
Hosted by Locked On Podcast Network, Jake Hatch · EN

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, transparent communication with its base a smart adaptation or a move that risks further amplifying unfounded rumors? Jake Hatch discusses how this moment could mark a major shift in how schools like BYU interact with their invested, passionate fanbases. Meanwhile, the football field offers reasons for real excitement. True freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker stakes his claim as a breakout contender after a highlight one-on-one win against defensive veteran Evan Johnson in fall camp. Jake Hatch analyzes Glasker’s recruiting journey, performance trajectory, and why he might become the BYU Cougars’ next impact star. Glasker isn’t just a hype machine; his camp reps, high school versatility, and immediate chemistry with quarterback Bear Bachmeier suggest he’s ready to step up in a BYU receiving corps left wide open after top pass catchers Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan departed. Can Glasker set a new standard for BYU football freshman receivers and make a case for immediate playing time this season? The episode also unpacks new national data on homegrown roster construction. BYU emerges as a Big 12 outlier, ranking fifth in the conference and 23rd nationally with over 53% of its talent drawn from in-state. Jake Hatch explains how Kalani Sitake’s focus on cultivating local standouts—while still stretching BYU’s recruiting reach into California, Texas, and beyond—has positioned the Cougars for sustained success. The discussion contrasts BYU’s approach with rivals like Utah, who trail far behind in local talent retention, and explores why Utah’s high schools are quietly fueling one of the nation’s most underrated football pipelines. With crucial storylines on and off the field, this podcast offers essential analysis for Cougar fans hungry to understand BYU’s evolving identity, top prospects, and the new rules of engagement in the social media era. Will BYU’s transparency pay off? Are future stars ready to step in and deliver winning seasons under the spotlight? Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s sharp insights on these pivotal questions. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10 Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 a recent piece from ESPN examining college football's historical villains and archenemies, breaking down who they labeled as BYU’s ultimate foil and why that ghost from the past still resonates deeply with Cougar Nation. Plus, we shift gears to the national landscape to analyze major legislative moves in Washington. With the proposed Protect College Sports Act making massive waves across the collegiate athletics landscape—including strict conference size caps and new provisions attempting to curb unchecked roster movement—could a newly floated amendment inadvertently trigger one final, chaotic round of college football realignment before the door slams shut on future conference expansion? Tune in for complete BYU football coverage, training camp updates, Big 12 insights, and an exploration of the macro-level changes threatening to reshape the sport as we know it. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big 12 and SEC football programs face a seismic shift as the Protect College Sports Act threatens to slash NIL budgets, capping them at $48.8 million. Will powerhouse teams like Ohio State and LSU maintain dominance with less cash, or does this level the playing field for underdogs like Houston and BYU? The Big 12 Squad breaks down how donor strategies, transfer rules, and the new public NIL deal mandate will reshape college football and basketball recruiting. The hosts tackle tough questions about the survival of non-revenue sports, with baseball and track rosters poised to take significant hits. As schools wrestle with funding decisions—prioritizing football and men’s basketball—return on investment becomes king. Plus, the chaotic rollout of the 5-and-5 eligibility rule leaves coaches and players scrambling before the season kicks off. Don’t miss this fast-moving analysis of the NIL era’s next chapter in Big 12 and SEC athletics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The BYU Cougars set the stage for a potentially historic season, entering the national spotlight with a Preseason Coaches Poll ranking of #15 and eyes on a College Football Playoff bid. Is the ranking too low for a roster rich in experience, or is it the ideal spot for a team ready to shatter expectations? Jake Hatch breaks down how Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program, fueled by two straight years of double-digit wins and an upperclassman-laden core, is embracing the pressure of big-time aspirations—including a quest for the Big 12 Conference title and a shot at playoff glory. The Cougars’ uphill battle for recognition against blue blood programs like LSU and USC takes center stage, raising the stakes for every upcoming matchup, most notably against Notre Dame and in early Big 12 showdowns. Key storylines emerge from training camp at Brigham Young University, where concerns about receiver and tight end productivity are answered by a wave of promising performances. Standouts like Legend Glasker, Walker Lyons, Roger Saleapaga, Reggie Frischknecht, and Kyler Kasper flash reliable hands and big-play potential during the first day of drills, while Bear Bachmeier asserts his status as BYU’s clear QB1. The camp insight also spotlights impressive depth across the wide receiver and tight end rooms—despite the loss of major contributors from last season—and hints that Fesi Sitake’s recruiting may have quietly cultivated the program’s most explosive set of pass-catchers in recent memory. Team speed becomes a defining narrative, with Kalani Sitake declaring this group the fastest he’s coached, signaling a major evolution from BYU’s old “finesse” reputation. Leadership and motivation run high; players like Isaiah Glasker and Andrew Gentry openly pursue national championship dreams, a tangible shift in attitude given the new playoff format and Big 12 membership. Off the field, the podcast dives into notable roster updates, including the departures of Kaden Chidester and Andrew Williams, a sharpened kicking battle, and the additions of running back Journee Tonga and multisport talent Fisher Ingersoll—who arrives after a collegiate baseball career and brings prep football pedigree back to Provo. Will this blend of raw athleticism, veteran leadership, and renewed ambition finally catapult the BYU Cougars into college football’s elite? With offensive stars like LJ Martin poised for a breakout and coaches fine-tuning a balanced attack, the stage is set for a season packed with intrigue, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a legacy-defining championship run. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The BYU football program kicks off training camp with one goal: break through as Big 12 Conference champions and crash the College Football Playoff for the first time. Can Kalani Sitake’s team shake off the “bridesmaid” label after two near-miss seasons? Jake Hatch sets the tone with a no-nonsense look at Brigham Young University's championship mindset, spotlighting the urgency for every player from Bear Bachmeier at quarterback to LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Leadership, buy-in, and daily focus become non-negotiables as the BYU Cougars aim to rewrite the program’s history. Position battles and roster questions crowd the spotlight, especially at receiver and tight end. Who becomes Bachmeier’s go-to target—will Jojo Phillips and Kyler Kasper step up, or will tight ends Roger Saleapaga and Walker Lyons, praised as elite transfer additions, dominate the passing game? Jake Hatch analyzes depth, potential, and production, explaining why BYU could lean on multi-tight end sets if pass catchers emerge. Young talents like Legend Glasker and Jaron Pula add intrigue, but consistency and health remain critical factors. BYU’s offensive line draws optimism, with Kyle Sfacioc and Sonny Makasini set to anchor the guard spots alongside All-Big 12 center Bruce Mitchell, yet the loss of Kaden Chidester and another unnamed player to mission service leaves the unit thin and hungry for step-ups. Everydayer Club member questions fuel debate: Will there be last-minute position switches to shore up depth? Is LJ Martin being held back in camp or ready to run wild? Who emerges as QB2, can Sione Moa hold onto RB2, or will Devaughn Eka seize the role? Jake Hatch praises offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick’s adaptability and teases a more open playbook with Bachmeier now experienced. On defense, Kelly Poppinga’s first campaign as coordinator looms large—can BYU’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” identity inject attitude and consistency, taking advantage of star power in the front seven to stifle high-powered Big 12 offenses? Finally, can BYU deliver the vertical explosiveness and mental toughness needed when every opponent treats them as the hunted? Jake Hatch doesn’t shy from skepticism, recalling moments from past camps where doubts lingered but champions proved him wrong. From multi-tight end sets to the pressure of preseason expectations, this episode lays out everything Cougar Nation must watch as BYU’s quest for history begins. Will this finally be the season fans remember forever? Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Congressional reform could upend college football finances—does BYU have what it takes to match the nation’s elite? Jake Hatch unpacks the Protect College Sports Act’s journey to the Senate floor, explaining how new federal guidelines may expand and enforce a nearly $50 million cap on athlete retention and revenue sharing. As the arms race intensifies, Big 12 programs like BYU face hard questions: Are boosters ready to step up? Will BYU’s unique institutional philosophy, guided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allow the Cougars to play on even footing with SEC and Big Ten rivals? Hatch explores the delicate balance between tradition and the necessity for bold financial moves, emphasizing how the outcome of this legislation could impact not only recruiting and NIL deals but the long-term national relevance of BYU sports. Listeners get a deep dive into what differentiates BYU’s cautious approach—insisting on black-and-white compliance over the riskier gray areas common elsewhere—and ponders if a federal backbone to enforcement will finally bring stability after a decade of chaos in college athletics. This episode poses critical questions about whether BYU’s leadership and supporters understand the high stakes—and if they’re willing to adapt and fully invest in the future. Switching gears to on-field action, the spotlight turns to BYU football’s running back rotation. With LJ Martin established as the Big 12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year and the offense’s undisputed workhorse, who can claim the vital backup role? Hatch evaluates top candidates: Sione Moa’s gritty style and inspiring comeback after a traumatic injury; Preston Rex’s transition from defense and his family legacy at BYU; breakout true freshman Devaughn Eka’s speed, lateral movement, and college readiness honed at Lehi High School; and the intriguing power offered by returned missionary Micah Beckstead, now tipping the scales near fullback size. Each contender brings unique strengths—and faces key questions of health, reliability, and adaptability as fall camp begins. As training camp kicks off in Provo, Jake Hatch sets the stage for potential breakout stars, reminding listeners how every camp showcases unexpected all-stars—like Moa before them—who could shape the season’s outcome. From financial futures to on-field competitions, Locked On Cougars delivers essential insight on BYU’s next critical moves. Don’t miss analysis that cuts through the hype to address what’s at stake for BYU on and off the field. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The BYU football program faces a season of sky-high expectations as sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier enters training camp with the weight of history on his shoulders—can he match the benchmarks set by the likes of Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall? Jake Hatch breaks down the key standards laid out by BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick: a 70% completion rate, 30+ touchdowns, and single-digit interceptions. With Bachmeier’s 64.9% completion percentage and 15 TD's as a freshman, is a leap into the national spotlight realistic or is Cougar Nation getting ahead of itself? The episode explores how mastery of the BYU Cougars' offense, leadership on the field, and a potent run game anchored by LJ Martin could position the Cougars not just for a Big 12 title run, but as dark horses in the College Football Playoff race. As football anticipation builds, uncertainty rocks BYU basketball’s offseason. New NCAA rulings and a Colorado judge’s injunction throw transfer eligibility into chaos, leaving Jaxon Kohler’s potential arrival from Michigan State in doubt. Jake Hatch unpacks the constantly shifting legal landscape, examining how the latest eligibility decisions could affect BYU’s lineup and why hopes for Kohler—and even players like Keba Keita or Richie Saunders—hang in the balance. With the Protect College Sports Act and class-action lawsuits in motion, the future remains unpredictable; how will head coach Kevin Young navigate this tempest as BYU assembles its roster? Off the court and field, student engagement takes center stage as Brigham Young University rolls out new rules for ROC Passes, aiming to prioritize the most dedicated Cougar fans for premium game-day experiences. Jake Hatch asserts that incentivizing attendance at a wide variety of BYU sporting events—from women’s volleyball to soccer and baseball—is the right move, urging students to embrace the challenge rather than boycott the changes. With thousands of students vying for prime spots at LaVell Edwards Stadium, who will answer the call to become the heartbeat of Cougar home games? Can Bear Bachmeier elevate the Cougars into Big 12 and national contenders? Will legal battles reshape BYU basketball’s roster before tip-off? And as the Rock evolves, will student fans rise to fill every seat with unrivaled energy? Locked On Cougars delivers sharp analysis, inside scoops, and passionate takes to keep Cougar Nation locked in with your team every day. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kalani Sitake makes it clear: for the BYU Cougars, the standard is a Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. As the BYU football program gears up for another season in Provo, the message from both coaches and players is unmistakable—complacency has no place in the program. With a 23-4 record over the past two years, but only an Alamo Bowl and Pop-Tarts Bowl to show for it, the team’s leaders are determined to turn near-success into tangible national relevance. Sitake, reflecting on his journey at Brigham Young University and his connection with LaVell Edwards, emphasizes that being “good enough” isn’t good enough; he wants comfortable wins and concrete progress toward titles, not just moral victories. Jake Hatch spotlights the voices shaping BYU’s rise. Offensive lineman Andrew Gentry, a former national champion at Michigan, champions a new championship mindset, insisting that only a playoff run will satisfy team goals. With Bruce Mitchell and Gentry anchoring the line, the offense is set for toughness and leadership by example. Hatch also examines the defensive transformation under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga. Raider Damuni, now stepping out of the shadows to become a leading safety, embraces both the legacy of former teammates like Tanner Wall and the challenge of leading younger players. His focus on finishing strong and fighting complacency shows up in how the roster attacks offseason conditioning, guided by Skyler Mayne and Ryan Phyllis—positioning BYU for late-season success where, in the past, they’ve faltered. Are the Cougars finally ready to shatter historical barriers? With upperclassmen like Faletau Satuala, Tommy Prassas, and Damuni combining experience and hunger, BYU’s deep, veteran roster looks poised to chase down the program’s first-ever Power Four conference crown and return to the heights they’ve not reached since 1984. Hatch explores how player-driven accountability under Sitake’s philosophy could be the X-factor, as athletes are encouraged to police issues internally before coaches step in—a model that has produced successful leaders before. Hatch also discusses the mindset shift away from settling for bowl games and toward demanding trophies and national prominence. Will this be the BYU Cougars’ breakthrough year—a season where close games transform into dominant wins and whispers of potential finally become championship reality? The pursuit is on, and the stakes have never been higher in Provo. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big 12 programs face a seismic shift as discussions of a $51 million NIL salary cap and athlete unionization threaten to reshape college football's power dynamic. Could these sweeping changes spell trouble for schools like Iowa State and Houston, while cementing the SEC and Big Ten’s dominance? Panelists question whether the proposed College Sports Act and emerging player associations, highlighted by Stanford’s union effort, will truly level the playing field or make the gap even wider. The Big 12 Squad breaks down the potential fallout—debating player protections, enforcement loopholes, and the future of revenue sharing as media rights deals climb ever higher. Will the Big 12 survive this arms race, or will backdoor deals and financial inequity push some teams to the brink? The conversation blends insider analysis with hard-hitting questions about what’s next for college athletics and the fate of the Big 12. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The BYU Cougars are primed to shake up the Big 12, ranking among conference favorites thanks to Kalani Sitake’s steady leadership and a roster brimming with explosive talent. With the likes of charismatic Bear Bachmeier at quarterback and dynamic running back LJ Martin—last year's Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year—the Cougars are building more than just a winning team. They’re creating a true family atmosphere that fuels confidence on and off the field. Can this unique blend of culture and playmaking be the key that propels BYU to the College Football Playoff? Jake Hatch hosts a compelling conversation with Pete Sousa, ESPN Big 12 analyst, who shares his on-the-ground insights from Big 12 Media Days. The discussion kicks off with Sousa’s bold take: BYU and Texas Tech are the teams to beat this season in the Big 12 Conference, with Texas Tech’s QB drama—centered on Will Hammond’s health and readiness—set to shape the conference landscape. Listeners get exclusive looks at how Joey McGuire’s trust in Hammond could elevate Tech’s offense and how BYU uses its close-knit locker room to gain a competitive edge. Sousa raves about interactions with Bachmeier and Martin, noting their infectious personalities and leadership potential, traits that have peers and pundits believing BYU can go further than ever. The episode also offers rare insight into Sitake’s values, including his handling of a whirlwind Penn State coaching offer. Instead of jumping ship, Sitake negotiated not just for himself, but for increased program and staff support—a move that exemplifies BYU’s commitment to continuity and excellence. The podcast explores broader themes affecting the Big 12, such as coach retention in the face of constant Big Ten and SEC poaching and the unique camaraderie among league coaches. Listeners will hear about how text threads, off-field banter, and mutual respect are changing the Big 12’s culture for the better. Key games, including the clash against Notre Dame, are highlighted as make-or-break moments for BYU’s Playoff aspirations. Don’t miss this high-energy, expert-driven analysis of BYU football’s rise and the key players and stories shaping the new Big 12 hierarchy. Support Locked On Cougars: Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube! Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here! If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show. If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.