BYU’s Big 12 & CFP Ambitions JEOPARDIZED by Running Back Questions? | LJ Martin Key to Success | BYU Football Sailling Over Win Total This Fall? | BYU Women Fall in WBIT Championship

The BYU Cougars’ run at Big 12 glory may ride on the shaky depth of their running back room. L.J. Martin returns after earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, but behind him, injuries and uncertainty threaten to derail BYU’s high expectations. Jake Hatch spotlights the distinct lack of transfer portal activity in recent seasons and questions whether relying on injury-prone backs like Sione Moa and having Jovesa Damuni out long-term due to knee injury could come back to haunt Kalani Sitake’s ambitious squad. If Martin misses time, will true freshman Devaughn Eka, or gritty runners like Logan Payne and Preston Rex, be ready to shoulder the load? Hatch provides insider updates on the latest health setbacks, including Damuni’s significant knee injury, and examines if BYU can finally shake its injury bug and maintain the offensive firepower required to contend for the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff spot.

BYU’s surprisingly modest over/under win total of 8.5, despite going 23-4 in the past two seasons and reaching a Big 12 title game, becomes a focal point for debate. Jake Hatch dissects FanDuel and CBS Sports projections, arguing that BYU’s returning roster and favorable schedule set them up to surpass expectations. Could Bear Bachmeier’s evolution at quarterback and a revamped defense under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga power BYU past the 10-win mark and into playoff contention? The conversation extends to archrivals like Utah, contenders like favorite Texas Tech, and dark horses looking to upset the conference hierarchy. Every key matchup, from Notre Dame at home to treacherous trips to TCU and Utah, is scrutinized for its playoff implications.

Outside of football, Hatch covers BYU Women’s Basketball’s bittersweet end to a strong postseason, falling to Columbia in the WBIT final. He highlights Delaney Gibb, Olivia Hamlin, and a promising young core, forecasting how Coach Lee Cummard’s squad can build on a 26-12 campaign for future NCAA tournament runs. Plus, BYU Baseball’s pivotal road stretch at Baylor could define their postseason hopes, echoing the resilience and growth sought in all Cougar athletics. Don’t miss this all-encompassing look at BYU’s present and future as championship dreams heat up in Provo.

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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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