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

Reports peg Kalani Sitake's salary at $3 million annually, but is that figure too low? This podcast argues that Sitake is worth every cent and potentially even more, given his unique fit and invaluable contributions to BYU football. We dive into why Sitake is the perfect head coach for the Cougars.  We explore the reasons why Jake Hatch and others believe Sitake's true compensation may exceed the...

The 1954 BYU Cougars faced a challenging season, finishing with a 1-8 record. This episode revisits that year, marked by a persistent turnover problem that plagued the team and overshadowed the final collegiate campaign of legendary player Marion Probert. We'll delve into the factors that contributed to the Cougars' struggles, with a particular focus on the crippling number of turnovers. We'll ana...

Is the ACC's potential division restructuring a game-changer or a misstep? As the Big 12 Squad dives into the latest college football buzz, they explore the implications of North Carolina's rumored Big Ten move and the ripple effects on the college sports landscape. With insights from Drake, Cameron, and other panelists, the discussion covers player transfers, tampering allegations, and the impact...

The 1955 BYU Cougars football season was a year to forget. Plagued by a dismal 1-9 record and an 0-7 showing in the Skyline Conference, the team finished dead last, leading to the end of Charles "Chick" Atkinson's tenure as head coach. But this disastrous season holds a unique historical significance for BYU, as it featured players who were forbearers of future BYU coaching legends. This episode d...

BYU's aggressive approach in the transfer portal and their substantial NIL resources have ignited a firestorm of controversy, potentially positioning them as the most loathed program in the Big 12. This podcast episode delves into the swirling accusations, examining the validity of the claims and the factors fueling the growing animosity towards the Cougars. We dissect the unverified social media...

This podcast episode delves into the fascinating story of Harold "Hal" Kopp and his place in BYU football history. Kopp holds a unique distinction: he is the only head coach in the program's history who was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His tenure in 1956 marked a significant moment in the evolution of BYU athletics. We'll explore Kopp's background and his journe...

National college basketball insider Jon Rothstein has ignited a firestorm of excitement and expectation in Provo, declaring that a Final Four appearance is a realistic goal for BYU basketball. In this podcast episode, we dive into Rothstein's bold statement and examine whether Kevin Young and the BYU Cougars can rise to this historic challenge. Rothstein's comments have shifted the conversation ar...

BYU's ascent in college football and basketball is no overnight success story. It's a journey rooted in over half a century of embracing change and pushing boundaries. This podcast episode explores the evolution of BYU Athletics, tracing its rise to prominence and its willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college sports. From legendary football coaches like LaVell Edwards and icon...

The 1963 BYU Cougars football season was a year of upheaval and unexpected challenges. With high hopes dashed by an "archaic single wing offense" and internal strife, the Cougars faced a tumultuous journey. Discover how Coach Hal Mitchell's tenure unraveled amid honor code violations and a disappointing 2-8 record, despite the efforts of players like Phil Brady and Alan Robinson. Explore the dynam...

The BYU Cougars have made a significant addition to their roster with the transfer of former four-star quarterback prospect Bear Bachmeier. This episode dives into what Bachmeier brings to Provo and how he fits into Aaron Roderick's offense, and Kalani Sitake's vision for the program. Is he the BYU quarterback of the future? We'll analyze Bachmeier's potential impact on the BYU Cougars. As a highl...

Embark on a journey to the gridiron's humble beginnings with BYU football's inaugural 1922 season. This episode chronicles the birth of a program, marked by both historic firsts and challenging losses, as Alvin Twitchell laid the foundation for BYU's football legacy. We delve into the story of Alvin Twitchell, the pioneering coach who took on the daunting task of building BYU's football program fr...

The BYU Cougars have landed a significant addition to their defense with the commitment of former Oklahoma State defensive tackle Justin Kirkland. This episode breaks down why Kirkland's arrival is a game-changer for Jay Hill's defense and how it elevates BYU's potential for a successful 2025 season.  We dive into Kirkland's background, tracing his journey from Roy High School to Utah Tech and Okl...

Every program has its low points, and for BYU Football, 1949 was the absolute nadir. This episode delves into the infamous 1949 season, the only winless campaign in BYU history, and a season that ranks among the worst ever for any current Power 4 program. We examine the factors that contributed to this disastrous 0-11 record. From a challenging schedule and a team struggling under first-year head...

Shedeur Sanders' unexpected fall to the fifth round of the NFL draft has left many questioning the evaluators' decisions. Could the Colorado quarterback's high-profile background and interview performance have influenced his draft position? This episode unpacks the factors behind Sanders' draft journey, featuring insights from Drake Toll, Cody Stovall, JT West, Nick Maravetz, and Parker Greenswort...

The landscape of college football is changing rapidly, and a recent report indicates that the Texas Longhorns are planning to spend an unprecedented $35-40 million on their 2025 football roster. This episode delves into the implications of this massive investment, driven by the revenue share model from the House Settlement and increased NIL activity, and what it means for programs like BYU as they...

BYU Basketball is generating serious buzz! Joe Lunardi's early projections have the Cougars as a potential 2-seed in next year's NCAA Tournament. This episode breaks down what this lofty prediction means for the program and its key players. We examine the implications of these high expectations for new head coach Kevin Young and how he'll handle the pressure. The spotlight is also on star players...

BYU is now competing in the Big 12, but which program will claim a conference title first: football or men's basketball? Both programs are on an exciting trajectory with strong arguments for reaching the top of the conference in the next five years. This episode dives into the title chances for both BYU Football and BYU Basketball. For BYU Football, we examine the factors positioning them for succ...

BYU Basketball is generating serious buzz, and this podcast episode dives into the conversation: Does BYU have the best starting lineup in the nation? With the arrival of transfer Kennard Davis Jr. and the return of All-Big 12 First Team honoree Richie Saunders, joining forces with AJ Dybantsa, Robert Wright III, and Keba Keita, the Cougars are loaded. We'll break down this explosive starting five...

BYU Football is making waves in the recruiting world, and this podcast episode dives into the Cougars' red-hot success with the 2026 class. With commitments from two Top-100 prospects, Brock Harris and Bott Mulitalo, Kalani Sitake and BYU are on a historic recruiting pace that has fans buzzing about the program's future. We'll break down the significance of landing elite talents like Brock Harris,...

Could TV ratings decide the College Football Playoff? This controversial idea could reshape the landscape for teams like the Florida Gators and Utah Utes. Dive into the latest buzz around conference realignment, with Utah potentially eyeing a Big Ten move. How will this impact their playoff chances? The episode also explores the growing influence of NIL deals on college sports, highlighting dispar...

The rivalry between BYU and Utah is heating up, with "tampering" allegations adding fuel to the fire. This podcast episode dives into the complex dynamic between these two programs and explores whether these accusations are simply a sign of the times in college football. We'll examine the claims of improper recruiting practices, focusing on how the lack of clear guidelines and rules in the NIL mar...

This podcast episode dives into the escalating tensions between BYU and Utah, focusing on recent allegations of "tampering" and the complex realities of college football in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. We'll explore the claims made by Utah regarding BYU's recruitment of Utes players, and examine why, in the absence of clear NCAA guardrails, the concept of "tampering" exists in a gray a...

The BYU football program is facing a new reality with the departures of Keelan Marion and Harrison Taggart. This podcast examines how Kalani Sitake and the BYU Cougars are navigating these changes and why it's crucial for them to establish a clear precedent for operating in the House Settlement era of college football. We'll discuss how BYU can manage roster turnover, player expectations, and fina...

The BYU Cougars face a transfer portal loss as All-American kick returner Keelan Marion departs. This podcast examines the impact of Marion's decision and why BYU's deep wide receiver corps is well-equipped to fill the void. We'll also discuss the buzz around Marion, particularly from other Big 12 programs. While Marion's departure stings, we'll analyze how BYU's talented receiving room, including...

Robert Wright III's decision to sign with BYU has left Baylor fans feeling scorned, and this podcast delves into the reasons behind their frustration. We'll explore how Kevin Young and the BYU Cougars have built a program that's attracting top-tier talent, including Wright, and why their "NBA-esque" approach, encompassing various aspects like NIL, is proving to be a game-changer. We'll analyze how...