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

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REDEMPTION: Keanu Tanuvasa Commits to TRANSFORMING BYU's Defensive Front Alongside Justin Kirkland May 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Jake Hatch spotlights Tanuvasa’s growth from a player “freelancing” out of position to an intentional, vocal leader invested in every aspect of the program. Tanuvasa explains how his NFL aspirations are aligned with BYU’s defensive performance—believing that winning as a team boosts individual draft stock. He details his off-field efforts, from organizing team meals to mentoring new arrivals like Cade Uluava, emphasizing a culture where every BYU player feels they belong, regardless of their background or prior school.

The podcast breaks down what’s changed with new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga at the helm. Tanuvasa praises Poppinga’s deliberate, passionate approach and his willingness to adapt schemes to put veterans in position to succeed. With Poppinga’s defensive line background, Tanuvasa feels empowered to trust his instincts and play with greater “free will” while still embracing team accountability. The rigorous, collaborative atmosphere has bred optimism that this will be a breakthrough year for BYU’s defense.

Personal details deepen the story—Tanuvasa shares the unique dynamic of playing under the watchful eye of his father, Shawn, the team chaplain, and the legacy of his family’s jersey numbers. With his final year at BYU measured by a single word—“intentional”—Tanuvasa is determined to leave his mark both on and off the field. Will the Cougars’ reinforced defensive line deliver on high expectations? Can Tanuvasa’s all-in leadership and fresh perspective under Coach Poppinga be the spark that propels BYU to Big 12 contention? Strap in as Jake Hatch brings you exclusive insights from Provo.

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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.

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Massive VOID Left With BYU's Wide Receiver Departures | Who Will Rise Up for BYU & Steal the Limelight? | Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Cody Hagen & Tei Nacua Headline Wide-Open Unit May 19, 2026

Show notes

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

Key discussion centers on transfer Kyler Kasper, who brings 6’6” size and four-star pedigree from Oregon. After overcoming two years of foot injuries,K asper impressed in spring camp—will he stay healthy enough to become a crucial red-zone weapon? Meanwhile, Cody Hagen seeks to replicate his prolific Corner Canyon High School output as he returns from a late season knee injury. Tiger Bachmeier, entering his senior year, aims to step out of his brother Bear’s shadow and show he’s more than just a dynamic punt returner. Veteran Tei Nacua rounds out the top rotation, carrying the family legacy after Puka Nacua’s NFL breakout.

With production emphasis high, Jake examines why performance in practice trumps pedigree for Fesi Sitake’s receivers. Newcomers like Reggie Frisckhnecht—a big-bodied JUCO transfer with track speed—add intrigue to the battle for spots. Can any of these upperclassmen finally match their potential with consistent, clutch performances on Saturdays, or will it be the promising freshman class that sparks the Cougars’ offense?

Keep your eyes on the freshmen: Legend Glasker headlines the group, nearly suiting up last year after BYU’s staff tried to accelerate his enrollment. Alongside Glasker, Jaron Pula provides size and power after flipping from Utah, while Terrance Saryon brings electrifying speed and shiftiness in the mold of Parker Kingston. The return of Jett Nelson off a mission adds depth and competition, raising the stakes for every rep. Jake outlines why any slip-up from the veterans could see these hungry newcomers leapfrog into crucial roles.

Will BYU finally develop a truly balanced, multi-threat receiver room, or does the lack of proven experience pose too big a risk? With Bear Bachmeier needing reliable weapons, the spotlight burns bright on Jojo Phillips and company to step up and redefine the BYU Cougars’ playmaking identity in the Big 12 race.

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Why Kalani Sitake NEVER WANTED to Leave BYU & Remains Committed to Leading BYU Football to CFP Glory | Keanu Tanuvasa Expects Big Season Ahead May 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

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NIL SHORTAGE: BYU Baseball’s Program AT-RISK—How a Lack of Investment is HURTING Program's Fortunes May 15, 2026

Show notes

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

The discussion highlights BYU's proud baseball tradition, boasting decorated alumni such as Cy Young award winner Jack Morris, and a decade-long stretch of softball postseason berths. Yet history and infrastructure only go so far when NIL funding is minimal and administrative emphasis is wavering. Hatch reveals insider knowledge, including his wife’s experience as a four-year BYU softball letter winner, emphasizing that success could be within reach if investment matched enthusiasm. Conversely, Utah’s lack of baseball tradition and spotty results raise difficult questions about how to compete in a changing Big 12 landscape, especially given the demands of cold-weather competition and new conference adversaries.

Jake and Drake draw attention to a national trend—universities like Arkansas, Iowa State, and Wichita State have already begun eliminating non-revenue sports as resources funnel ever more toward football and men’s basketball. The episode explores the possibility that either BYU or Utah may eventually walk away from baseball or softball, particularly if the broader higher-education climate normalizes these difficult cuts. Quotes from former BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe underscore the challenge, suggesting that the university might eventually reshape its entire athletic profile to better align with institutional values and global reach.

Are elite college programs destined to keep slashing storied teams for the sake of financial stability and gridiron glory? Or can a single dedicated donor—or a shift in institutional priorities—spark a new era for BYU and Utah baseball and softball? Hatch and Drake’s frank, honest debate brings listeners inside the high-stakes decisions facing collegiate athletics, where tradition, passion, and the bottom line are on a collision course.

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BYU's Bear Bachmeier Receives UNREAL Endorsement From Rival Coach & Sets Stage For Big Season Ahead | Fan Friday Squad Talking BYU Football, Basketball & Brian Santiago May 15, 2026

Show notes

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

The "Fan Friday Squad" takes center stage with Jake Hatch guiding Trevor, Jon, and Jordan through a spirited discussion on the Cougars’ 2026 outlook. The panel debates whether retaining high-impact staff like Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and Kelly Poppinga sets the stage for a historic run. Is this BYU’s deepest roster ever, with solid starters and promising depth at every position? The fans highlight key matchups against rivals like Notre Dame, Utah, Arizona, and Texas Tech—each game loaded with playoff ramifications and emotional stakes. The panel also zeroes in on positional question marks, especially the wide receiver corps and tight end room, with hot takes on breakout candidates including Sione Moa, Legend Glasker, Jojo Phillips, and Bruce Mitchell. Can Aaron Roderick’s evolving offensive strategy keep BYU ahead of the Big 12 competition?

Shifting to the hardwood, Jake Hatch and crew examine BYU men’s basketball as new head coach Kevin Young begins to reshape the program. With stars AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders gone to the NBA, all eyes turn to Bruce Branch III and Rob Wright to fill the playmaking void and drive team chemistry. The hunt for a game-changing center—ideally a shot-blocking, European-style presence—remains a focal point as the Cougars seek to build on last season’s progress. Will the combination of fresh talent and Kevin Young’s vision create a more dynamic, unselfish team ready for the Big 12 grind?

The episode wraps with a thoughtful look at Brian Santiago’s first year as athletic director. The panel praises his energy, leadership, and crucial role in retaining Sitake amid Penn State's efforts to lure him away, crediting Santiago for continued program growth and a sharp focus on revenue and stability. Personal stories from each fan reveal what makes BYU’s culture stand out, from diehard childhood memories to behind-the-scenes insider experiences. This episode captures optimism, strategic insight, and authentic Cougar pride as BYU positions itself for a potentially legendary 2026 campaign.

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BIG 12 SQUAD - Big 12 REJECTS $30 MILLION | How this impacts BYU May 14, 2026

Show notes

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

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Will BYU Football’s Veteran Defensive Tackles Lead EMERGENCE as Big 12’s Top Defensive Line FORCE this Year? | Keanu Tanuvasa ＆Justin Kirklan Form Elite Tandem May 14, 2026

Show notes

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

The episode spotlights BYU’s transformation on the defensive front, diving into the strategic shift under defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga and line coach Sione Po'uha—whose NFL pedigree and developmental approach have redefined the recruiting prototype for Cougars linemen. Jake Hatch outlines the meticulous build-up of depth behind the starting tandem, featuring the likes of senior Anisi Purcell, versatile Villiami Po'uha, and breakout prospect Ulavai "Vai" Fetuli, whose rapid rise mirrors the program’s renewed commitment to size and athleticism in the trenches. Up-and-comers like Nehemiah Kolone, Kelepi Latu-Finau, David Tangilanu, and Maverick McManus round out a loaded group built for both current impact and future sustainability, offering hope that BYU’s days of being overmatched in the Big 12 are waning.

Compelling questions drive the conversation: Can Kirkland and Tanuvasa truly set the pace for the conference’s most feared defensive interior? Will Purcell, Po'uha, and Fetuli maintain the standard when called upon, and how will young names seize opportunities if injuries strike? Jake Hatch connects these personnel decisions to Kalani Sitake’s larger vision of “trench dominance”—a legacy inspired by rivals like Utah—and evaluates whether iron sharpens iron in a deep, competitive rotation. With season-defining showdowns ahead, and player development at a premium, the BYU Cougars have assembled the physical tools and depth chart flexibility to stake their claim among college football’s elite.

Will this much-anticipated unit finally power BYU to new heights, or fall short of their own hype? Tune in for an analytical look at BYU’s defensive tackle renaissance and how it could shape the Cougars’ trajectory in the Big 12 race.

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Are the BYU Cougars DESTINED to DOMINATE the Big 12 This Season? One Expert Believe They Are Capable | Kevin Young Makes More BYU Hoops History | Lee Cummard Flexing Recruiting Prowess May 13, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars defy long-standing media skepticism as Jon Wilner—once known for downgrading BYU—now ranks them atop his Big 12 power rankings, signaling a seismic shift in expectations for Kalani Sitake’s program. With veteran leadership from quarterback Bear Bachmeier, explosive running back LJ Martin, and a proven offensive line, BYU is positioned as the most complete team in the conference, even accounting for key departures like defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Jake Hatch explores how home-field advantage and a favorable schedule could propel BYU past conference rivals like Texas Tech and Houston, sparking discussion about a legitimate run at both the Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. Is this the year the Cougars finally break their glass ceiling and chase another national championship, echoing the storied 1984 season?

Kevin Young raises the bar for BYU men’s basketball by potentially sending two players into the NBA draft for the first time in the modern era, a feat never before achieved in school history. AJ Dybantsa is projected as a top-two pick, likely landing with the Utah Jazz or going number one overall to the Washington Wizards, while Richie Saunders, undeterred by an ACL tear, garners strong second-round interest. Young’s recruiting acumen is on full display, with Bruce Branch III slotted as a potential number one pick for the 2027 draft and momentum building for future NBA-caliber rosters. Can Young transform BYU into a true NBA pipeline and sustain this remarkable talent surge?

On the women’s basketball front, Lee Kumard flexes his recruiting muscle by landing Australian blue chip Praysayus Notoa, who chose BYU over the likes of UCLA and TCU. Natoa’s two-way skill set and international experience promise to boost BYU after last season’s breakthrough run, as the Cougars look to build on their growing national reputation. Meanwhile, men’s golf celebrates Kihei Akina’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and first-team selection, spotlighting the program’s bright future as it prepares for NCAA Regionals under outgoing coach Bruce Brockbank.

Will BYU’s unprecedented success on the gridiron, hardwood, and fairway mark the dawn of a new powerhouse era in Provo? Can established stars and rising phenoms deliver hardware, draft buzz, and national headlines? Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s energetic, in-depth analysis of BYU athletics’ rapidly ascending trajectory.

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UNWAVERING: BYU Cougars Stun Big 12 by REFUSING $30 Million RedBird Private Equity Deal – Here’s Why May 12, 2026

Show notes

Brigham Young University’s principled stand against debt is sending shockwaves through the Big 12’s financial playbook as RedBird Capital offers a game-changing $500 million private equity package. Jake Hatch and Drake Toll spotlight how the BYU Cougars’ deep-rooted commitment to fiscal discipline—anchored in the ethos of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—has made them one of the first schools to reject the enticing, no-strings-now, pay-later $30 million cash infusion. With a long history of raising all funds before breaking ground and a mandate to oerate in the black from the main campus, the BYU Athletic Department has little use for high-interest loans, especially with aggressive boosters capable of filling any revenue gap overnight.

But the real intrigue? Most of the Big 12 is following BYU’s lead. Programs like UCF and Houston, both on the verge of full conference revenue shares like BYU, are also passing on RedBird’s offer—even though the 10% interest rate is far from a payday loan scenario. The podcast explores why schools with major growth opportunities are letting this “free money” slip, pondering if boosters and cautious long-term planning outweigh the lure of instant upgrades. Yet, as Drake points out, schools cutting programs or facing financial crunches, such as Iowa State, face a different calculus. What happens if, in six months, financial desperation sets in? Does the one-year window to accept the deal keep options open for a sudden pivot?

Driving the conversation to its most provocative point: what if only a single school—say, Iowa State—accepts the full $500 million? Could such an unprecedented influx instantly transform a program into a juggernaut, landing three straight College Football Playoff titles, outspending even Alabama and LSU, and reshaping the national landscape? Jake and Drake weigh the potential for a Big 12 dark horse to buy its way to glory, dissect the risks of high-stakes borrowing versus organic growth, and speculate on why a “flush with cash” approach remains so controversial.

Get the insights, the hypotheticals, and the real-world numbers behind college athletics’ evolving relationship with private equity—before the next power shift rocks the sport.

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BYU Basketball Fans RALLY Behind AJ Dybantsa—Will Jazz SACRIFICE Everything & Get Him in NBA Draft? | Why Are Big 12 Schools Bailing on Private Equity Offer? | Why Do BYU Baseball & Softball Struggle? May 12, 2026

Show notes

Utah Jazz face a pivotal moment as the NBA Draft approaches, with AJ Dybantsa emerging as the potential hometown hero BYU basketball fans are desperate to see in Salt Lake City. Can Ryan Smith and the Jazz front office, led by BYU legend Danny Ainge, swing a deal to secure Dybantsa, leveraging their impressive war chest of first-round picks and young talent, or will BYU Cougars faithful need to pivot their support to rising star Darryn Peterson—especially if Dybantsa gets drafted by the Washington Wizards at number one? The stakes are high, with Jake Hatch and Drake Toll breaking down the implications of either scenario for the Jazz, the ongoing BYU-Utah rivalry, and the commercial windfall that could accompany a local superstar's arrival in Utah Jazz colors. They debate jersey sales projections, franchise strategy, and whether Dybantsa’s local presence could ignite new levels of fan enthusiasm—or if Peterson’s national buzz will upstage the local favorite.

Off the hardwood, the show explores BYU’s staunch refusal to accept the Big 12’s private equity deal, distancing itself from a potential $30 million influx with plenty of their conference peers also reportedly passing on taking the cash. Citing BYU’s culture of financial conservatism and a longstanding commitment to operating in the black—rooted in the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Hatch outlines how the school’s unique fundraising prowess and booster backing fill gaps without resorting to high-interest debt. The hosts contrast BYU’s position with schools like Iowa State and UCF, probing why so many universities are turning down the equity offer despite tight budgets and cutbacks in non-revenue sports.

The discussion takes a hard look at why relative Big 12 newcomers BYU and Utah have struggled in baseball and softball, despite robust athletic traditions and solid facilities. Hatch offers insider perspective on how booster apathy, cold-weather recruiting challenges, and lackluster NIL investment leave these programs at a disadvantage—even with elite venues like Miller Park and Gail Miller Field at their disposal. The conversation examines whether one passionate donor could transform fortunes, referencing the Texas Tech model, and speculates on the not-so-distant future where financial pressures could force schools to cut baseball, softball, or other Olympic sports altogether.

This episode is a can’t-miss for fans invested in the future of the Utah Jazz, BYU athletics, and the changing face of college sports, offering candid insight into the intersecting forces of tradition, money, and community pride shaping today’s games.

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