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

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Will AJ Dybantsa DOMINATE & SHINE Again? BYU Basketball Faces Big UCF Test | Upset Potential LOOMS for Knights | Locked On Crossover Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars brace for a pivotal showdown as the UCF Knights come to Provo, only days after AJ Dybantsa’s monster near triple-double and standout defensive effort lifted BYU to a season-defining upset over No. 6 Iowa State. With NCAA Tournament implications looming, all eyes are on whether BYU can overcome significant depth concerns, especially following Richie Saunders’ season-ending ACL injury, and fend off a battle-tested UCF team hungry for a signature quad-one win.

Jake Hatch and Mike Gittens provide a complete breakdown of the matchup, highlighting BYU's strategic shift to dominating the paint with Dybantsa, Keba Keita, and Rob Wright, after a season of injuries left their bench production thin. They analyze how BYU’s ability to generate second-chance points from offensive rebounds and their paint presence can offset the loss of three-point proficiency and roster depth. The hosts examine UCF’s bench-driven, balanced attack—emphasizing that UCF’s shot at outlasting BYU may depend on their ability to capitalize when the Cougars’ starters rest. With UCF entering the game with a 19-7 overall record and clutch victories against Kansas and Texas Tech, the Knights look to seize another marquee Big 12 win to fortify their tournament résumé as they navigate a grueling late-season slate.

The discussion also explores the broader postseason picture: BYU’s impressive 6-6 record in quad-one games, strong net rankings, and the critical importance of continuing to rack up wins to secure favorable tournament seeding in March. For UCF, Mike Gittens underscores how snagging this road victory provides peace of mind and a potential lock status for the NCAA tournament while avoiding last-minute bubble drama. Can Johnny Dawkins’ rebuilt squad, despite losing top scorer Ke'Shawn Hall and overhauling their roster, pull off a high-stakes win, or will AJ Dybantsa’s two-way dominance and BYU’s interior strength carry the Cougars to another statement victory?

Tune in for expert analysis of roster challenges, impact players to watch, and the high-pressure stakes as BYU and UCF battle not just for a win, but for their place in the postseason spotlight

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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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EXCELLENCE: AJ Dybantsa DOMINATES Court & Leading BYU | BYU Football’s Backup RB Challenge UNFOLDS | Will New Look Special Teams Soar? Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars capture national attention as AJ Dybantsa delivers a dazzling, near triple-double performance in the upset victory over Iowa State. Is Dybantsa poised to make BYU history and claim the Wooden Award, or will overlooked blue chip status keep him in the shadows? Jake Hatch breaks down Dybantsa’s transformation from co-star alongside Richie Saunders to BYU’s undisputed leader. With Saunders sidelined due to ACL injury, Dybantsa’s offensive firepower and relentless defense have elevated his NBA Draft prospects, putting the spotlight squarely on how far BYU can ride the freshman phenom through Big 12 play and into March Madness. Hatch also highlights how Dybantsa's ability to “lock up” opponents, carry the scoring load, and maintain impressive shooting splits under pressure position him as one of college basketball’s most complete players.

Switching to football, BYU spring ball launches with high expectations—and urgent questions about roster depth and special teams. LJ Martin stands 1,347 yards away from breaking BYU’s all-time rushing record, but will the Cougars find a dependable “Robin” to complement their “Batman” in the backfield? Hatch surveys the running back competition featuring Sione Moa—whose bad luck with injuries has held him back—speedster Jovesa Damuni, powerful newcomer Micah Beckstead, and elusive freshman Devaughn Eka. The analysis considers whether BYU’s decision NOT to add a transfer portal option could limit their offensive upside. Hatch notes that availability and production are key for anyone aiming to establish themselves as Martin’s backup, with Harvey Unga and Aaron Roderick ready to put the candidates through rigorous tests this spring.

Special teams get a fresh look as Justin Ena transitions to coordinator, and the new kicker and punter battles unfold. Will experienced backup Matthias Dunn or high school standout Ian Sanches claim kicking duties, and can freshman Fuller Schutrz step up as BYU’s main punter in the absence of Sam Vander Haar? Hatch explains the importance of reliable hands at long snapper with Ty Smith, plus changes at returner with Parker Kingston and Cody Hagen potentially making way for new faces. How will these roster shifts affect BYU’s pursuit of another Big 12 title run?

Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s deep analysis of BYU athletics’ evolving landscape and the key players to watch as the Cougars chase their next chapter of success.

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#23 BYU Basketball Upsets #6 Iowa State | AJ Dybantsa is a SUPERSTAR & Selection Sunday Implications | POSTCAST Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

A night to remember in Provo! On today’s episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch breaks down one of the most significant wins in the Kevin Young era as #23 BYU basketball takes down #6 Iowa State at a rocking Marriott Center. This wasn't just a win; it was a signature statement that will resonate all the way to Selection Sunday.

AJ Dybantsa: The Best Player in College Basketball?

We start with the man of the hour. AJ Dybantsa didn't just play well; he dominated against one of the best defenses in the nation. Jake discusses how Dybantsa continues to assert himself as a transcendent superstar, proving why he is a projected top pick and the focal point of this BYU offense. From his shot-making to his poise in crunch time, we analyze how AJ is elevating the ceiling of this program.

The "Unsung Heroes": Moo Davis, Boskovic, and Mboup

While AJ gets the headlines, this victory was a collective effort. We dive into the crucial contributions of Kennard "Moo" Davis Jr., whose defensive intensity and timely scoring provided the spark BYU needed. We also highlight Mihailo Boskovic and Khadim Mboup, detailing how their length, rebounding, and basketball IQ allowed BYU to outmaneuver a physical Cyclones squad.

Selection Sunday & The NCAA Tournament Outlook

What does this win mean for BYU's resume? We look at the "Quadrant 1" impact of defeating a top-10 Iowa State team and how this win virtually locks the Cougars into a favorable seed for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. With the way this team is clicking, Jake explains why BYU looks like a squad capable of making a deep run into the second weekend and beyond.

Atmosphere at the Marriott Center

Finally, we talk about the environment. The ROC was out in full force, and the Marriott Center proved once again why it is one of the toughest venues in the Big 12. We wrap up with what’s next for the Cougars as they look to carry this momentum through the rest of the conference slate.

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Will the BYU Cougars DELIVER the Upset & Silence Doubters Against Powerful Iowa State? | BYU Football Roster Turnover Sizeable | Ammon Montenegro Chronicles His Return From Health Scares Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars face a defining moment as they welcome the Iowa State Cyclones to the Marriott Center in a pivotal Big 12 basketball showdown. With Kevin Young’s program reeling from injuries—most notably to Richie Saunders—Jake Hatch spotlights how BYU’s resilience and home-court advantage could turn this perceived mismatch into a statement victory. Can the Cougars seize a signature Quad 1A win to solidify their NCAA tournament seeding and silence critics questioning their toughness and defense? The episode examines Iowa State’s road game vulnerabilities, the Cyclones’ dynamic trio of Milan Momčilović, Joshua Jefferson, and Tamin Lipsey, and how BYU’s offensive grit could give them the upper hand. Hatch analyzes the mock selection committee’s surprising projection of BYU as a 6-seed, breaking down what this means for the Cougars’ tournament trajectory and the stakes of their remaining schedule against UCF, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech.

Turning to football, BYU is days from launching spring ball, and Kalani Sitake’s squad faces a new era with one-third of the roster turning over—33 newcomers, including high school standouts and transfers like Jaren Pula, Kennan Pula, Cade Uluave, Devaughn Eka, Paki Finau, and Zach Yamauchi, are out to prove themselves alongside returning stars Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin. Jake Hatch emphasizes how increased internal competition and refreshed depth will be critical as BYU chases a Big 12 title and potential College Football Playoff berth. The schedule’s big tests—Notre Dame, Utah, Arizona State, and Arizona—make this spring’s culture of competition more urgent than ever, raising the question: can this rebuilt group become national contenders?

Capping the episode, cheer captain and social media favorite Ammon Montenegro opens up with his inspiring recovery from sepsis and pneumonia, reflecting on what surviving a life-threatening illness taught him about gratitude, faith, and seizing the moment. Montenegro shares insights on BYU’s unique campus culture, his influential community presence, and how the support system—from coaches like Jocelyn Allen to teammates—propels both personal and university success. Don’t miss this comprehensive look at the heart, transformation, and ambition defining Cougar athletics.