BYU Football LEANS on Homegrown Defense—Will the Cougars’ BET on Continuity PAY OFF? | Jake Clifton Brings BYU Big 12 Production & Talent | BYU & TCU Square Off at Marriott Center
Podcast: Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & BasketballPublished On: Wed Jan 14 2026
Description: The BYU Cougars make a bold gamble by opting for continuity over seeking out transfer portal upgrades for their defensive line. Are Kalani Sitake and Kelly Poppinga’s bets on internal player development the competitive edge BYU needs, or a risky deviation from proven Big 12 strategies? Jake Hatch breaks down why the coaching staff is prioritizing returning talent like Keanu Tanuvasa, Justin Kirkland, Tausili Akana, Bodie Schoonover, Nusi Taumoepeau, Vai Fetuli and Anisi Purcell to anchor the trenches this season. With programs like Texas Tech investing millions up front, will BYU’s homegrown approach be enough to disrupt the conference hierarchy and put the Cougars in College Football Playoff conversations?The episode also highlights BYU’s calculated moves in the linebacker corps, welcoming Kansas State transfer Jake Clifton. Clifton arrives with proven Big 12 experience and a reputation for positional versatility, but how does he fit into a deep room featuring standouts like Isaiah Glasker, Siale Esera, and incoming star Cade Uluave? Jake Hatch explores the implications of Clifton’s return from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the potential rust factor, and how his addition creates one of the most intriguing position battles for BYU heading into the season. Will BYU’s targeted approach—eschewing the typical shotgun method of transfer recruitment for precise, cultural fits—pay off on the field?On the hardwood, BYU basketball gears up for a crucial and late-night Big 12 showdown against TCU at the Marriott Center. Can the Cougars’ “big three” of AJ Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Rob Wright outduel TCU’s imposing frontcourt of David Punch and Xavier Edmonds, or will TCU’s superior bench depth and relentless interior play test BYU’s rotation? Jake Hatch previews lineup strategies, key matchups, and the significance of this game as Kevin Young and BYU aim to run their conference record to a perfect 4-0 before a ranked clash with Texas Tech.With insider analysis on roster philosophies, player roles, and upcoming challenges, this episode is essential for Cougar fans tracking BYU’s ambitious path in both football and basketballFollow & 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/everydayerclubJake 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 Locked On Podcast Network Sponsors!Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions applyRugiet - If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time. Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel readyFanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.The College Football Playoff is here and FanDuel is the best place to get into the action all playoff long — so visit FanDuel dot com to get your College Football Playoff Profit Boosts every game dayFANDUEL 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.
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