Josh Pate: BYU "Didn't Really Win ANYTHING" Last Year - Kalani Sitake & BYU Football Get Challenged | BYU & USU Re-Ignite Hoops Series | BYU Specialists Must Deliver This Fall

The BYU Cougars find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, with national eyes on Kalani Sitake's team as they confront high expectations and pointed criticism. College football analyst Josh Pate directly challenges BYU, arguing that despite strong performances, the Cougars “didn’t really win anything” last year—but can the BYU football program's returning core silence the doubters and make a legitimate run at a Big 12 Conference title or even the College Football Playoff? With Bear Bachmeier set to lead the offense, dynamic LJ Martin anchoring the backfield after a standout season, and a staggering 63% of team production returning, BYU stands as CBS Sports’ #3 program nationally in that key metric. The Cougars aim to capitalize on Texas Tech’s turbulence surrounding Brendan Sorsby and leverage one of the nation’s most experienced rosters, setting the stage for potential statement wins, particularly in a top-10 showdown against Notre Dame.

Jake Hatch turns his attention to hardwood drama as BYU renews its storied basketball rivalry with Utah State—but this time, the Cougars snub a return trip to Logan, fueling Aggie fan outrage. Instead, the series heads to the Marriott Center and the neutral Delta Center, reflecting both financial calculation and BYU’s evolving power position as a Big 12 program. Is this scheduling approach the best way to test BYU’s youthful roster—filled with up-and-coming names like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III—or does it signal a shift away from traditional home-and-home matchups with in-state rivals? Jake Hatch dissects what this means for local fan engagement and how Kevin Young balances marquee non-conference games against building relationships within Utah.

The episode wraps with a critical look at BYU football's special teams overhaul. With Justin Ena taking the reins as coordinator and a wave of newcomers vying for punting, kicking, and return duties, Cougar success may hinge on untested faces like Fuller Schurtz, Ty Smith, and a three-way kicker battle featuring Matthias Dunn, Ian Sanches, and Brody Laga. Will the revamped special teams rise to the occasion and sustain BYU’s edge in complimentary football, or could inconsistency here threaten their championship ambitions? Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s dynamic analysis as BYU football and basketball navigate the pressure—and opportunity—of a new era.

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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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