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

Latest Episodes:

National Media Outlets STUNNED BYU with Favorite Status | BYU Football College Football Playoff-Bound? | Opportunities for Young WR Sans Cody Hagen | Greg Sankey Right About CFP Future? May 26, 2026

Show notes

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 rather than crumbles.

The announcement of Cody Hagen’s retirement due to injury delivers a blow to BYU’s wide receiver unit, but Jake Hatch sees hidden opportunity. Spotlighting promising talents like Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula, and Terrance Saryon, Jake Hatch examines how competition among unproven young receivers could inject new energy into Bear Bachmeier’s passing attack. The opening also increases reps for position favorites Jojo Philips and Kyler Kasper, and strengthens the case for a bigger role for tight ends Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, who impressed throughout spring camp. As Jake Hatch notes, training camp is set for a fierce battle for starting spots, with each player eager to prove they can deliver under pressure and provide the next generation of clutch performances ensuring BYU’s offensive production does not falter.

Rounding out the episode, Jake Hatch tackles the heated debate over the College Football Playoff’s future. Surprisingly, Jake Hatch finds common ground with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, agreeing the rush to expand to 16 or 24 teams is premature. While a larger playoff would boost access for programs like BYU—potentially adding several appearances during the playoff era—Jake Hatch points out that an expanded field risks undermining the high-stakes drama that makes college football compelling. TV revenue, scheduling, and real competition consequences all hang in the balance. Citing the significance of marquee games like BYU vs. Notre Dame, Jake Hatch argues that expanding too quickly could sap urgency from season-defining matchups and possibly allow less-deserving teams to slip in.

With the Cougars embracing the spotlight, reshuffling their receiving corps, and facing a pivotal season for both program and playoff futures, can Kalani Sitake and his team seize the moment? This episode delivers sharp insight and spirited analysis at every turn for BYU fans—and college football diehards everywhere.

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.

'Give 'Em Hell, Brigham, Give 'Em Hell' | Paying Homage To Vaughn Kimball, Certified BYU Legend & Hero on Memorial Day May 25, 2026

Show notes

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 continues to inspire generations of fans and players alike.

Relive the historic 1942 rivalry win as Hatch breaks down how BYU, after decades of heartbreak and a string of losses (and a couple of ties) against the University of Utah, finally celebrated victory thanks in part to Kimball’s stirring message from the U.S. Navy. Discover the rich context behind BYU’s struggle in the early days—when football was outlawed on campus, then finally reinstated, only to see the Cougars continually fall short of their northern rivals. The dramatic turning point arrives with Kimball’s telegram and the story of his service aboard the USS Bunker Hill during WWII, where he made the ultimate sacrifice off the coast of Okinawa.

Hatch pays tribute not just to Kimball but to all BYU alumni and Cougar Nation members who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. Through vivid storytelling, this episode connects the tradition of BYU football with national remembrance, illustrating how sacrifice, honor, and a relentless fighting spirit shape both the program and its community. The discussion touches on how “Give ’em hell, Brigham” has been memorialized through merchandise, newsletters, and rallying traditions, keeping Kimball’s spirit alive.

How does one player’s sacrifice continue to shape BYU athletics? Can the lessons from the past fuel future victories on the field and beyond? Celebrate Memorial Day with Locked On Cougars and rekindle the fire behind one of BYU football’s most enduring traditions.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

Will BYU Football, Led by Bear Bachmeier, DOMINATE the Big 12 Race? Texas Tech Faces Major CHALLENGE May 23, 2026

Show notes

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 focused on the ESPN preseason rankings, spotlighting Texas Tech and BYU at the top, but the real intrigue lies in the “mushy middle,” where Houston, Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma State, and others all appear ready to compete. A key theme that emerged was the conference’s volatility—recent history includes Arizona State flipping from worst to first and games where cellar dwellers like Iowa State are fully capable of shocking Big 12 powers on any given Saturday. The discussion explored the challenges Utah faces as Morgan Scalley takes over, needing to replace all starting offensive and defensive linemen but still benefiting from a favorable home-heavy schedule and a proven culture. Meanwhile, Houston’s track record under Willie Fritz makes them a dark horse, with listeners invited to consider whether a quick turnaround can put the Cougars into contention as early as this year.

Several points were raised, including Oklahoma State’s hype under new leadership and roster additions from North Texas—will Eric Morris translate that momentum or stumble under the pressure of expectations? The hosts also discussed Noah Fifita’s loyalty to Arizona, turning down lucrative transfer opportunities, and whether his commitment can propel Arizona into championship conversations. Arizona State emerged as another team to watch, with Kenny Dillingham working through transition challenges after roster upheaval at key positions, possibly setting up for a future breakthrough rather than immediate success.

Can newcomers like Cincinnati or UCF capitalize on the Big 12’s parity, or will established programs stamp their authority? With the motto “How did that team beat that team?” echoing weekly, every squad—from Baylor to West Virginia—has a shot at shocking the conference and making a run to Arlington.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

BYU Football’s Recruiting Game UPGRADED to Blue Blood Status With Moa Havili's 'Dream School' Pledge May 22, 2026

Show notes

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 power. With plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and join the roster in the 2029 season, is Havili the anchor who will redefine BYU’s defensive identity?

Jake Hatch examines why Havili’s commitment could be a game-changer for BYU, praising his rare blend of size, speed, and tenacity—hallmarks of a future multi-year starter in Provo. The analysis investigates how BYU’s recruiting has reached unprecedented heights, driven by the persistent work of Sione po'uha, Kelly Poppinga, and head coach Kalani Sitake. The discussion dives into the broader strategy behind BYU’s recruiting surge, pointing to a talent base that has steadily improved since the Cougars joined the Big 12, highlighting concurrent wins such as the addition of four-star defensive tackle Jeremiah Williams. Will this formidable tandem mark a new chapter in BYU’s quest to build an elite defensive front?

Key talking points encompass BYU’s ability to compete with traditional recruiting powerhouses for top-tier talent, the developmental pipeline shaped by mission-bound athletes, and the ripple effects these commitments have throughout the program. Hatch also sheds light on how new and familiar faces in the coaching staff maintain BYU’s upward momentum, even as influential figures like Jay Hill depart. The episode underscores BYU’s transformation from a Mountain West and Independent team to emerging Big 12 contender—raising expectations for performance on the national stage.

Will the influx of four-star prospects and enhanced recruiting lead to perennial College Football Playoff contention? Can BYU continue to capitalize on its newfound appeal to elite high school athletes? All signs point to a bright future as the Cougars elevate their talent base and solidify their presence among college football’s heavyweights.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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 Coaches FEAR Kalani Sitake’s BYU Cougars—CHAMPIONSHIP Run Incoming? | Fan Friday Examining Notre Dame Series, BYU Basketball's Roster Woes & State of BYU Athletics May 22, 2026

Show notes

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 why this season is viewed as a make-or-break moment, fueled by roster continuity and an influx of talent that rivals any in the league.

The conversation intensifies as the Fan Friday squad—Craig, Jayden, and Jon—join the show to tackle some of the biggest questions facing Cougar Nation. Should BYU pursue an annual rivalry clash with storied powerhouse Notre Dame and eliminate FCS matchups from its football schedule? Listeners get spirited takes on increasing the Cougars’ national profile and positioning the program for future conference realignment and mega-league inclusion. The squad weighs the significance of the recent Notre Dame scheduling talks and how BYU’s new status in the Big 12 has elevated its appeal on the national landscape and if it oculd help them in the next round of conference realignment.

Spotlight shifts to the basketball court where BYU’s urgent search for a dominant center continues to frustrate fans. Despite high-profile recruiting wins like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III, BYU men's basketball head coach Kevin Young faces growing concerns about roster depth in the paint and the importance of allocating resources for a game-changing big man. The panel debates whether BYU should overspend to address the gap and what missing on key targets means for the Cougars’ prospects in the competitive Big 12 hoops scene.

Listeners are also treated to a broader look at the momentum across BYU Athletics, from football and men’s basketball to ascending programs in soccer, volleyball, and golf. Attention turns to the fan experience, increased expectations, and the sustainability of BYU’s upward trajectory with standout coaches and rising stars. The episode wraps with heartfelt messages to Cougar Nation, reminders to enjoy this golden era, and a look ahead at the pivotal moves that could shape BYU’s legacy for years to come.

Don’t miss this all-encompassing breakdown of the latest headlines, strategic debates, and bold predictions for BYU’s path toward conference glory and national relevance.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

Brendan Sorsby Fighting NCAA & Will Play in 2026? | How this impacts BYU Football | BIG 12 SQUAD May 21, 2026

Show notes

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 ongoing arms race in NIL and salaries. On the diamond, Oklahoma State and West Virginia chase baseball and softball glory, while program-building and postseason snubs stoke debate. Is the Big 12 undervalued in baseball, and what will it take for Baylor or West Virginia to break through? The squad tackles all the hot topics you can’t afford to miss.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SHREWD MOVE: BYU Adds John Sanders to Quarterback Room, Filling Depth & Eyeing Future Big 12 IMPACT May 21, 2026

Show notes

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 scholarship quarterbacks within the current 105-man roster limit. Sanders arrives fresh from Antelope Valley College with a reputation for athleticism, a live arm, and the kind of mobility suited to BYU’s dynamic offense. While he enters as a likely QB4 expected to lead the scout team, parallels are drawn to the path of Jake Retzlaff—a JUCO transfer whose opportunity eventually arrived amid BYU’s shifting depth chart. The conversation explores how Sanders’ California high school connection with running back commit Kingston Keana'aina reflects the Cougars’ expanding recruiting pipeline.

Key topics include the realities facing modern college football players, from increased player movement via the transfer portal to roster management in an era where scholarship slots are at a premium. Hatch explains how even walk-ons and former scout team leaders like Emerson Geilman have played significant roles in recent BYU squads, and how every roster addition is carefully calculated to avoid situations where the team is caught thin at critical positions.

With names like Ryder Lyons and a changing landscape of prospects arriving through missions or the portal, the discussion pivots to what the future might hold for BYU’s quarterback group. Will John Sanders eventually rise above his initial scout team role and challenge for snaps, or is he a strategic depth piece designed to keep the Cougars prepared for the demands of Big 12 play? One thing is clear—Aaron Roderick’s willingness to find and develop quarterback talent, regardless of origin, continues to shape the trajectory of BYU Football.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

BYU Cougars’ NIL Prowess FAILING as Boosters’ Bold Claims FALL Apart? | Kevin Young's Roster Issues as Centers Elude Them | Moa Havili & John Sanders Give BYU Football Two Recruiting Wins May 21, 2026

Show notes

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 nearly every major transfer or international big man target—save for walk-on add Adam Stewart—has eluded BYU, leaving only open questions and mounting urgency as offseason windows close.

On the gridiron, the energy is completely different. BYU Football scores two significant recruiting victories, signaling a bright future for Kalani Sitake’s program. The headline grabber is Maa'imoa Havili, a defensive tackle out of Granger High School whose ascent has been meteoric—jumping from two small offers at the month’s start to fielding overtures from Cal, Michigan, North Carolina, Alabama, and Utah. Despite blue-blood attention, Moa sticks with his “dream school,” BYU, planning to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling in 2029. Paired with four-star Justin Williams, Havili gives BYU its best defensive tackle commits in a decade and underlines how Sitake, Kelly Poppinga, and Sione Po'uha are winning key recruiting battles and raising the talent floor for future Big 12 challenges.

Meanwhile, Aaron Roderick addresses quarterback depth with the under-the-radar addition of John Sanders—a junior college QB out of Antelope Valley College with three years of eligibility. While Bear Bachmeier is firmly entrenched as QB1, Sanders’s mobility, live arm, and willingness to start as a depth piece give BYU much-needed insurance and keep the scholarship QB room full. The podcast explores the new scholarship rules, the importance of building for both short- and long-term depth, and how JUCO finds like Sanders mirror the pathway of former starter Jake Retzlaff.

BYU’s basketball and football programs are moving in opposite directions: one scrambling to fill a gaping hole at center, the other stacking talent and building toward playoff contention. Will Kevin Young’s international search pull in the missing piece, or does BYU Basketball risk falling behind? How high can Sitake’s recruiting take Cougar Football? Get all the in-depth analysis, player spotlights, and recruiting news that every BYU diehard craves.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

UNVEILED: Has Kalani Sitake MASTERED the Winning Big 12 Formula With Bear Bachmeier & His Ascension? May 20, 2026

Show notes

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 finish tightly bunched, and win totals rarely climb above eight or nine victories?

Jake Hatch and Kevin Borba break down how quarterback depth charts and offensive approaches will shape the Big 12 this year. They analyze BYU’s formula for rapid freshman QB success with Bear Bachmeier—highlighting the supporting cast that helped him adapt quickly after transferring from Stanford—and debate if Colorado and Coach Deion Sanders can replicate this approach with JuJu Lewis or must pivot to a more balanced attack. The discussion turns to critical positional battles at Texas Tech, where the uncertainty surrounding Brendan Sorsby has already affected Vegas odds, and at Houston, where Connor Weigman faces pressure from highly anticipated backup Keisean Henderson. Which programs are best positioned to weather adversity at the game’s most important spot, and which might buckle under the weight of expectations and controversy?

Listeners get insights into why the Big 12’s tight win total projections may signal a season where even a single big play or quarterback decision can change the course of a season. Are Devin Dampier at Utah and DJ Lagway at Baylor prepared to lift their teams despite coaching shake-ups and youthful rosters? Can BYU’s Bear Bachmeier or Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker ignite their offenses in a league primed for shootouts? The hosts compare offensive identities—will Colorado’s new Go-Go system finally create a ground game to support a young signal-caller, and can run/pass balance BYU football favors become the rule, not the exception, in the conference? Get predictions, insider angles, and plenty of bold questions in this action-packed preview of the Big 12 quarterback carousel, where every drive counts and no team’s fate is settled until the final whistle.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

BYU's Faith-Driven REFUSAL to Take Millions in Private Equity Money—Will it Preserve Their LEGACY? | Big 12 Boast Strong QB Contingent Led by Bear Bachmeier | Who Will Win Big 12 This Fall? May 20, 2026

Show notes

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-off. Programs like Colorado, led by a fundraising-focused AD, envision a sustainable financial ecosystem, while BYU’s debt-averse philosophy—rooted in its institutional values and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sets a unique standard in college athletics.

The discussion then turns to the most competitive Big 12 quarterback crop in recent memory. With stars like Bear Bachmeier propelling BYU to a 12-2 campaign, DJ Lagway energizing Baylor, and promising talents like Alonza Barnett at UCF and Julian Lewis at Colorado, the conference’s offensive firepower is undeniable. Jake Hatch breaks down Bachmeier’s rapid rise after transferring in, emphasizing the pivotal role of LJ Martin and a veteran supporting cast. The conversation spotlights what it takes for a young QB like Lewis to thrive in Boulder—solid protection, a reliable run game, and a flexible system that doesn’t demand instant heroics. Questions swirl over high-ceiling situations like Connor Weigman’s at Houston and the player retention moves in Arizona with Noah Fifita. Can the Big 12’s loaded quarterback depth finally outshine the ACC and SEC, especially as preseason win totals reflect parity and unpredictability?

With BYU and Texas Tech positioned as preseason favorites, the Big 12 championship race is wide open. Kevin Borba and Jake Hatch debate which programs aren’t getting enough attention—Houston, led by proven winner Willie Fritz, and Utah, whose complete trench overhaul could either make or break their campaign. Arizona’s Noah Fifita emerges as a symbol of loyalty and upside amidst transfer chaos, while Oklahoma State’s rapid transfer inflow garners both excitement and skepticism. Will the Big 12 yet again defy projections and serve up chaos, or will a new powerhouse finally seize control? All eyes are on the ever-mysterious conference, where each week delivers game-changing surprises and bruising battles for supremacy.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

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

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected