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 players who helped secure the program’s heartbeat. The discussion highlights Sitake’s deep-rooted connection to Provo, his desire to lead BYU—not just to conference championships but to national contention—and the almost immediate domino effect had he left for Happy Valley. Jake Hatch explores the potential roster upheaval, recruiting losses, and what might have been a program-defining setback, pointing out how stability at the top has set the Cougars up for future success in the Big 12 and beyond.

Exclusive player perspectives take center stage, as Keanu Tanuvasa joins the show to explain his surprise return to BYU. Originally planning to be a one-and-done with eyes on the NFL, Tanuvasa details the soul-searching and draft feedback that brought him back, including how playing out of position affected his performance and pro prospects. He discusses teaming with Justin Kirkland to form what could be the Big 12’s most formidable defensive tackle duo, and what it means to step up as a leader—hosting team events, building unity, and even sharing the spotlight with his father, now a team chaplain. Tanuvasa offers insight into defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga’s system tweaks and his own year-long mission to play “intentional” football, maximizing his impact on and off the field.

The episode wraps with a rapid roundup of BYU athletics: BYU baseball finishes the season with a dramatic walk-off home run, setting up a gritty Big 12 tournament appearance. Track phenom Jane Hedengren propels the women’s team to a second-place finish at the Big 12 Championships, while men’s golf chases an NCAA National Championship berth in Athens, Georgia, led by rising star Kihei Akina. From Sitake’s program-defining decision to rising athletes across campus, Jake Hatch delivers all the key updates, strategic analysis, and storylines Cougar fans need to follow BYU’s pursuit of greatness in 2026 and beyond.

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!

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

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game

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.