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

Big 12 supremacy is up for grabs as BYU and Arizona square off in a pivotal Week 2 clash that could dictate the conference’s tone for the entire season. Will Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin propel the BYU Cougars to the front of the Big 12 race, or can Noah Fifita—Arizona’s reigning conference quarterback of the year—lead a Wildcats squad on the rise and prove they’re not being overlooked? Jake Hatch and Leif Thulin dissect the critical stakes, reflecting on last year’s double-overtime thriller and weighing how returning talent on both rosters positions each team as a serious co...

The BYU men's basketball program's search for a starting center intensifies as another high-profile target, Obinna Ekezie Jr., opts for Louisville, adding pressure on Kevin Young and his staff to secure a vital piece for next season’s roster. With top stateside names dwindling, BYU pivots its focus overseas, targeting promising international prospects like Michael Ružić—a 6'11" Croatian standout with professional experience in Spain alongside Ricky Rubio and Jabari Parker—and Egor Ryzhov, a rim-protecting Russian big man with prior interest from Florida State. Jake Hatch dissects why rim protection, defensive versatility, and three-point shooting are top prioriti...

BYU running back LJ Martin stands on the edge of history, poised to become the BYU football program’s all-time leading rusher while also carrying the title of reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. His journey is one marked by grit, ambition, and a hunger to elevate both his personal game and the fortunes of the BYU Cougars. Facing tough decisions after a breakout season, LJ Martin opens up to Jake Hatch about why he chose to forgo the NFL Draft—despite widespread speculation about his status as a priority pick—and return to Provo for one more run wi...

Utah Tech is set for a high-stakes football campaign, launching their season with a daunting schedule highlighted by a marquee clash against BYU. Trailblazers head coach Lance Anderson offers a candid look at the strategic and cultural challenges his FCS program faces in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. How does a team like Utah Tech compete as standout players are routinely plucked by FBS programs, and what does roster retention look like when bigger stages—and bigger paydays—beckon?

Anderson joined Jake Hatch to preview their BYU matchup and unloads on the shifting landscape of c...

The BYU Cougars stand on the brink of Big 12 history, poised to make consecutive championship game appearances while traditional powers stumble. With Texas Tech’s star quarterback Brendan Sorsby facing major eligibility setbacks, all eyes turn to Bear Bachmeier and BYU’s window of opportunity. Can the Cougars capitalize—and does Tech have enough firepower left with Will Hammond coming off injury?

Jake Hatch and Spencer McLaughlin provide an engaging breakdown of the shifting Big 12 landscape. The discussion kicks off with the Sorsby controversy, an unexpected twist that threatens Texas Tech’s championship ambitions. Bear Bachmeier draws a compel...

As the BYU Cougars brace for a pivotal campaign as all eyes turn to Sione Moa—the under-the-radar linchpin whose health could tilt the balance of the entire backfield. While LJ Martin sits within striking distance of breaking the program’s all-time rushing record, BYU’s postseason hopes rest as much on the durability and availability of supporting backs as on Martin’s star power. After injuries to both Martin and Bear Bachmeier last season left the offense struggling, the Cougars’ coaching staff now places immense trust in Moa to serve as the “Robin” to Martin’s “Batman,” ensuring the running attack k...

Texas Tech faces a major setback as star quarterback Brendan Sorsby is caught in a gambling controversy, casting doubt on his Big 12 future. Will Sorsby suit up this season, or has Tech’s shot at a championship vanished overnight? The squad unpacks how over a thousand wagers—many placed during Sorsby’s stints at Indiana and Cincinnati—sparked a full-blown crisis, igniting questions about competitive integrity, NCAA regulations, and the future of sports betting in college football. The Big 12 Squad debates whether institutional oversight failed, how Texas Tech might fight to keep Sorsby eligible, and if precedent from cases like Iow...

The BYU Cougars turn heads by refusing the Big 12 Conference’s bold Redbird Capital partnership, raising serious questions about the future of private capital in college sports. With Commissioner Brett Yormark pushing a $30 million credit line and fresh strategic alliances to keep pace in the relentless college athletics arms race, BYU’s principled stance—rooted in independence and deep donor ties—could set a precedent for powerful programs wary of outside control. Jake Hatch breaks down the pros and cons of the private capital offer, highlighting why BYU and the majority of other Big 12 members may opt out, and what thi...

The NCAA’s radical “5 for 5” eligibility proposal has BYU Cougars fans buzzing—could this streamlined approach provide an answer to the Cougars’ recruitment and roster woes, or are its impacts overhyped? Jake Hatch breaks down the specifics: five years to play five, redshirt rules eliminated, and key exceptions for church missions, maternity leave, and military service. For BYU basketball, the stakes are high with star prospects like Obinna Ekezie Jr.—a phenom on the radar for NBA lottery status—top on Kevin Young’s wishlist. But with major departures and no retroactive application for outgoing stars like Richie Saunders or Keba Keita, i...

The Big 12 championship race takes a shocking turn as Brendan Sorsby’s betting scandal threatens Texas Tech’s QB1 status, creating a seismic opportunity for the BYU Cougars and Utah Utes to potentially ascend. With Sorsby likely sidelined and uncertainty surrounding Will Hammond's health status, the league’s presumed favorite suddenly looks vulnerable. Can BYU’s returning stars, including Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin, capitalize on this opening? Is this the moment BYU finally seizes a Power 4 conference title? Meanwhile, Utah retools under Morgan Scalley, looking to overcome wholesale changes on both the offensive and defensive lines while leaning on Devin...

The BYU Cougars’ NFL Draft prospects are heating up, fueling hopes for a transformative year that could put Provo on the professional football map. With top-tier talent like running back LJ Martin poised for a potential mid-round selection and ultra-productive defenders Isaiah Glasker and Evan Johnson attracting significant NFL attention, the Cougars’ strategy appears ready to pay off. Kalani Sitake’s program has long chased a large draft class, and now, with the continued rise of NIL keeping core players in school and a roster packed with high-upside prospects, BYU's ambitions are clear: send a record number of Cougars to the...

BYU Basketball is on the brink of a bold youth movement, placing its center hopes on five-star prodigy Obinna Ekezie Jr. The 17-year-old, who plans to reclassify, has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the Cougars’ gaping hole at the five. Can head coach Kevin Young outmaneuver heavyweights like Arkansas and Louisville in a high-stakes recruiting battle to land Ekezie Jr., a potential lottery pick? Jake Hatch breaks down how Ekezie’s size, athleticism, and defensive reputation—highlighted by MVP honors at the Basketball Without Borders camp—could transform BYU’s frontcourt overnight. The episode also explores the significan...

BYU football stuns the recruiting world by securing a commitment from four-star defensive tackle Jeremiah Williams, a top-300 prospect out of Tustin High School. Could this signal the dawn of a new era for Kalani Sitake’s Cougars in the Big 12? Jake Hatch breaks down the impact of landing Williams—a dynamic 6’0”, 315-pound mauler who not only dominates as a defensive lineman but also proved his athleticism by running for double-digit touchdowns as a short-yardage fullback. The analysis explores how BYU, once limited by its independence and lack of Power 4 affiliation, is now battling and beating programs like UCLA, North Ca...

Big 12 basketball’s NIL arms race intensifies as Oklahoma State and West Virginia surge past BYU and Texas Tech with headline-grabbing transfer portal moves. Can Oklahoma State’s spending power and West Virginia’s strategic recruiting vault them into the conference elite? Jake Hatch spotlights BYU’s portal strategy and lingering questions at center, while the squad debates if any team can keep pace with the league’s escalating competition. Off the court, rumors swirl around Cody Campbell’s son and the potential for seismic shifts in Big 12 football power dynamics. West Virginia baseball’s electric offense and pitching depth push the...

The BYU football program;s 2026 football campaign is loaded with intrigue as rising quarterback Bear Bachmeier preps for a potential breakout in his sophomore season. After transferring from Stanford and producing a 3,000-yard passing year as a true freshman, Bachmeier is focused on improved physical conditioning and taking the reins of BYU’s offense with more confidence and authority. The offseason spotlight shines on new weapons: tight end transfers Walker Lyons (USC) and Roger Saleapaga (Oregon) quickly became spring standouts, poised to offset concerns in the wide receiver room after the departures of Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts. Big-bodied Ky...

BYU Basketball fans have reason to be excited as Collin Chandler returns home from Kentucky, ready to redefine his game under head coach Kevin Young. Previously limited mostly to a three-point specialist role at Kentucky, Chandler now has the chance to prove he’s more than just a perimeter threat. Averaging 9.7 points and shooting 41% from deep, Chandler showed impressive efficiency, but can BYU unlock his full potential as a three-level scorer, dynamic in transition and relentless at the rim? Kevin Young is known as one of college basketball’s most creative offensive coaches, and all eyes will be on his...

BYU Basketball’s recruiting stock is soaring as elite prospects take notice of Kevin Young’s transformational influence in Provo. Top 2027 recruit CJ Rosser highlights BYU’s dramatic development of AJ Dybantsa, crediting BYU men's basketball coack Kevin Young for rapidly elevating talent and boosting draft profiles. As Rosser considers programs like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama, will BYU’s proven track record with stars like Dybantsa and the fast-rising Bruce Branch III give the Cougars a real shot against powerhouse programs? Jake Hatch unpacks Rosser’s telling remarks, Rob Wright III’s decision to stay in Provo, and why BYU is s...

BYU Basketball zeroes in on Georgetown’s 7-foot, 260-pound sophomore Julius Halaifonua as a marquee transfer portal target. With proven Power 5 production—averaging nearly 10 points, over four rebounds, and over 60% shooting in the rugged Big East for Georgetown University—Halaifonua emerges as a potential game-changer for Kevin Young’s program. Can the Cougars land this New Zealand native and transform their frontcourt into a Big 12 force?

Jake Hatch examines the nuances of transfer portal recruiting, emphasizing the value of acquiring experienced big men in a market where top centers command staggering NIL deals. BYU’s willingness to invest, co...

The BYU Cougars are once again fighting for the respect and recognition they’ve earned on the gridiron. Despite an impressive 23-4 record over the past two seasons and multiple close calls with the College Football Playoff, the BYU football program opens the year at 19th in FanDuel’s playoff odds, trailing behind programs like Big 12 Conference rival Texas Tech and even Penn State under new head coach Matt Campbell. Jake Hatch breaks down what these odds say about the persistent national perception of BYU and the Cougars’ battle against Big Ten and SEC favoritism. He highlights pivotal matchups, includ...

BYU Basketball zeroes in on 7'2" center prospect Luigi Suigo, whose rare mix of size, mobility, and EuroLeague experience has put him at the very top of Kevin Young’s recruiting board. Suigo could be the perfect solution to BYU’s glaring hole at the five, offering rim protection, rebounding muscle, and a skill set that allows him to impact the game both in the paint and beyond the arc. With the crossroads of his career rapidly approaching, Suigo must decide between leaping straight to the NBA, where he’s projected as a second-round pick, or embracing a transformative colleg...

BYU men's basketball eyes another leap as Bruce Branch III dazzles at the Jordan Brand Classic, posting a dominant double-double and fueling talk of a third straight lottery-caliber prospect for Kevin Young’s "NBA factory" in Provo. Can Branch be the latest in a rising line of BYU stars—following Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa—projected to hit the NBA draft’s highest tiers? His impressive blend of length, three-level scoring, relentless rebounding, and natural fit in fast-break-heavy systems pairs perfectly with Kevin Young’s vision of an NBA-ready program. Jake Hatch breaks down how Branch’s skills, attitude, and upside f...

BYU Football is on a mission for greatness as right tackle Andrew Gentry, a national champion with Michigan, joins forces with Kalani Sitake and the Cougars to chase ultimate glory. Can Andrew Gentry’s winning mentality and the program’s emphasis on culture elevate BYU to the College Football Playoff? The energy surges as Jake Hatch and Gentry explore what it takes to build a championship team in Provo—and whether this group has the mentality to bring a national title back to Cougar Nation.

The conversation unlocks insider insights into BYU’s offensive line, where Andrew Gentry c...

The BYU Cougars double down on their distinct identity, refusing to chase the private equity deals now reshaping college sports finances. BYU athletic direction Brian Santiago’s public commitment to independence comes as Big 12 rivals like Utah pursue staggering $500 million windfalls through Otro Capital, but BYU’s refusal raises the question: will values-driven leadership keep the Cougars in the national conversation or put them at a resource disadvantage? Jake Hatch unpacks why BYU’s fierce institutional independence—rooted in its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a powerful, deep-pocketed donor base—means they can call their...

Big 12 football faces fan backlash as Texas Tech gets two Saturday games stripped, with a marquee matchup against Houston moved to Friday night. The Big 12 Squad debates the impact of weeknight games on local attendance, high school football culture, and the conference’s national exposure. Does this scheduling decision actually give Houston a major advantage, and why isn’t the Big 12 showcasing its top games on Saturdays like the SEC? The squad also explores massive shifts in college basketball: NIL deals and NBA draft prospects are reshaping Big 12 rosters as stars like Joseph Tugler and AJ Dybantsa weigh million-dollar deci...

Welcome into a massive "Commitment Edition" of Locked On Cougars with your host Jake Hatch. We lead off today’s show with a definitive statement from the Transfer Portal: Robert Wright III is officially returning to Provo! This was the recruiting battle that had the entire fan base on edge, as Wright took a high-profile visit to Lexington to meet with former BYU head coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. In an era where blue-blood programs often pick off the Big 12’s best talent, Kevin Young proved that BYU is now a destination that can hold its own agai...

On today's episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch dives into the high-stakes world of the College Football Playoff and why the preseason polls might matter more for Kalani Sitake and the BYU Football program than ever before. With the 12-team format in place, we discuss the "prestige gap" and why the Cougars likely need to start inside the Preseason Top-25 to ensure they have the resume runway to crack the CFP field if they deliver the double-digit win season fans are dreaming of and expecting. Does a "power four" schedule in ghe Big 12 Conference provide enough of a...

On the hardwood, Jake Hatch examines BYU men’s basketball’s aggressive pursuit of outside shooting talent. The addition of former Syracuse and Cincinnati three-point specialist Tyler Betsey signals a pivotal shift in strategy for Kevin Young’s roster construction, emphasizing Power 5 experience and reliable high-volume shooting. The breakdown explores why Betsy’s shooting prowess and Big 12 pedigree could be the missing ingredient BYU needs—especially after struggles with portal additions last season. With Collin Chandler and Betsy both bringing 40%+ from deep, will Young’s spacing and offensive philosophy finally click, allowing playmakers like Bruce Branch more freedom to attack?

BYU men's basketball makes a statement as Collin Chandler commits and returns to Utah, sending shockwaves across the Big 12. Can Kevin Young leverage Chandler’s dynamic skillset to elevate the Cougars to a Sweet 16? A proven 41% three-point shooter with the size and athleticism to play both guard spots, Chandler arrives not only to fill a critical roster need after a season of offensive inconsistency but also to bring local pride and high-level SEC experience back to Provo. With Rob Wright’s status still in flux, Chandler could emerge as either BYU’s starting two or be trusted with ball-handling duties...

A roster upheaval signals new hope in Provo—can Kevin Young’s vision spark a revitalized era for BYU Cougars basketball? With just five holdovers from last season currently with most-recent portal exits like Tyler Mrus and KJ Perry, the Cougars are in reload mode, but fresh, high-upside talent is on the way. Collin Chandler headlines the reinforcements, making his long-awaited “homecoming,” joined by five-star recruit Bruce Branch and sharp-shooting Dean Rueckert. Jake Hatch argues this transformation isn’t a setback—it’s a launchpad, with the coaching staff targeting immediate-impact transfers and difference-makers to fill glaring roster needs, especially at...

Big 12 transfer chaos signals seismic shifts—can new executive orders curb college athletes’ free agency, or will the player movement frenzy continue? Anthony Roy and Rob Wright headline heated debates over multimillion-dollar transfers, while experts question President Trump’s new transfer portal restrictions and their real-world enforceability. The Big 12 Squad weighs in on loopholes and the NCAA’s antitrust concerns, spotlighting BYU, West Virginia, and Arizona State’s unique stakes in the chaos. 

The saga of Rob Wright III has become the primary Exhibit A for critics who argue that the current NIL landscape has devolved into a series of...

The BYU men's basketball program reloads with a major addition as former Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler enters the transfer portal, strongly expected to join Kevin Young’s roster in Provo. Can Chandler fill the void left by Richie Saunders and anchor the next era of BYU hoops? Jake Hatch breaks down how Chandler’s impressive sophomore stats at Kentucky—9.7 points per game, shooting 41% from three—could mirror Saunders’ own meteoric junior-year rise, fueling excitement for yet another LDS mission returnee who’s proven his talent on the big stage. As BYU eyes more consistent shooting and culture fits in the Big 1...

The BYU men's basketball program faces a recruiting crossroads as four-star Utah Prep standout Anthony Felesi hits the open market after decommitting from Pittsburgh. With deep ties to BYU and AJ Dybantsa, Felesi’s elite defensive prowess could reshape Kevin Young’s roster and set the Cougars up for a powerhouse freshman class. Will BYU’s connection to Felesi, local roots, and robust boosters be enough to outmaneuver heavy competition and secure a cornerstone for future success?

Jake Hatch kicks off with an urgent look at Felesi’s must-get status, breaking down the guard’s strengths—size, tenacious pe...

BYU men's basketball faces a transformative portal season as head coach Kevin Young navigates one of the most decisive offseasons in program history. With former four-star prospect Xavion Staton announcing his intent to transfer, the Cougars find themselves re-evaluating roster priorities and the backbone of next year’s team. Jake Hatch spotlights the “keep at all costs” group—Rob Wright, Aleksej Kostic, Khadim Mboup, and Dawson Baker—while examining which other players, including KJ Perry and Nate Pickens, could stay in Provo if the NIL price is right. As Young works to retain his brightest prospects, several names could be on the...

Bear Bachmeier commands the headlines as he embraces his role as BYU Cougars’ starting quarterback. Is he prepared to push the program to new heights and deliver a Big 12 championship or a College Football Playoff appearance? Jake Hatch spotlights Bachmeier’s maturing leadership, expanded comfort in the spotlight, and his sharpened command of Aaron Roderick’s offense. With Chase Roberts and other senior voices gone, Bachmeier has captured the confidence of teammates and coaches this offseason. He now shoulders lofty expectations after a record-setting campaign, as he aims for statistical excellence—chasing 4,000 yards, 70% completions, and a run at postseason glory—al...

A seismic shift is on the horizon for college football as the NCAA eyes strict penalties—including suspending head coaches for up to half the season and slashing program budgets by 20%—to crack down on players using the unenroll-re-enroll loophole to transfer outside official portal windows. With high-profile examples like Jake Retzlaff’s departure from BYU to Tulane, the conversation intensifies around whether these enforcement actions can stick, or if the legal system will ultimately tip the scales in favor of student-athletes’ rights. Programs across the country, including BYU, are openly anxious about rampant poaching and player movement after spring p...

The BYU Cougars exit spring camp with momentum and a clear sense of purpose, poised as genuine contenders for the Big 12 title and perhaps even a spot in the College Football Playoff. Tight ends Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga emerge as offensive game-changers, drawing unanimous praise from coaches and teammates alike, while quarterback Bear Bachmeier leverages his first full offseason in Provo to elevate his game to a new level. Is this the year BYU’s veteran core and new talent finally combine for a deep postseason run?

Jake Hatch delivers a fast-paced breakdown of spring camp’s to...

Arizona Wildcats power into the Final Four, carrying the Big 12’s championship hopes on their shoulders. Can Tommy Lloyd’s squad overcome a razor-thin spread against Michigan and silence doubters about their place in the conference? The conversation heats up as hosts and insiders debate Arizona’s dominance, Michigan’s high-octane trio, and the critical impact of turnovers, rebounding, and three-point shooting in this high-stakes matchup. 

The Big 12 Squad voices spotlight how Arizona’s grit, defensive identity, and fan base set them apart from newcomers like Utah. The episode scrutinizes Brett Yormark’s bold PR moves, Friday night footbal...

The BYU Cougars’ run at Big 12 glory may ride on the shaky depth of their running back room. L.J. Martin returns after earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, but behind him, injuries and uncertainty threaten to derail BYU’s high expectations. Jake Hatch spotlights the distinct lack of transfer portal activity in recent seasons and questions whether relying on injury-prone backs like Sione Moa and having Jovesa Damuni out long-term due to knee injury could come back to haunt Kalani Sitake’s ambitious squad. If Martin misses time, will true freshman Devaughn Eka, or gritty runners like L...

The BYU Cougars looked to the transfer portal for fresh talent as Paki Finau steps up as their potential starting left tackle—can the former Washington Husky provide the stability and athleticism the line needs with Isaiah Jatta’s departure? With spring camp buzz growing around Finau’s performances and leadership, fans wonder if he’ll play a pivotal role in shoring up BYU’s offensive front for the coming season.

Jake Hatch talks one-on-one with Paki Finau, revealing how connections made as early as high school—especially with Coach TJ Woods—became the determining factor in Finau choosing...

The BYU football program stands at a crossroads as they search for the next breakout star to catch passes from Bear Bachmeier. After the departure of top receivers Parker Kingston Jr., Chase Roberts, and Carsen Ryan, the depth chart is loaded with unproven talent and intriguing storylines. Jojo Phillips, returning from injury and possessing elite physical tools, leads the list of candidates to become BYU’s new safety blanket. Tight end transfers Walker Lyons (from USC) and Roger Saleapaga (from Oregon) bolster Aaron Roderick’s offensive scheme, offering dynamic options alongside Phillips. Also in the mix is Cody Hagen, whos...