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

BYU men's basketball stuns the college hoops world with the late addition of Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, signaling a dramatic shift in the program’s Big 12 aspirations. Is a trip to the Sweet 16 now within reach? Jake Hatch unpacks how Kevin Young and his staff pulled off this incredible recruiting coup, landing a coveted big man at the eleventh hour after months of frustrating misses. Hatch explains why Kohler, a Utah County native and gifted offensive weapon, could instantly become one of the BYU Cougars' top scoring threats—perhaps even averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds—with his refined post moves, three-point touch, and ability to thrive in BYU’s spacing-focused system alongside shooters like Rob Wright, Collin Chandler, and Bruce Branch III. Yet, with Kohler not an elite rim protector and Jakub Urbaniak backing him up, will BYU’s defensive backbone hold up against the conference’s top frontcourts?

The roster drama doesn’t stop there. With 14 scholarship slots filled, BYU is weighing whether to leave the 15th spot open for midseason flexibility or seal the deal with a fan favorite and proven Power 5 vet: Dallin Hall. After brief success at Virginia, Hall could be eyeing a return to Brigham Young University, and Jake Hatch analyzes what his reunion would mean for depth, leadership, and locker room chemistry. Would Hall strengthen BYU’s guard rotation, or should Kevin Young hold the slot for a potential midseason transfer—especially given last year’s injury woes and eligibility concerns?

Switching to football, Jake Hatch delivers a firsthand scouting report on future Cougars star Uhila Wolfgramm, the 2027 four-star defensive line commit from Maple Mountain High School. Hatch spotlights Wohlgramm’s rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism, explaining how his dominance against double and triple teams hints at untapped potential and why recruiting analysts and blue-bloods like Oklahoma coveted his signature. BYU’s recruiting staff—credited by name, including Kalani Sitake, Jay Hill, Sione Po'uha, Kelly Poppinga, and Chad Kauha'aha'a—earns praise for their early identification and development pipeline.

Join Jake Hatch for an energizing, in-depth analysis of recruiting, roster construction, and whether BYU basketball and football are poised to take the next leap in the NCAA landscape.

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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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10

Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

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Big 12 chaos looms as BYU and Texas Tech emerge as consensus favorites, but Utah’s bold push for the title stirs heated debate. Could the conference see not just two, but three playoff contenders, with Oklahoma State, Houston, Arizona State, and West Virginia all making their case? The Big 12 Squad breaks down quarterback battles, explosive offenses, and key schedule advantages in the race for Arlington. Intrigue grows as the crew spotlights the most pivotal matchups—BYU vs. Notre Dame, Oklahoma State vs. Oregon, and BYU-Arizona—all with playoff implications. Can Devon Dampier, Will Hammond, and Drew Mestemaker shine on the biggest stage? Will a revamped West Virginia or Arizona State’s stacked wide receivers change the conference dynamic? Don’t miss this comprehensive preview of the ultimate Big 12 football season and which dark horses might rewrite expectations.

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Kalani Sitake is the lifeblood of the BYU Football program, and his potential departure could shake the very foundation of the BYU Cougars. Jake Hatch opens with a hard-hitting assessment: Sitake is irreplaceable at BYU, not just for his coaching prowess but for his unique connection to the university’s culture and mission. From growing up a BYU fan to leading Brigham Young University's football program to some of its greatest heights since the 1984 national championship season, Sitake has embodied everything BYU stands for—loyalty, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jake Hatch explores why replacing Sitake isn’t as simple as promoting coordinators like Jay Hill or courting BYU alums such as Jason Beck or Kelly Poppinga. The episode scrutinizes the rumored friction with athletic director Brian Santiago, the specifics of what BYU demands from its head coach, and how Sitake has built an environment that not only keeps coaches from leaving but continues to attract top-tier talent despite the unique requirements tied to BYU’s religious sponsor in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Off the field, BYU’s new “game day experiences” are making waves. Will paid field access, reserved front-row spots at the Cougar Walk, locker room tours, and even in-seat Cosmo visits enhance the fan experience—or are these new revenue streams risking alienation of the core of Cougar Nation? Jake Hatch assesses BYU’s strategy against larger NCAA trends, critically examining which traditions should remain accessible to every fan, and which are fair game for monetization in today’s college sports arms race. The episode breaks down pricing, including eyebrow-raising costs for previously free experiences, and why the athletic department’s financial pressures are pushing creative boundaries.

Listener mailbag questions bring fast insights and updates on BYU’s football roster and recruiting. Get the latest on Parker Kingston’s appeal saga, the battle for backup quarterback reps behind Bear Bachmeier, and the outlook for rising talents like Nusi Taumoepeau—Jake Hatch’s pick for leading the team in sacks. The basketball update covers Jaxon Kohler’s hopeful return home, how BYU stacks up against blueblood suitors in terms of NIL deals, and whether Dallin Hall could still suit up this year for Kevin Young and the BYU men's basketball program. There’s also a spotlight on BYU’s expanding reach for diverse non-LDS athletes, with examples like Mory Bamba and Bear Bachmeier dispelling old stereotypes and reaffirming that BYU’s “big tent” culture is here to stay.

Stay tuned for unrivaled Cougars analysis, roster scoops, and community Q&A—your front-row seat to everything BYU.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10

Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

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The BYU football program have a new look on their offense with major questions looming: Can their new-look wide receiver corps and veteran offensive line spark a playoff run in 2026? After losing their top three pass catchers—Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan, which accounted for roughly 80% of last season’s aerial production—the BYU Cougars face intense scrutiny about their ability to reload and compete in the Big 12 and against national powerhouses like Notre Dame. With Bear Bachmeier locked in as QB, Brigham Young University eyes impact transfers and highly touted freshmen, including Oregon transfers Roger Saleapaga and Kyler Kasper and speedster Legend Glasker, to step into featured roles. Will the sum of BYU’s new parts prove greater than the missing stars, or could their lack of a proven No. 1 receiver be their downfall when facing elite talent?

Brian Smith and Jake Hatch dive into the layered strategy behind BYU’s rebuild, starting with the tight end duo of Saleapaga and Walker Lyons, poised to be focal points in Aaron Roderick’s scheme. The conversation highlights the offensive line’s experience, anchored by right tackle Andrew Gentry, whose run-blocking prowess should open holes for underrated running back LJ Martin. The hosts analyze how Kalani Sitake and BYU plan to balance Bear Bachmeier’s physical play and running ability with the need to keep him healthy for a potential postseason run, raising questions about situational quarterback runs and the long-term durability of their offensive centerpiece.

The discussion pivots to BYU’s ability to execute in crucial games, with pressing matchups against teams like Notre Dame and Texas Tech—programs known for NFL-caliber secondaries and defensive lines. Can the new receiving corps, now billed as bigger and faster, hold their own against future pros? Will BYU’s offensive line reclaim its physical identity and dominate at the line of scrimmage after last year’s humbling at the hands of Texas Tech’s generational unit? Jake Hatch points to the players’ offseason focus and a hunger to prove doubters wrong, stressing the importance of controlling the trenches and hitting timely deep shots to change defensive game plans.

Will the Cougars’ calculated portal moves, revamped attack, and physical mentality be enough to bridge the gap from good to elite in college football?

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10

Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LJ Martin’s preseason All-American nod sets the stage for the BYU Football program’s ambitions in the Big 12 Conference, but is one Cougar star enough to satisfy the fanbase in this heated Utah-BYU rivalry? Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill kick off this crossover episode by analyzing Martin’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year status and questioning which other BYU and Utah players—like Bear Bachmeier of Cade Uluave—deserved a spot on the Associated Press lists. Does the AP’s limited roster leave Big 12 standouts underrated, and can Utah’s Devon Dampier crash the postseason All-American conversation with a breakout season?

The debate intensifies as BYU edges Utah in the preseason AP Top 25, with BYU ranked 14th to Utah’s 21st. Jake Hatch calls this the "Goldilocks zone" for the Cougars and explains how Kalani Sitake can use this “under-respected” status as motivation on the campaign for a College Football Playoff berth. Meanwhile, JT Wistrcill pushes back, arguing that Utah—whose quarterback situation feels more secure than Tennessee’s—could outperform its ranking by season’s end. Both hosts agree that making the Big 12 title game is no small feat, but punching a ticket to the College Football Playoff remains the real goal for both programs.

With the rivalry game on the horizon, attention turns to whether the Holy War could tip playoff scales for either squad. A convincing win at Rice-Eccles Stadium could catapult either Utah or BYU into a two-team Big 12 playoff scenario, but both teams know that winning isn’t enough—they need statement victories to sway national perception. Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill weigh whether fans would rather take extra losses and a rivalry win, or endure defeat to their rival in pursuit of playoff glory, inviting listeners to join the debate.

Off the field, the drama is equally intense. Kalani Sitake’s pointed comments about resource gaps ignited a firestorm around BYU athletic director Brian Santiago, echoing the public fallout Utah just experienced between Mark Harlan and Kyle Whittingham. The hosts dissect how AD-coach power dynamics play out, the unique pressures on BYU’s leadership pool, and why public opinion often aligns with the football coach in moments of institutional strife. As both programs navigate these controversies, one question looms: whose athletic department can weather the storm and deliver on championship aspirations? Don’t miss this comprehensive breakdown of both the on-field battles and off-field intrigue shaping Utah and BYU’s 2026 seasons.

Support Locked On Cougars:

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!

Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10

Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase

FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.

If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.