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

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Bear Bachmeier’s BIG IMPACT on the BYU Cougars—Why the Big 12 & College Football Should FEAR What’s Next | Present & Future Under Aaron Roderick Extremely Bright May 11, 2026

Show notes

Bear Bachmeier’s meteoric rise has BYU Cougars fans buzzing with visions of a new golden era at quarterback. After arriving from Stanford and leading BYU to a stunning 12-2 finish with over 3,500 total yards, Bachmeier is now set for his first full offseason in Provo. Can his rugged running style, fullback mentality, and deeper knowledge of Aaron Roderick’s high-powered offense propel the Cougars to a Big 12 title—and possibly even crack the College Football Playoff? Jake Hatch explores the immense potential Bachmeier brings to the table, from his arm strength showcased in wins like Iowa State and last season’s dramatic Pop-Tarts Bowl, to his physical edge that makes BYU’s play action and QB run concepts so dangerous.

Injury concerns always loom with a tough-running quarterback, prompting a closer look at BYU’s quarterback depth. Who steps up if Bachmeier misses time—a steady hand in veteran Treyson Bourguet or the athletic, high-upside Enoch Watson? Jake Hatch compares their paths: Bourguet’s journey from Western Michigan to being a true ‘program guy’ in the transfer era, armed with ability to sling the ball all over the field; Watson’s athletic pedigree from Arizona’s ALA Queen Creek, his dual-threat skillset, and family ties that speak to his competitive drive. Could Watson surpass Bourguet before season’s end? The battle for QB2 may shape BYU’s fortunes in a tight Big 12 race.

Forward-thinking recruiting keeps excitement high, with five-star prospect Ryder Lyons—the consensus top quarterback in his class—expected to arrive from his mission next season. Jake Hatch shares insider perspectives on Lyons’ NFL-caliber talent and what his timeline means for BYU’s future. The episode also spotlights designated player Emerson Geilman, a practice standout with the tools to challenge for the job, as well as younger prospects like Owen Geilman and Max Barker. As BYU navigates the new era of NIL, the transfer portal, and a 12-team national playoff landscape, Jake Hatch explains how Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick’s transparent approach to roster building is fueling unprecedented depth at quarterback. Can the Cougars sustain this pipeline with guys like Brody Rudnicki and stake their claim as a national contender? This Locked On Cougars analysis unpacks every angle of BYU’s quarterback future.

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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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SPECIAL TEAMS SHAKEUP: Can BYU’s Specialists STEP UP & PERFORM With Complete & Total Roster OVERHAUL May 09, 2026

Show notes

Special teams could define BYU Football’s season as the Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars undergo a near-total transformation in this crucial third phase of the game. After several years of standout performances and game-changing moments from names like Will Ferrin (kicker), Sam Vander Haar (punter), and star return man Parker Kingston, BYU now hands the keys to a fresh group of specialists. With Fulller Schurtz taking over at punter and Ty Smith at long snapper, plus a heated three-way battle among kickers Matthias Dunn, Ian Sanches, and recently returned Brody Laga, Cougar Nation is left wondering who will step up when the stakes are highest.

Jake Hatch spotlights the unique pressure on special teams: make a big play and become a household name for all the right reasons, or suffer costly mistakes that echo throughout the program. The conversation details how a missed field goal, botched snap, or game-altering return instantly changes the narrative for both player and team. Coaching also steps into the spotlight as Justin Ena replaces Kelly Poppinga as special teams coordinator, bringing new philosophies and an NFL pedigree to a unit that has traditionally thrived under intense scrutiny.

With the legal situation surrounding Parker Kingston unresolved, BYU faces further uncertainty in the return game. The open roles at both kick and punt returner promise to reshape field position dynamics in every contest. Jake Hatch discusses how this season will test the depth and resiliency of the roster—emphasizing that every hopeful specialist must not only earn their position but also prove invaluable in the moments that matter most. While the specialists might comprise only a small share of snaps, their impact will be felt on scoreboards and in the trajectory of BYU’s Big 12 campaign.

As the Cougars chase a championship breakthrough, BYU fans are left to ask: Will these young and unproven special teams stars find their place among the program’s recent legends, or will their inexperience prove costly? Every game, every kick, and every snap could tilt the scales between glory and heartbreak this fall.

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URGENCY: BYU Basketball’s Big Men Search INTENSIFIES With Arizona’s Depth EXPOSING BYU's Roster Woes May 08, 2026

Show notes

The Arizona Wildcats’ dominant frontcourt sets them apart—are thye the archetype and model for BYU men's basketball to follow? Jake Hatch & Leif Thulin dissect Arizona’s impressive rise under Tommy Lloyd, focusing on the massive impact of retaining key talents like Mo Krivas, who is touted as an All-American candidate and possibly the best player on next year’s roster. The conversation spotlights Arizona’s recruiting wins—especially the ascent of five-star recruit Caleb Holt, now ranked number two in his class—and the crucial role of big men such as Ivan Karchenkov in their frontcourt rotation. The hosts highlight Tommy Lloyd’s consistent strategy of playing two traditional bigs, emphasizing how that approach has powered Arizona’s sharp rebounding edge, rim protection, and a high-octane offense capable of shooting 45% of their looks from five feet or fewer.

Meanwhile, Thulin draws a sharp contrast with BYU, where injuries and roster gaps have left the Cougars scrambling for frontcourt size and physicality. Despite NIL resources and a commitment to building a “Big 3,” BYU still struggles to land enough impactful big men in the transfer portal to keep pace with national powerhouses. The hosts question whether BYU should pivot toward Arizona’s proven model—stacking the frontcourt and embracing a rebounding-first mentality—to close the gap in the Big 12. They critique BYU’s inability to secure high-impact post players, emphasizing how this shortcoming exposes their defense and limits second-chance scoring opportunities.

Rounding out the discussion, Hatch & Thulin dig into the skyrocketing financial arms race in college basketball. With reports of more than 20 programs potentially spending $20 million or more on roster construction next season, the conversation explores whether Arizona, BYU, Kansas, and Texas Tech will crack that threshold—or whether Arizona’s value-driven approach, estimated around $13–15 million, can keep them atop the college hoops landscape. Will fit and chemistry win out over sheer dollar figures? And can teams like BYU adapt their recruiting and game strategies fast enough to keep Arizona and other heavyweights within reach as the sport enters a new era of supercharged spending?

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Could BYU Football’s Dynamic Duo RUIN Each Other’s Awards Hopes This Season? | Fan Friday Squad Show Talking BYU Basketball, Football & USU Series May 08, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars’ national championship hopes face a fascinating twist as two offensive stars vie for major hardware—but could their dominance actually hurt each other's chances for the Heisman Trophy or Doak Walker Award? Jake Hatch explores whether LJ Martin’s explosiveness or Bear Bachmeier’s quarterback leadership will earn the national spotlight, spotlighting the potential risk of hurting each other individual award candidacy even as both players anchor a stacked backfield. The show dives deep into ESPN’s latest college football preseason rankings, with BYU slotted at No. 12 and the spotlight shining on Martin as a potential Doak Walker winner after a 1,305-yard campaign and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Listeners are left to ponder: will the Cougars’ strength-in-numbers become their undoing in the race for football’s most prestigious awards?

Turning to the hardwood, a passionate squad of BYU fans joins Jake Hatch to break down the Cougars’ basketball roster crisis at center. Despite recent success recruiting guards and wings—citing names like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III—the absence of a true big man looms large after last season’s struggles against top-level post players. Concerns run high as fans discuss whether Kevin Young and his staff can land a difference-maker from the international pipeline, and if BYU boosters are truly willing to outbid rivals for much-needed size. The roundtable reflects on recruitment philosophies, retention challenges in the transfer portal era, and the urgent need for a strong inside presence to free up offensive standouts next season.

Excitement surges for the revived Utah State series, as fans debate the merits of moving games to the Delta Center for higher attendance and revenue, while reminiscing about the hostile environment in Logan. Meanwhile, lifelong Cougar supporters share personal stories of BYU fandom passed through generations, the meaning of season tickets, and storming the field after iconic wins. The episode concludes with spirited predictions for BYU football: is Notre Dame the must-win matchup, or will Utah or Arizona prove to be the true pivot point for College Football Playoff contention? As the BYU Cougars prepare for a pivotal season, can they capitalize on returning talent—or will a stacked schedule and internal pressures prove too much?

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BIG 12 SQUAD - Private Equity Deals are TAKING OVER the Big 12 | How this affects BYU May 07, 2026

Show notes

Big 12 powerhouses rethink private equity as BYU and Houston reject RedBird Capital’s $30 million offer—could financial strategy shape the new conference elite? The Big 12 Squad dissects what BYU’s debt-averse philosophy means for their future, why Houston’s leadership is pressing pause, and whether Oklahoma State or Iowa State are positioned to take the risk, aiming to leap ahead in the evolving college sports arms race. Key segments explore how this RedBird deal differs from Utah’s approach, implications for NIL and facility upgrades, and the brewing ACC vs. Big 12 rivalry for Power Three status. Plus, get the latest on Big 12 baseball: West Virginia’s postseason surge, Oklahoma State’s must-watch battle with Arizona State, and whether coaching changes are on the horizon for BYU. Is this the start of a seismic shift in college sports funding?

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PLAYOFF OVERLOAD? BYU Cougars' Playoff Dreams EXPLODE as College Football Debates 24-Team Expansion May 07, 2026

Show notes

College Football Playoff expansion takes center stage as a proposed 24-team format raises questions about the sport’s competitive future. Is this massive playoff the answer to more inclusion or merely a ploy to pad resumes for Power Four coaches and programs on the fringe? Jake Hatch and Spencer McLaughlin dissect the AFCA board’s ambitious recommendations, spotlighting the motivations behind expanding playoff access and what it means for teams like BYU and head coach Kalani Sitake, who have narrowly missed out in the current 12-team system.

The discussion explores whether expanding to 24 teams amplifies the drama or leads to a slate bloated with undeserving teams, such as last year’s 8-5 Duke and inconsistent Iowa squads. The hosts point out that, while Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars could benefit statistically, the move threatens to sap meaning from the regular season and invite forgettable first-round blowouts, echoing the college basketball tournament’s regular season irrelevance. There’s in-depth analysis on the downside of letting conference champions—regardless of strength—into the playoff, and the likely increase of lopsided matchups if FCS-style formats take hold.

Meanwhile, positive suggestions emerge, including calls to eliminate conference championship games and move the College Football Playoff to an early January finish. Both Jake and Spencer express strong support for these changes, viewing them as wins for players, coaches, fans, and media alike. Yet, the specter of financial incentives looms large: a 24-team field could inflate bonuses and create artificial milestones for coaches, while athletic directors and agents capitalize on the new landscape. Is the driving force genuine competition or a relentless pursuit of revenue?

Listeners are challenged to reconsider what they value most about college football’s postseason. Can traditions be preserved amid change, or is the sport destined to mirror the college basketball model—where March tournaments mean everything and regular-season stakes fade? Tune in for sharp insights, spirited debate, and a forward-looking take on where the College Football Playoff might be headed, and whether money, rather than merit, will ultimately decide the game’s future.

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BYU Basketball POWER PLAY Over Utah State Scheduling a GENIUS MOVE or Total Mistake? Basketball Rivalry Renewed May 06, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars are renewing their fierce rivalry with the Utah State Aggies, but the much-anticipated basketball series comes with a twist: no true home-and-home showdown. Jake Hatch dissects BYU’s strategic move to keep the first game in Provo’s Marriott Center and push the so-called “return” game to the neutral Delta Center in Salt Lake City. This setup stirs debate—does BYU’s insistence on avoiding the Spectrum in Logan signal a new era of Big 12 leverage, or is it a missed opportunity for testing the mettle of young stars like Bruce Branch III? With a 10-game win streak over the Aggies since 2013, the Cougars show their dominance, but the absence of a true road game raises questions about player development in high-pressure environments.

Money talks in college basketball, and both programs stand to gain financially from a split-ticket arrangement at the 19,000-capacity Delta Center, as highlighted by Jake Hatch. More seats mean more revenue, crowd energy, and broader reach for the rivalry—but at what cost to tradition and home-court intrigue? The conversation doesn’t stop at Utah State; Jake Hatch advocates for expanding BYU’s non-conference schedule with more in-state clashes, including matchups with UVU, Weber State, Southern Utah, and Utah Tech. The goal: keep the non-conference slate compelling and let local fan bases rally around familiar faces, instead of scheduling lesser-known opponents for “money games” that lack excitement and history.

Will Kevin Young’s leadership and BYU’s assertive scheduling philosophy rejuvenate the local hoops scene and help the Cougars prepare for the rigors of Big 12 play? Can the Cougars’ approach of dictating terms while embracing local rivalries set a winning formula for both financial success and on-court development? Jake Hatch provides a passionate, insightful look at how regional rivalries and smart scheduling could shape BYU’s basketball trajectory as they aim to extend their dominance over the Aggies and maximize fan engagement heading into a new season.

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Josh Pate: BYU "Didn't Really Win ANYTHING" Last Year - Kalani Sitake & BYU Football Get Challenged | BYU & USU Re-Ignite Hoops Series | BYU Specialists Must Deliver This Fall May 06, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, with national eyes on Kalani Sitake's team as they confront high expectations and pointed criticism. College football analyst Josh Pate directly challenges BYU, arguing that despite strong performances, the Cougars “didn’t really win anything” last year—but can the BYU football program's returning core silence the doubters and make a legitimate run at a Big 12 Conference title or even the College Football Playoff? With Bear Bachmeier set to lead the offense, dynamic LJ Martin anchoring the backfield after a standout season, and a staggering 63% of team production returning, BYU stands as CBS Sports’ #3 program nationally in that key metric. The Cougars aim to capitalize on Texas Tech’s turbulence surrounding Brendan Sorsby and leverage one of the nation’s most experienced rosters, setting the stage for potential statement wins, particularly in a top-10 showdown against Notre Dame.

Jake Hatch turns his attention to hardwood drama as BYU renews its storied basketball rivalry with Utah State—but this time, the Cougars snub a return trip to Logan, fueling Aggie fan outrage. Instead, the series heads to the Marriott Center and the neutral Delta Center, reflecting both financial calculation and BYU’s evolving power position as a Big 12 program. Is this scheduling approach the best way to test BYU’s youthful roster—filled with up-and-coming names like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III—or does it signal a shift away from traditional home-and-home matchups with in-state rivals? Jake Hatch dissects what this means for local fan engagement and how Kevin Young balances marquee non-conference games against building relationships within Utah.

The episode wraps with a critical look at BYU football's special teams overhaul. With Justin Ena taking the reins as coordinator and a wave of newcomers vying for punting, kicking, and return duties, Cougar success may hinge on untested faces like Fuller Schurtz, Ty Smith, and a three-way kicker battle featuring Matthias Dunn, Ian Sanches, and Brody Laga. Will the revamped special teams rise to the occasion and sustain BYU’s edge in complimentary football, or could inconsistency here threaten their championship ambitions? Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s dynamic analysis as BYU football and basketball navigate the pressure—and opportunity—of a new era.

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GAMECHANGER: BYU Football Recruiting ACCELERATES WIth Another Elite 2027 Commit in Ryan Wooten Jr. May 05, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars make headlines as Ryan Wooten Jr., a highly-rated 6'2", 175-pound defensive back from Jersey City, New Jersey, committed to bringing his talents to Provo. Could this major recruiting win signal the start of a new era for Kalani Sitake’s program as they chase national relevance in the Big 12 Conference? With proven versatility and size perfectly suited to combat today’s bigger, stronger wide receivers, Wooten’s arrival may elevate BYU’s secondary—and recruiting profile—to unprecedented heights.

Jake Hatch spotlights the seamless blend of skills that sets Wooten apart: the ability to lock down receivers in man coverage, read plays instinctively, and shift to safety if needed. Drawing parallels to Tre Alexander, another out-of-state standout, the conversation emphasizes that BYU’s staff, led by Lewis Walker’s East Coast connections and Kalani Sitake’s vision, is casting a wider and more potent net than ever before. The episode explores how Wooten’s commitment is about more than just individual talent—it’s a signpost of BYU’s rapidly expanding recruiting territory. For the first time this century, the Cougars nab a top-rated prospect from New Jersey, highlighting their national reach and ability to attract players who might never have considered Utah as a college football destination.

Key talking points include the Big 12 effect on BYU’s recruiting power, the strategic importance of versatility at the cornerback position, and how Wooten’s rating—on the cusp of four-star status—sets a new standard for what BYU can achieve. Ryan Wooten Jr. also considers the program’s ongoing challenge: can they convert elite talent into consistent contenders against Big 12 rivals like Texas Tech, Utah, and Houston? As BYU’s recruiting floor rises with additions like Tytan DeJong and Ezra Sanelivi, the conversation turns to the big question: Will continued out-of-state signings help the Cougars realize long-held ambitions of contending for conference titles and college football playoff berths?

Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis of BYU football’s evolving identity, as Ryan Wooten Jr. examines how one commitment could ripple through recruiting strategy, on-field performance, and the Cougars’ pursuit of sustained greatness.

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BYU Cougars & Arizona Wildcats Set for EXPLOSIVE Big 12 Showdown That Will Define Big 12's Season | Tommy Lloyd & Kevin Young's Stark Hoops Contrast May 05, 2026

Show notes

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

The discussion spotlights the wild cards hanging over the conference race—specifically, the eligibility of Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby and how that could shift the Big 12 hierarchy. Are BYU and Arizona quietly poised to seize control if the Red Raiders stumble? Jake Hatch and Leif compare the physical, veteran style of the Cougars—grounded by a proven quarterback and a formidable running attack—with the explosive, turnover-hungry Arizona defense and an offense centered around Fifita’s accuracy. Parity reigns supreme in the conference, but this early-season collision could give the winner a crucial advantage as national attention intensifies.

Roster construction and coaching strategies come under the spotlight, with Arizona’s Brent Brennan attempting to cement his turnaround after last season’s 6-game conference win streak. Can the Wildcats’ rebuilt secondary and offensive line replacements uphold last year’s defensive breakthroughs? Will the emergence of young standouts make up for key departures to the NFL? On the BYU side, Jake Hatch examines the offensive question marks at wide receiver, tight end, and on the offensive line, and considers whether experience at quarterback and running back is enough for Kalani Sitake to offset those gaps.

Switching to basketball, the podcast breaks down BYU and Arizona’s contrasting approaches in the transfer portal. Can BYU shore up a thin frontcourt and build a roster to match Tommy Lloyd’s deep, two-big rotation for the Wildcats, highlighted by Mo Krivas’s All-American buzz? How do NIL spending wars factor into roster building, and could Arizona or BYU leap into the upper echelon of college hoops budgets? With plenty of insider analysis and key names to watch, this crossover delivers the essential preview for fans eyeing both the gridiron and the hardwood this season.

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