Nation buzzing—can his skills...

Is a 24-team College Football Playoff the future—or a threat to everything fans love about the sport’s high-stakes drama? Jake Hatch tackles the urgent debate swirling around CFB's postseason evolution, scrutinizing proposals to jump to a 16 or even 24-team format versus sticking with the new 12-team structure. Drawing on recent remarks from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and the pressure from conference leaders like Tony Petitti (Big Ten), Jim Phillips (ACC), and Brett Yormark (Big 12), Jake Hatch spotlights the battle lines forming as money, rivalry, and access for teams like BYU, Notre Dame, and Utah collide.

With...

Bear Bachmeier’s breakout season has BYU Cougars fans buzzing, as the young quarterback rockets into rarefied air with record-setting numbers reminiscent of college football’s elite. With 3,000 passing yards, 500 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns, and minimal turnovers as a true freshman, Bachmeier joins a short list of Power Four QBs who have parlayed similar seasons into Heisman Trophy wins and first-round NFL Draft selections. Can BYU’s new signal-caller break the mold and become the program’s next iconic passer, following in the massive footsteps of such BYU football legends like Ty Detmer and Zach Wilson? Jake Hatch dives deep into Bac...

The BYU Cougars enter unfamiliar territory as power rankings from CBS Sports and John Wilner elevate them to Big 12 favorites. Is this the year Kalani Sitake’s squad finally bursts through the glass ceiling and secures a coveted College Football Playoff berth? Jake Hatch traces the mounting expectations back to 2008’s “Quest for Perfection,” highlighting how that season’s collapse under pressure set the stage for today’s more seasoned, measured approach. With lessons learned from Bronco Mendenhall’s era, Sitake now emphasizes daily improvement and consistent effort over public grandstanding, aiming to build a foundation that thrives under the spotlight...

BYU fans know the phrase, but do they truly grasp the powerful legacy behind “Give ’Em Hell, Brigham”? On this special Memorial Day episode, Jake Hatch shines a spotlight on Vaughn Kimball—a once-promising BYU quarterback who became both a football legend and a real-life hero. Explore how Kimball’s iconic telegram to the team ahead of the 1942 Utah game transformed not just a rivalry, but the spirit of the BYU football program. His now-famous rallying cry, urging BYU to triumph over the Utes for the morale of then-25,000 Brigham Young University alumni, still echoes through LaVell Edwards Stadium and contin...

The Big 12 Conference appears to be wide open and the race for the conference championship could be the most unpredictable yet. With BYU and Texas Tech emerging as early favorites, the season promises weekly matchups where no outcome is safe and even underdogs can rewrite the script. Can Kalani Sitake's BYU Cougars, led by Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin and boasting one of the nation’s highest rates of returning defensive production, assert itself as the new gold standard? Or will Joey McGuire steer Texas Tech to dominance amid another busy offseason in the transfer portal?

The conversation fo...

BYU Football lands a cornerstone for its future defense as prized recruit Maa'imoa "Moa" Havili, Granger High School’s dominant 6’3”, 300-pound defensive tackle, commits to the Cougars over top offers from the likes of Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, Cal, and Utah, among others. Once overlooked with just two offers at the start of May, Havili’s meteoric rise to over a dozen elite Power 4 programs signals a major recruiting victory for BYU. Calling BYU his “dream school” and “the Lord’s University,” Havili’s commitment not only reflects his deep connection to the program but also confirms the Cougars’ growing influence as a Big 12...

The BYU Cougars are the talk of the Big 12 after anonymous conference coaches via Athlon Sports anointed Kalani Sitake’s program as the league’s most physical and best-coached team. With 99 days until kickoff to the college football season, optimism and expectations are at an all-time high in Provo. Coaches spotlight Bear Bachmeier’s growth at quarterback, LJ Martin’s dominance as one of the nation’s top running backs, and the return of defensive studs like Faletau Satuala and Keanu Tanuvasa. Is this the year BYU breaks through the Big 12 ceiling and claims the conference crown? Jake Hatch analyzes w...

Texas Tech’s postseason dreams hang in the balance as Brendan Sorsby’s NCAA eligibility battles mental health claims and strict gambling rules. Are the Red Raiders’ hopes tied to this high-stakes legal fight? The panel unpacks Sorsby’s unprecedented injunction, the Big 12’s reputation, and the lingering shadow of betting controversies on college football. Key questions arise: Can Sorsby’s “fitting in” defense sway the NCAA, or does it set a precarious precedent for mental health in sports? Elsewhere in the Big 12, coaching headlines buzz with Kyle Whittingham’s Utah succession plan, Kalani Sitake’s near-move to Penn State, and the ongoi...

The BYU Cougars solidify their quarterback depth by securing junior college talent John Sanders, raising the stakes in Provo’s competitive QB room. Is this a move to push contenders like Enoch Watson and Treyson Bourguet, or simply insurance behind established starter Bear Bachmeier? With Sanders joining the mix, questions swirl around how the Cougars will balance immediate needs and long-term development at the position, especially in a climate shaped by NIL incentives and fluid roster management.

Jake Hatch breaks down the rationale behind Aaron Roderick’s bold approach to roster construction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining four...

Panic is spreading through the BYU men's basketball program’s fanbase as the Cougars strike out on another crucial center. Michael Ružić has chosen LSU over BYU, despite boosters previously vowing, “We won’t be outbid” in NIL battles. Now, all eyes are on Luigi Suigo, who remains in NBA Draft consideration and reportedly leans toward Villanova if he returns to college ball. Can Kevin Young pivot the Cougars’ recruiting efforts in time to secure a 6'10"+ rim protector, or will lack of interior presence undermine BYU’s Big 12 ambitions? The show dissects the ongoing center search, pointing out that nearl...

Big 12 quarterbacks are set to redefine the conference’s identity, as a new wave of talent and competition brings both excitement and uncertainty to the upcoming season. From Bear Bachmeier’s electrifying freshman campaign at BYU to highly touted recruit Julian Lewis poised to lead Colorado, the race for quarterback supremacy is wide open. Houston’s Connor Weigman adds further intrigue, while names like UCF’s former Sun Belt Player of the Year transfer Alonza Barnett keep the spotlight on every snap. Could quarterback play end up being the great differentiator in a league where FanDuel projects most teams to finis...

Big 12 football stuns the college sports scene as major programs—BYU, Colorado, Texas Tech, and others—reject a $30 million private equity lifeline, sparking questions about financial wisdom and long-term vision in the NIL era. Is refusing instant capital a sign of confidence, or are these programs risking their future competitiveness? The episode opens with Kevin Borba and Jake Hatch dissecting the high-stakes decision, breaking down why schools are turning away from Redbird Capital’s offer. Concerns over steep interest rates, diminished financial autonomy, and the potential reputation hit of being linked with private equity force teams into a tense stand...

BYU Football looks to make waves in the Big 12, driven by a reenergized defensive line led by Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland. Could this be the year that the Cougars’ defensive tackle duo establishes itself as the conference’s finest? Tanuvasa returns for his final season after tough NFL feedback and a “disgust” with leaving unfinished business on the field. He shares his motivation to run it back, highlighting the bond with teammates, the evolving program culture, and the personal desire to elevate his game and draft stock by pushing team success.

Jake Hatch spotlights Tanuvasa’s growth fro...

The BYU football program's wide receiver room enters a season-defining crossroads as Josiah “Jojo” Phillips is challenged to become the offense’s game-changer after a string of departures left more than 2,300 receiving yards up for grabs. Jake Hatch spotlights why Phillips, blessed with elite size and athleticism at 6'5” and 205 pounds, is under pressure to lead Bear Bachmeier’s aerial attack—if he can shake off his reputation for injuries and drops. Can BYU finally get a dominant No. 1 weapon, or will the offense be forced to spread production across several unproven names?

Key discussion centers on transfer Kyl...

Kalani Sitake's commitment to BYU football just sent shockwaves through Cougar Nation. Despite tempting overtures from Penn State and eye-popping contract rumors topping $9 million a year, Sitake doubled down on his vision for the Cougars: national prominence and a real shot at the College Football Playoff. Is BYU now one of the Big 12’s teams to beat, and what does Sitake's loyalty mean for the program’s culture, recruiting, and postseason aspirations?

Jake Hatch breaks down the inside story behind BYU’s successful push to keep Sitake, including key figures like Jason McGowan from Crumbl and other power...

The BYU Cougars and Utah Utes baseball and softball programs are reaching a turning point as financial realities and shifting priorities could threaten their future. Jake Hatch and Drake Toll spotlight how, despite top-tier facilities like Miller Park and Gail Miller Field, BYU and Utah lag behind Big 12 powerhouses—especially Texas Tech, where targeted $2 million donations have reinvigorated the Red Raiders' softball program. The episode unpacks why, with significant athletic department resources and passionate fan bases, these programs remain stuck “behind the eight ball,” citing the absence of dedicated boosters and the overwhelming focus on revenue-driven sports like football and me...

BYU Cougars’ quarterback Bear Bachmeier draws national attention as former Utah head coach Ron McBride boldly declares him “in a league by himself”—even calling the BYU signal-caller better than recent first-round NFL draft prospects. Can Bachmeier’s elite poise, anticipation, and chemistry with teammates elevate BYU to new heights in the Big 12? Jake Hatch breaks it down, dissecting if this extraordinary QB play will be enough to push BYU to all-time heights as in a Big 12 Championship, or even College Football Playoff contention for the first time in school history.

The "Fan Friday Squad" takes center stage with...

Big 12 teams unanimously reject Brett Yormark’s $30 million private equity offer—does this signal deeper issues within the conference’s financial strategy? The Big 12 Squad tackles the fallout from the Big 12’s capital proposal, exploring why schools like BYU, Colorado, and Houston turned down “free money.” The crew debates risk vs. reward, hidden contract fine print, and whether teams should gamble millions for a shot at football supremacy. Plus, a heated look at BYU and Baylor’s struggles on the baseball diamond, Oklahoma State’s home run barrage, and West Virginia’s dominance after sweeping Kansas. Is RedBird Capital’s involvement a miss...

The BYU Cougars claim their defensive tackle duo of Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland could be the most dominant in the Big 12—a bold assertion that sets the stage for a pivotal season in Provo. Is the BYU football program finally positioned for a return to defensive prominence after years scraping for depth in the trenches? Jake Hatch breaks down how BYU’s interior line, headlined by Tanuvasa’s agility and Kirkland’s size, matches up with last season’s elite Texas Tech front. With both players touting their synergy and dominance, expectations skyrocket as BYU aims to rival conference...