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

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Kevin Young & BYU Basketball's Center Crisis EXPOSED by Yet Another Missed Target | BYU Football Adds Elite Ryan Wooten Jr. | BYU Baseball Collapsing May 04, 2026

Show notes

The BYU men's basketball program's search for a starting center intensifies as another high-profile target, Obinna Ekezie Jr., opts for Louisville, adding pressure on Kevin Young and his staff to secure a vital piece for next season’s roster. With top stateside names dwindling, BYU pivots its focus overseas, targeting promising international prospects like Michael Ružić—a 6'11" Croatian standout with professional experience in Spain alongside Ricky Rubio and Jabari Parker—and Egor Ryzhov, a rim-protecting Russian big man with prior interest from Florida State. Jake Hatch dissects why rim protection, defensive versatility, and three-point shooting are top priorities for Young’s NBA-inspired system, and how the hyper-inflated NIL market is shaping recruiting battles across college basketball. Can the BYU Cougars win out against schools with deeper pockets and fill their most glaring need before the portal dries up?

Amid basketball recruiting drama, BYU football notches a significant recruiting victory as Ryan Wooten Jr., a 6’2”, 175-pound cornerback out of Jersey City, New Jersey, commits to Kalani Sitake’s program. Rated as one of the highest-rated cornerback prospects in school history, Wooten’s pledge signals a breakthrough in BYU’s national recruiting efforts since joining the Big 12 Conference. Jake Hatch highlights the influence of new defensive backs coach Lewis Walker—whose New Jersey ties were key—and breaks down how Wooten’s skills mirror BYU stars like Therrian "Tre" Alexander, giving the Cougars needed length and coverage flexibility against the Big 12’s evolving offenses. Can BYU continue to expand its recruiting footprint and attract elite talent from coast to coast?

The episode also covers BYU baseball and softball’s late-season disappointments, as both teams struggle to meet postseason expectations—baseball’s RPI takes a hit from unfavorable losses, while softball deals with a rare under-.500 finish despite emotional senior day moments. Jake Hatch gives a nod to BYU track and field’s standout performances at the Robison Invitational, where Tayvon Kitchen and Isaac Hendengren break the elusive four-minute mile at elevation, and Jane Hendengren emerges as a star to watch. With conference realignment raising the bar, can BYU’s spring sports adapt and thrive on the national stage?

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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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UNDISPUTED: Will BYU Star LJ Martin Become the GREATEST Running Back in BYU Football History? | Legacy, Records & Good Locker Room Vibes Abound May 02, 2026

Show notes

BYU running back LJ Martin stands on the edge of history, poised to become the BYU football program’s all-time leading rusher while also carrying the title of reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. His journey is one marked by grit, ambition, and a hunger to elevate both his personal game and the fortunes of the BYU Cougars. Facing tough decisions after a breakout season, LJ Martin opens up to Jake Hatch about why he chose to forgo the NFL Draft—despite widespread speculation about his status as a priority pick—and return to Provo for one more run with his teammates. NFL scouts are watching closely: will LJ Martin match or surpass legends like Jamaal Williams, Harvey Unga, and Tyler Allgeier to set a new standard for Cougar running backs?

Listeners get unprecedented access to LJ Martin’s mindset during this pivotal offseason. After missing spring ball to recover from shoulder surgery, he took on a mentoring role, helping younger running backs develop while staying engaged with the Cougar offense from the sidelines. This episode uncovers how that leadership experience has strengthened team unity and allowed Martin to forge deeper connections—including memorable moments off the field, like competitive all-you-can-eat pancake outings with quarterback Bear Bachmeier and teammates. The chemistry in BYU’s locker room is undeniable, fueled not only by shared triumphs but also the sting of close defeats, most notably back-to-back heartbreakers against Texas Tech.

The conversation shifts to personal motivations: is breaking the rushing record truly Martin’s top priority? He reveals that team success and one last shot with his “guys” overrides individual milestones, even as his on-field production and durability are put to the ultimate test. As the fall season approaches, anticipation is building—can LJ Martin deliver another dominant campaign and lead BYU toward a Big 12 title or even a College Football Playoff berth?

This candid interview provides a comprehensive look at LJ Martin’s BYU experience, his playful spirit, and what Cougar fans can expect from their star running back in a highly anticipated final season. Will he finish as the greatest runner in BYU Football history? Cougar Nation waits with bated breath.

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Has NIL CHAOS Shattered Any Hopes for FCS Schools Like Utah Tech Facing BYU Cougars? Transfer Portal May 02, 2026

Show notes

Utah Tech is set for a high-stakes football campaign, launching their season with a daunting schedule highlighted by a marquee clash against BYU. Trailblazers head coach Lance Anderson offers a candid look at the strategic and cultural challenges his FCS program faces in the age of NIL and the transfer portal. How does a team like Utah Tech compete as standout players are routinely plucked by FBS programs, and what does roster retention look like when bigger stages—and bigger paydays—beckon?

Anderson joined Jake Hatch to preview their BYU matchup and unloads on the shifting landscape of college football, emphasizing the ever-widening gap between FCS, FBS, and Power Four schools. He discusses open communication with players about jumping to higher levels, the musical-chairs nature of the transfer portal, and the ongoing struggle to develop and keep top talent. He highlights the importance of NIL investment for retention, while remaining realistic about the allure of programs like UCLA, Wake Forest, and Utah State for aspiring athletes.

Attention then turns to the Trailblazers’ key playmakers and overall roster strategy. Quarterback Bronson Barben—an imposing local product—anchors an offense bolstered by running back Asa Chatman’s dual-threat capabilities. Wide receiver and BYU transfer Prince Zombo, and Texas/UConn export Dajon Harrison all promise to make noise in the open field, while tight end Kaden Eggett steps into a larger role. On defense, emerging talent Daylen Love brings instinct and athleticism to the linebacker corps.

Coach Anderson also discusses the strategic necessity of mining Utah high schools for homegrown athletes and maintaining relationships across the state, despite increased recruiting restrictions. Anticipating the showdown in Provo, he weighs the difficulty of game-planning against BYU’s standouts Bear Bachmeier and reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin, while acknowledging his past recruiting ties to both stars. With respect for Kalani Sitake’s staff and authentic optimism for Utah Tech’s program growth, Anderson promises a Trailblazers squad that will compete hard and leave their mark this September. Who will seize the moment as Utah Tech ventures onto the national stage?

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BYU Football’s Path to Big 12 SUPREMACY Cleared by Texas Tech QB TURMOIL? It's Bear Bachmeier's Time to Shine! May 01, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars stand on the brink of Big 12 history, poised to make consecutive championship game appearances while traditional powers stumble. With Texas Tech’s star quarterback Brendan Sorsby facing major eligibility setbacks, all eyes turn to Bear Bachmeier and BYU’s window of opportunity. Can the Cougars capitalize—and does Tech have enough firepower left with Will Hammond coming off injury?

Jake Hatch and Spencer McLaughlin provide an engaging breakdown of the shifting Big 12 landscape. The discussion kicks off with the Sorsby controversy, an unexpected twist that threatens Texas Tech’s championship ambitions. Bear Bachmeier draws a compelling parallel to BYU’s own quarterback chaos from the previous year, emphasizing how quickly fortunes can change and why seizing these moments is crucial for championship-hungry programs.

As Jake and Spencer debate BYU’s title hopes, they highlight both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities. Texas Tech remains stacked with elite talent but must navigate the season with Hammond, a backup whose ACL injury and lack of significant game experience raise pressing questions. Yet, Hammond’s gritty performance—particularly his clutch victory against the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City—proves he’s no ordinary backup. Spencer breaks down his stats and the Utah upset, suggesting that Texas Tech’s championship path hinges on Hammond’s fitness and composure.

Meanwhile, BYU’s optimism is fueled by Bear Bachmeier’s anticipated sophomore leap, a full offseason of development, and high expectations from fans who have watched the Cougars barely miss the College Football Playoff and Big 12 title game in recent seasons. Jake analyzes BYU’s revamped offense and their hunger to avenge last year’s losses to Texas Tech, picturing a high-stakes rematch in Arlington.

Key discussion points include quarterback-driven success in modern college football, Texas Tech’s depth and defensive prowess, and the psychological boost BYU gains from knowing Tech’s roster may be diminished. With both programs teetering on the edge of greatness, the episode poses central questions: Will BYU make history and break through? Can Texas Tech defy the odds with a new starter at the helm? The answers could define the Big 12 title chase and reshape the playoff picture for the coming season.

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Darkhorse Figure May Define BYU Football’s Season | LJ Martin’s Thoughts on His Legacy | Backup(s) Who Could SHOCK Cougar Nation May 01, 2026

Show notes

As the BYU Cougars brace for a pivotal campaign as all eyes turn to Sione Moa—the under-the-radar linchpin whose health could tilt the balance of the entire backfield. While LJ Martin sits within striking distance of breaking the program’s all-time rushing record, BYU’s postseason hopes rest as much on the durability and availability of supporting backs as on Martin’s star power. After injuries to both Martin and Bear Bachmeier last season left the offense struggling, the Cougars’ coaching staff now places immense trust in Moa to serve as the “Robin” to Martin’s “Batman,” ensuring the running attack keeps humming no matter the setbacks.

Jake Hatch breaks down the depth chart and reveals why Moa’s spring performance puts him atop the list of players BYU can’t afford to lose. He unpacks the importance of physical resilience and the pressing need for reliable backups if the Cougars are to weather another grueling Big 12 schedule. The spotlight also turns to rising talents—true freshman Devaughn Eka’s playmaking speed, Preston Rex’s adaptability after switching from safety to running back, and the grit of power runners Logan Payne and Micah Beckstead. Each brings a unique skill set, but questions remain: Who will seize the next-man-up role if the injury bug bites again? Can BYU’s recruiting pipeline and Harvey Unga’s coaching find the next “lead guy” for future seasons?

Listeners get an exclusive chat with LJ Martin, where he discusses returning to Provo in pursuit of team goals and personal milestones, including his candid reflections on NFL ambitions and the brotherhood driving his comeback. He paints a picture of team camaraderie—from late-night guitar jams with Bear Bachmeier to pancake-eating competitions—while expressing the hunger across the roster to finally punch through to a Big 12 championship or College Football Playoff berth after two near-misses.

With the stage set, Jake Hatch asks: Will Sione Moa stay healthy and deliver on his immense promise? Can BYU’s running back room provide the necessary depth to fuel a double-digit win season and cement Martin as the greatest rusher in Cougar history? Don’t miss this comprehensive preview of a backfield primed for both glory and adversity.

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BIG 12 SQUAD - The Brendan Sorsby Gambling SCANDAL | What this means for BYU Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Texas Tech faces a major setback as star quarterback Brendan Sorsby is caught in a gambling controversy, casting doubt on his Big 12 future. Will Sorsby suit up this season, or has Tech’s shot at a championship vanished overnight? The squad unpacks how over a thousand wagers—many placed during Sorsby’s stints at Indiana and Cincinnati—sparked a full-blown crisis, igniting questions about competitive integrity, NCAA regulations, and the future of sports betting in college football. The Big 12 Squad debates whether institutional oversight failed, how Texas Tech might fight to keep Sorsby eligible, and if precedent from cases like Iowa State’s Hunter Dekkers offers Tech hope. With questions swirling around legal action, compliance systems, and evolving NCAA rules, the crew asks: Will sports betting become the next normalized aspect of college sports, or are even tougher restrictions inevitable?

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NONSTARTER: BYU Cougars REJECT Big 12 Private Capital Deal—What This Means for Brett Yormark’s Plan | Utah Tech Trailblazers Coach Lance Anderson Previews BYU Football Season-Openers Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars turn heads by refusing the Big 12 Conference’s bold Redbird Capital partnership, raising serious questions about the future of private capital in college sports. With Commissioner Brett Yormark pushing a $30 million credit line and fresh strategic alliances to keep pace in the relentless college athletics arms race, BYU’s principled stance—rooted in independence and deep donor ties—could set a precedent for powerful programs wary of outside control. Jake Hatch breaks down the pros and cons of the private capital offer, highlighting why BYU and the majority of other Big 12 members may opt out, and what this decision means for the conference’s upcoming media rights negotiations with giants like CBS and TNT. Is Redbird Capital the ticket to narrowing the gap with the SEC and Big Ten, or a financial risk that only a desperate handful will embrace?

Shifting focus, Jake Hatch sits down with Utah Tech football coach Lance Anderson, who shares hard-won insights into building a competitive FCS football program in the era of NIL and transfer turmoil. Hear how Utah Tech recruits and retains top talent like quarterback Bronson Barben and running back Asa Chatman, while navigating a landscape where standout players often jump to larger schools like UCLA,, Wake Forest, and Oregon State for lucrative NIL opportunities. Coach Anderson’s transparent approach with players—embracing the likelihood of upward transfers and welcoming returnees—reveals the new normal for programs outside the FBS power structure.

Get a complete Utah Tech Trailblazers opponent preview, including analysis of linebacker Daylen Love’s breakout potential, competition at quarterback between Barben, Deacon Hill, and CJ Tiller, and why improvements on both sides of the line will be critical against BYU’s talented roster. Jake Hatch explores how Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin, and the Cougars’ explosive offense present a major test for Utah Tech’s defense, and what it will take for the Trailblazers to make a statement in Provo against Kalani Sitake's program. With deep ties among coaching staffs and ongoing recruiting battles for Utah’s best players, this matchup offers both familiarity and high stakes.

Looking for an insider’s analysis of Big 12 financial strategy, real talk from the FCS trenches, and a detailed breakdown of BYU’s season opener? Locked On Cougars delivers everything fans need to know for the road ahead.

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Will NCAA's New 5-for-5 Rule Alter BYU Basketball’s HOPES? Kevin Young's Transfer Portal Strategy | Parker Kingston's Situation Remains Messy for BYU Football | Kihei Akina Shining at Big 12 Championships Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

The NCAA’s radical “5 for 5” eligibility proposal has BYU Cougars fans buzzing—could this streamlined approach provide an answer to the Cougars’ recruitment and roster woes, or are its impacts overhyped? Jake Hatch breaks down the specifics: five years to play five, redshirt rules eliminated, and key exceptions for church missions, maternity leave, and military service. For BYU basketball, the stakes are high with star prospects like Obinna Ekezie Jr.—a phenom on the radar for NBA lottery status—top on Kevin Young’s wishlist. But with major departures and no retroactive application for outgoing stars like Richie Saunders or Keba Keita, is the “5 for 5” just an academic exercise, or a true game-changer?

As the Cougars scramble to fill critical gaps at center, international talent like Luigi Suigo remains a tempting—if late—possibility, raising questions about BYU’s strategy and patience with NBA draft timelines. Hatch responds to listener questions, emphasizing the front office’s pursuit of both domestic and overseas options and asserting confidence in Kevin Young’s ability to assemble a competitive frontcourt. Meanwhile, BYU’s offseason narrative is shaped by the loss of key contributors and the relentless pursuit of standout big men, with the potential for multiple NBA-caliber players to anchor the lineup next season.

Off the court, the Parker Kingston legal saga casts a shadow over BYU football. Hatch addresses listener speculation about Kingston’s potential return following a serious criminal charge that could carry life-changing implications. With a trial looming and Kingston’s eligibility in doubt, the legal process takes precedence over any discussions of on-field return, shifting focus to the broader impact on team morale and roster planning.

The episode also spotlights Kihei Akina’s standout run for Big 12 golf medalist honors and BYU women’s tennis securing an NCAA tournament bid, highlighting rising stars and program momentum. Wrapping up, scrutiny of Cincinnati’s handling of Brendan Sorsby’s reported gambling surfaces questions about NCAA compliance at Cincinnati, while Texas Tech’s quarterback controversy could tilt the Big 12 football race. Can BYU capitalize on these shifting dynamics and maintain their competitive edge amid a season of uncertainty and change?

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WIDE OPEN: BYU Football Eyes Big 12 Title as Brendan Sorsby Betting Scandal SHAKES Texas Tech Hopes | Who Won Holy War Spring? | Will BYU or Utah's Portal Class Delivers Next Season? Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

The Big 12 championship race takes a shocking turn as Brendan Sorsby’s betting scandal threatens Texas Tech’s QB1 status, creating a seismic opportunity for the BYU Cougars and Utah Utes to potentially ascend. With Sorsby likely sidelined and uncertainty surrounding Will Hammond's health status, the league’s presumed favorite suddenly looks vulnerable. Can BYU’s returning stars, including Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin, capitalize on this opening? Is this the moment BYU finally seizes a Power 4 conference title? Meanwhile, Utah retools under Morgan Scalley, looking to overcome wholesale changes on both the offensive and defensive lines while leaning on Devin Dampier and a promising, if untested, receiver corps. The question lingers: whose spring momentum—BYU’s stability or Utah’s reinvention—translates to fall glory?

Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill break down the ramifications for the Big 12 title picture, offering deep insights into quarterback growth, coach Kalani Sitake’s steady influence at BYU, and the impact of Utah’s new leadership. Can Utah’s young trenches survive the rigors of conference play? Will BYU’s tight end duo, Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, offset any wide receiver uncertainty? The hosts debate spring “winners,” the importance of proven Power 4 talent, and if the Holy War rivalry matchup could tilt the balance of the entire Big 12 season.

The conversation shifts to the basketball court, where both programs hustle to re-shape rosters through the transfer portal. BYU reloads under Kevin Young after AJ Dybantsa heads to the NBA, banking on the likes of Rob Wright III, Colin Chandler, and Jake Wahlin to keep NCAA Tournament dreams burning. Can the Cougars finally break through? Will they find a center to fill a critical hole in their lineup Utah, meanwhile, pivots under Alex Jensen, landing key additions like Jackson Holcombe and defensive standout TJ Burch while embracing a new team identity. Will Utah’s revamped approach restore national relevance, or is the rebuild still in its infancy?

From gridiron drama to hardwood ambition, this episode is packed with insider analysis, bold predictions, and the questions every BYU and Utah fan wants answered heading into a season loaded with equal parts uncertainty and opportunity.

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DRAFT MOMENTUM? BYU Football Eyeing NFL Draft SHAKEUP | Will Kalani Sitake’s Stars BREAKOUT in 2027? Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars’ NFL Draft prospects are heating up, fueling hopes for a transformative year that could put Provo on the professional football map. With top-tier talent like running back LJ Martin poised for a potential mid-round selection and ultra-productive defenders Isaiah Glasker and Evan Johnson attracting significant NFL attention, the Cougars’ strategy appears ready to pay off. Kalani Sitake’s program has long chased a large draft class, and now, with the continued rise of NIL keeping core players in school and a roster packed with high-upside prospects, BYU's ambitions are clear: send a record number of Cougars to the NFL.

Jake Hatch spotlights the critical roles of players like Bruce Mitchell and Andrew Gentry on the offensive line, both draft-eligible and seen as strong athletic fits for the next level. Defensive linemen Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland, who have set ambitious goals of being the Big 12’s most dominant duo, stand out as players to watch as they anchor BYU’s front. Jake Hatch breaks down how undrafted free agent opportunities for Tanner Wall, Chase Roberts, Garrison Grimes, and others with teams like the Raiders and Jets highlight BYU’s expanding NFL pipeline—even for those who don’t hear their names called on draft day.

Tight ends Roger Saleapaga II and Walker Lyons, both praised by Aaron Roderick for their transfer impact, could elevate their stock if they capitalize on key opportunities in BYU’s offense. Jake Hatch also tracks rising underclassman Faletau Satuala, whose size and versatility draw Fred Warner comparisons and make him a potential early entry candidate should he post another standout season. As Sitake’s recruiting and player development efforts mature, the Cougars are positioned to challenge for a Big 12 title while boosting the draft profiles of their top contributors.

Will BYU ride its momentum to achieve a banner 2027 NFL Draft class? Can these emerging stars not only make the leap but also reshape how the college football world views BYU’s pipeline to the pros? This episode breaks down all the names, storylines, and reasons BYU fans should believe the next big wave is finally here.

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