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

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BIG 12 SQUAD - Big 12 Shaping Up GREAT For March Madness | Where BYU Stacks Up Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Big 12 basketball faces a national spotlight battle as top contenders like Houston, Texas Tech, BYU, and Oklahoma State chase March Madness glory. Is ESPN shortchanging the conference’s exposure in favor of SEC and ACC teams? The Big 12 Squad breaks down the league’s elite depth, impact freshmen, and which teams have the firepower to cut down the nets. From Power Poll shake-ups to rankings drama, they question whether the Big 12’s quality can overcome its quantity disadvantage this postseason. The discussion shifts to football’s offseason storyline: Texas Tech atop way-too-early power rankings with BYU close behind. The hosts debate transfer portal moves, scheduling quirks, and whether Oklahoma State can parlay an all-star QB into a true dark horse run. The episode also takes on NIL, the transfer portal, and controversy over recent fan behavior—raising the stakes for the Big 12’s perception on and off the field.

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Red Raiders Targeted: Can BYU & Bear Bachmeier TOPPLE Texas Tech's Big 12 Dominance? | Who Else Contends in 2026? | Will Big 12 Get Multiple CFP Bids? | Locked On Crossover Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars have positioned themselves as Texas Tech’s primary threat atop the Big 12, but can Bear Bachmeier deliver a season for the ages and dethrone the defending champs? Locked On hosts Spencer McLaughlin, Jake Hatch, and Christian Rauh debate whether BYU’s roster—coming off a 12-2 mark and led by Bachmeier’s dynamic quarterback play—has the staying power to challenge the Red Raiders, especially with offseason turmoil surrounding Parker Kingston. The conversation dives into the emergence of Houston Cougars under head coach Willie Fritz and the upside of their veteran-laden lineup led by Connor Weigman. Utah is pegged by some as a potential stumbling giant, with questions swirling around their trench play and the departure of long-time coach Kyle Whittingham, while others see Morgan Scalley’s disciplined squad—returning standout QB Devon Dampier—as firm contenders if their lines hold up.

Roster moves, transfer impacts, and coaching transitions fuel speculation on breakout candidates, with Kansas State’s transfer portal success and Avery Johnson’s ceiling under new offensive coordinator Sean Gleason at the forefront. The hosts discuss Oklahoma State’s culture reboot under Erik Morris, pondering whether quarterback Drew Mestemaker can ignite a dramatic turnaround in Stillwater. Crucial non-conference clashes like BYU vs. Notre Dame and early SEC showdowns for Utah, Texas Tech, and others loom large, as the Big 12’s national narrative hinges on not just competing, but winning marquee games. Can Big 12 teams reverse poor non-conference showings from last season and sway College Football Playoff committee perceptions? The stakes are high as the league battles to put multiple teams into the expanded 12-team playoff field.

The episode spotlights the conference’s quarterback hierarchy, with Bachmeier, Wegman, Brendan Sorsby, and Johnson all in the mix for top honors. Is Texas Tech’s Sorsby the piece that delivers back-to-back titles, or does BYU’s “Bear looking like a Grizzly” leap to the Heisman conversation? With parity rampant across the league, the only guarantee is chaos as dark horse contenders look to disrupt the Big 12 power structure. Don’t miss this fast-paced breakdown of key players, matchups, and storylines that will define the next Big 12 football season.

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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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BYU Football Faces Uproar as Parker Kingston Arrest on Suspicion of Rape Rocks Program & Community Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

The BYU Cougars football program faces its second consecutive offseason rocked by serious allegations, as wide receiver Parker Kingston has been arrested on suspicion of felony rape. This sobering development stems from an alleged incident in February 2025, with Kingston now being held without bail following an investigation by the St. George Police Department and charges from the Washington County District Attorney. The latest controversy raises urgent questions about BYU’s culture, administrative oversight, and how the football program navigates handling sensitive legal matters with one of its key players under scrutiny.

Jake Hatch delivers an unflinching analysis, drawing clear distinctions between criminal proceedings and the civil lawsuit faced last year by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who was accused of sexual assault. Hatch breaks down BYU’s official response, which promises cooperation with law enforcement but restricts public comment citing student privacy laws. Listeners are pulled into a broader discussion: How much did BYU leadership know about the alleged events, and how will this situation impact the team’s preparation for the upcoming season? Will the fallout affect BYU football coach Kalani Sitake’s approach, locker room morale, and recruitment strategies?

The episode also assesses the immediate and long-term implications for the Cougars on and off the field. Questions loom over Kingston’s playing eligibility, how BYU’s administration acted in accordance with university protocols, and the possible duration of legal proceedings. Hatch highlights how unforeseen controversies can overshadow on-field achievements and stoke intense media scrutiny as spring ball and the countdown to a new season approach.

As the legal process unfolds, the podcast urges patience and responsible discussion within the court of public opinion. Hatch emphasizes that no one emerges a winner in scenarios like these—reminding listeners of the human impact on the alleged victim, Kingston’s personal life, and the broader BYU community. The episode covers the intersection of athletics, law, and institutional responsibility, promising continued updates on this evolving situation. Can the Cougars rally and maintain their integrity as they confront another offseason mired in controversy, or will the unresolved questions reshape expectations for the year ahead?