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

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CHAMPIONSHIP MINDSET: Will BYU Football DELIVER a Natty to Provo? Andrew Gentry Declares BYU Capable Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

BYU Football is on a mission for greatness as right tackle Andrew Gentry, a national champion with Michigan, joins forces with Kalani Sitake and the Cougars to chase ultimate glory. Can Andrew Gentry’s winning mentality and the program’s emphasis on culture elevate BYU to the College Football Playoff? The energy surges as Jake Hatch and Gentry explore what it takes to build a championship team in Provo—and whether this group has the mentality to bring a national title back to Cougar Nation.

The conversation unlocks insider insights into BYU’s offensive line, where Andrew Gentry credits coach TJ Woods' relentless standard and the squad’s unbreakable bond for their progress. Andrew Gentry explains how the Cougars might not match Alabama or Ohio State in five-star prospects, but they have all the necessary pieces thanks to a unique culture defined by “love and learning.” He reveals the difference between Big Ten and Big 12 battles in the trenches, highlighting the importance of adapting to faster edge defenders and improving his own pass protection since transferring from Michigan.

Get a candid look at BYU’s locker room culture, where mutual care and accountability fuel buy-in at every position. Andrew Gentry compares Jim Harbaugh and Kalani Sitake, recognizing their shared passion for football and genuine care for their players. Gentry revisits his unusual recruiting path—from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Orem, Utah and a pivotal meal at Tucano’s with Harbaugh, to fulfilling a lifelong dream by coming home to BYU.

As the Cougars eye an even stronger campaign after last season’s Big 12 title game appearance, Andrew Gentry makes his ambitions clear: to become one of the best offensive linemen in BYU history and to help deliver the program’s first national championship since 1984. The episode closes on tradition and legacy, as Andrew Gentry discusses the story behind his jersey number and the responsibility of carrying on a family and positional legacy.

Will BYU’s blend of talent, culture, and championship mindset be enough to conquer the Big 12 and the nation? This episode offers an inside look at a team—and a leader—on the verge of something special.

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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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REJECTED: BYU Cougars Take a Stand Against Private Equity—Brian Santiago’s Bold Vision REVEALED | BYU Football Recruiting Continues Rise Along With BYU Baseball | Dave Bevan Joins Fan Friday Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars double down on their distinct identity, refusing to chase the private equity deals now reshaping college sports finances. BYU athletic direction Brian Santiago’s public commitment to independence comes as Big 12 rivals like Utah pursue staggering $500 million windfalls through Otro Capital, but BYU’s refusal raises the question: will values-driven leadership keep the Cougars in the national conversation or put them at a resource disadvantage? Jake Hatch unpacks why BYU’s fierce institutional independence—rooted in its ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a powerful, deep-pocketed donor base—means they can call their own shots, sidestep external influence, and continue shaping their own trajectory in the Big 12 Conference. Listener insight spotlights how BYU’s current philosophy keeps power in Provo’s hands, even as conference peers and national programs jump headfirst into the private capital revolution.

Recruiting battles intensify as BYU football pursues high-profile prospects Blake Wong and Sione Felila, locking horns with blue-blood programs like Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, and Utah. How far can Kalani Sitake’s culture and BYU’s Big 12 rise carry them against collegiate recruiting giants? Jake Hatch examines the evolving landscape and the Cougars’ increasing relevance in major recruiting circles. BYU baseball enters the spotlight with a six-game win streak punctuated by a 19-9 rout over #23 Arizona State, signaling a program on the rise and strong NCAA regional potential. Team depth, explosive offense, and standout performances from players across the roster have set BYU apart.

A pivotal story unfolds as Robert Wright III shuns Kentucky to stick with Kevin Young’s vision at BYU, marking a new era for Cougar hoops alongside talents like Collin Chandler and Jake Wahlin. What makes BYU suddenly a destination for both top LDS athletes and elite out-of-state prospects? Fan Friday guest Dave Bevan joins Jake Hatch to recount superfan adventures at over 50 venues, analyze why Big 12 membership is changing the game for BYU athletics, and share the “secret weapon”—his undefeated daughter—for must-win showdowns at Utah and Notre Dame.

Is this truly a “golden age” for BYU fans? Don’t miss an episode packed with insider stories, roster insights, and future-shaping questions for Cougar Nation.

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BIG 12 SQUAD - The Big 12's RIDICULOUS Schedule Exposed | What this means for BYU Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Big 12 football faces fan backlash as Texas Tech gets two Saturday games stripped, with a marquee matchup against Houston moved to Friday night. The Big 12 Squad debates the impact of weeknight games on local attendance, high school football culture, and the conference’s national exposure. Does this scheduling decision actually give Houston a major advantage, and why isn’t the Big 12 showcasing its top games on Saturdays like the SEC? The squad also explores massive shifts in college basketball: NIL deals and NBA draft prospects are reshaping Big 12 rosters as stars like Joseph Tugler and AJ Dybantsa weigh million-dollar decisions. Is college basketball’s calendar out of sync with the pros? Plus, Big 12 baseball’s heavyweights stumble while Kansas leads the standings—should athletic departments invest in sports beyond football and men’s basketball, or is NIL funding now changing the game for non-revenue sports forever?

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Robert Wright III STAYS PUT! Why He Spurned Mark Pope & Kentucky for BYU | Jake Wahlin Returns Home | Keving Young's Remaining Transfer Portal Needs Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Welcome into a massive "Commitment Edition" of Locked On Cougars with your host Jake Hatch. We lead off today’s show with a definitive statement from the Transfer Portal: Robert Wright III is officially returning to Provo! This was the recruiting battle that had the entire fan base on edge, as Wright took a high-profile visit to Lexington to meet with former BYU head coach Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. In an era where blue-blood programs often pick off the Big 12’s best talent, Kevin Young proved that BYU is now a destination that can hold its own against the giants. We dive deep into why Wright chose to spurn the allure of Rupp Arena to stay the course in Provo, discussing the "NBA-lite" development plan Young has implemented and how Wright’s All-Big 12 talent is the foundational piece for the Cougars' 2026-27 campaign. This isn't just a retention; it’s a massive win on the national recruiting trail that signals a shift in the hierarchy of college basketball.

The momentum continues as we discuss a significant homecoming for a local star. Jake Wahlin, the 6-foot-10 forward and Provo native, has officially committed to play his final season of college basketball for his hometown team. Wahlin’s journey has come full circle after stops at Utah and Clemson, and he brings a much-needed veteran presence to the Marriott Center. We analyze the tactical advantages of adding a 6-10 player with Wahlin’s mobility; his ability to switch on the perimeter and provide secondary rim protection makes him a Swiss Army knife for Kevin Young’s defensive schemes. Being a local product, Wahlin understands the culture and the stakes of BYU basketball, making him a perfect locker-room fit for a roster that is being rebuilt with high-level talent from across the country.

We wrap up the show by taking a hard look at the remaining scholarship spots and the clear priorities for the coaching staff as the portal window begins to narrow. While the backcourt is now one of the best in the Big 12, the frontcourt still requires heavy lifting. We examine the urgent need for multiple centers—specifically looking for a true "rim runner" and a physical "enforcer" who can bang with the elite bigs of the Big 12. Furthermore, we discuss why Kevin Young isn't done looking for perimeter shooting. To maximize the gravity and playmaking of Robert Wright III, BYU needs elite "knock-down" threats to prevent defenses from collapsing. We lay out the blueprint for the final three weeks of the recruiting cycle and what it will take for BYU to cement themselves as a Top-25 program heading into the fall.

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Preseason Ranking MANDATORY for BYU's CFP Hopes? | Rob Wright Transfer Portal Update & BYU's NIL Dominance Angers Rivals Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

On today's episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch dives into the high-stakes world of the College Football Playoff and why the preseason polls might matter more for Kalani Sitake and the BYU Football program than ever before. With the 12-team format in place, we discuss the "prestige gap" and why the Cougars likely need to start inside the Preseason Top-25 to ensure they have the resume runway to crack the CFP field if they deliver the double-digit win season fans are dreaming of and expecting. Does a "power four" schedule in ghe Big 12 Conference provide enough of a boost, or is a Top 25 starting spot the only way to guarantee an at-large seat at the table in December?

The conversation then shifts to the hardwood and the ongoing Transfer Portal saga surrounding Robert Wright III. We analyze whether Kevin Young and the BYU Men’s Basketball staff have "put all their eggs in one basket" regarding Wright's return. Is there a Plan B in place, or is the strategy entirely dependent on retaining Wright? We look at the potential roster implications and what it says about BYU's aggressive approach under their NBA-vetted leadership as they continue to remake the roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Finally, we address the noise coming from across the state and the conference. BYU’s NIL prowess is officially making rival fanbases uncomfortable. We break down why the "NIL envy" is reaching a fever pitch and why it is fundamentally spurred by jealousy. With wealthy BYU boosters and a unified donor base providing the Cougars with the financial firepower to attract and retain elite talent, the competitive landscape has shifted. We explain why BYU fans should embrace the "villain" role as the program uses its unique resources to build a powerhouse in the Big 12 era.

Inside the Episode:

CFP Path: Why the Preseason Top 25 is a must-have for BYU's postseason math.

The Wright Watch: Evaluating the risk/reward of Kevin Young’s portal strategy.

NIL Dominance: Why rival fans are angry at BYU's fundraising success and booster support.

Big 12 Power Dynamics: How financial backing is changing BYU's recruiting ceiling.

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BYU Lands Tyler Betsey as Kevin Young’s Transfer Portal Strategy DELIVERS Big 12 Shooting FIREPOWER | Andrew Gentry Wants BYU Football National Championship | BYU Baseball Trending Up! Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

On the hardwood, Jake Hatch examines BYU men’s basketball’s aggressive pursuit of outside shooting talent. The addition of former Syracuse and Cincinnati three-point specialist Tyler Betsey signals a pivotal shift in strategy for Kevin Young’s roster construction, emphasizing Power 5 experience and reliable high-volume shooting. The breakdown explores why Betsy’s shooting prowess and Big 12 pedigree could be the missing ingredient BYU needs—especially after struggles with portal additions last season. With Collin Chandler and Betsy both bringing 40%+ from deep, will Young’s spacing and offensive philosophy finally click, allowing playmakers like Bruce Branch more freedom to attack?

BYU football is poised to chase hardware as national champion Andrew Gentry brings instant credibility—and massive expectations—to Provo. With a strong belief in BYU’s championship-level culture under Kalani Sitake, Gentry opens up to Jake Hatch about lessons from his Michigan days, the power of genuine “love and learning,” and what it will take for this O-line to dominate in the Big 12 Conference. Can Gentry’s leadership and experience elevate BYU’s locker room from contender to true title threat? Along the way, they revisit Gentry’s unique path, his family ties to the BYU Cougars, and his ambition to leave a lasting legacy as one of the best offensive tackles in BYU history.

The momentum continues as BYU baseball enjoys a historic Big 12 sweep over Houston and pushes its win streak to five with a victory at Lamar, sparking postseason hopes for the Cougars. Jake Hatch highlights the pitching resurgence, clutch hitting, and why timely wins over conference rivals could land Trent Pratt’s squad in an NCAA Regional for the first time in years. He also offers a candid assessment of what’s needed to close the gap—a physical, true big man for basketball, and sustained discipline on the diamond.

Is BYU on the verge of breaking through in football, basketball, and baseball? From transfer portal moves to leadership in the trenches, Locked On Cougars serves up insight, optimism, and the scoop on what’s next for Cougar Nation’s ascent on the national stage.

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IDEAL FIT? BYU Cougars BOOST Roster With Collin Chandler, Pursue Keanu Dawes Aggressively in Transfer Portal | BYU Baseball Enjoying Big 12 Success Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

BYU men's basketball makes a statement as Collin Chandler commits and returns to Utah, sending shockwaves across the Big 12. Can Kevin Young leverage Chandler’s dynamic skillset to elevate the Cougars to a Sweet 16? A proven 41% three-point shooter with the size and athleticism to play both guard spots, Chandler arrives not only to fill a critical roster need after a season of offensive inconsistency but also to bring local pride and high-level SEC experience back to Provo. With Rob Wright’s status still in flux, Chandler could emerge as either BYU’s starting two or be trusted with ball-handling duties if needed—an intriguing possibility considering his pick-and-roll game and high-volume, high-efficiency shooting, especially against top-tier competition.

Jake Hatch spotlights the next potential roster domino: Keanu Dawes. After stints at Rice and Utah, Dawes could be a perfect modern four for BYU, fitting Kevin Young's NBA-style spacing and shooting demands. Hatch breaks down Dawes’ underappreciated contributions, including a surprising 37% clip from deep in Big 12 play, his physicality at 6’9”, and his competitive edge shaped by tough environments at Utah. Would playing alongside improved bigs and shooters in Provo unlock his full potential? Listeners get insider perspective on BYU’s evolving transfer portal strategy, what Chandler and Dawes would mean for future rotations, and the crucial balance between offensive firepower and much-needed defensive improvement on the perimeter.

Rounding out the episode, Hatch celebrates BYU baseball’s unexpected surge after sweeping Houston, putting the "Bat Cats" in the top half of the Big 12 standings with real postseason aspirations under Trent Pratt. Could Miller Park’s iconic backdrop see meaningful games in May? BYU softball also gets a shout-out for its sweep over Houston as both programs pick up momentum after enduring rocky Big 12 transitions. With the transfer portal still buzzing and spring storylines heating up, don’t miss this fast-paced breakdown of Cougar athletics’ brightest headlines and turning points.