LOCKED IN: BYU Cougars Set to DOMINATE Big 12 as Kalani Sitake Eyes College Football Playoff Berth | BYU Basketball Early Transfer Portal Targets | BYU Women's Hoops Takes Faces Kansas

The BYU Cougars find themselves in the national spotlight as predictive analytics place them among the favorites to contend for the Big 12 championship and a coveted College Football Playoff berth. With SP+ ratings ranking BYU as the No. 2 team in the conference behind Texas Tech, Jake Hatch breaks down how Kalani Sitake’s program could be on course for another stellar season. The Cougars are projected to win 10 games with only Notre Dame and Utah presenting toss-up challenges, and the numbers suggest BYU’s resume could be playoff-worthy. Is this the year the Cougars finally crash the CFB Playoff? Hatch examines what’s driving BYU’s momentum, from past success against rivals like Utah to the depth and competitiveness across the Big 12. Every matchup matters, and BYU’s status as a hunted team raises the stakes as they battle for conference supremacy.

On the basketball front, roster evolution takes center stage as BYU gears up for a busy transfer portal season. With the portal officially opening soon, Hatch identifies four top names he believes BYU should aggressively pursue: Trevan Leonhardt (UVU), Karson Templin (Utah State), Jake Wahlin (Clemson), and Isaac Finlinson (Hawaii). Each player brings much-needed shooting ability and competitive fire that Kevin Young emphasizes for the next roster overhaul. The discussion explores potential fits, local connections with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how new talent could fill holes left by departures—especially at the center position. Will BYU prioritize inside scoring or continue its search for perimeter sharpshooters? Hatch outlines crucial questions and portal strategy as the Cougars aim to build a championship-caliber squad.

Meanwhile, BYU Women’s basketball surges into the WBIT semifinals after a dominant win over Stanford, led by Delaney Gibb's scoring brilliance. Facing Big 12 rival Kansas, the Cougars seek redemption after a regular-season blowout loss and a chance to reach the tournament final. With Lee Cummard rejuvenating the program’s tradition and setting new records, BYU’s postseason run could deliver an exclamation point on a resurgent season. Can Gibb and company continue their hot streak and secure hardware for Cougar Nation? Don’t miss this action-packed episode featuring football projections, basketball strategy, and a postseason chase for glory.

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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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