BYU Cougars SLIPPING as Kevin Young's Program Struggles With Simple Fixes—Can They Turn It Around? | BYU Football & Super Bowl Lessons Learned | Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State & Warns Member Schools
BYU Cougars SLIPPING as Kevin Young's Program Struggles With Simple Fixes—Can They Turn It Around? | BYU Football & Super Bowl Lessons Learned | Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State & Warns Member Schools  
Podcast: Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball
Published On: Mon Feb 09 2026
Description: The BYU men's basketball program is at a crossroads after dropping four straight Big 12 matchups, including a gut-wrenching loss to Houston. Can Kevin Young’s squad turn things around with a renewed focus on simple fundamentals such as free throw accuracy and defensive rebounding? Despite standout scoring performances from AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright, the team’s struggles with perimeter defense, offensive boards, and limited production from centers Keba Keita and Abdullah Ahmed have left the Cougars searching for answers. Jake Hatch examines how Richie Saunders’ relentless rebounding and Houston’s tactical targeting exposed BYU’s vulnerabilities, while also dissecting the concerning trends pf this campaign for the BYU Cougars.Taking a broader look at BYU athletics, Hatch highlights BYU football’s lessons learned in the trenches against Texas Tech’s formidable defensive front. The Cougars’ offensive line was outmatched, echoing the Super Bowl’s showcase of elite defensive line play, and motivating BYU to make key transfer portal additions for next season. Hatch analyzes how Kalani Sitake, TJ Woods, Sione Po'uha, and Chad Kauha'aha'a are reshaping the offensive and defensive line units in pursuit of Big 12 dominance and a playoff berth. The emphasis on “trench warfare”—winning at the line of scrimmage—is poised to define BYU’s trajectory in the league, as the coaching staff pushes for more reps, toughness, and elite cohesion.Off the court, the Big 12 Conference finally takes meaningful action after a string of anti-LDS chants and incidents, issuing a $50,000 fine to Oklahoma State following fan behavior referencing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hatch challenges the league to follow Texas Tech’s proactive example, with coaches and administrators publicly discouraging derogatory conduct. Will these steps be enough to preserve BYU’s dignity and level the playing field for future matchups? As BYU prepares for a critical showdown with Baylor, Hatch invites listeners to weigh the Cougars’ ability to fix simple mistakes, regain momentum, and navigate a changing conference landscape—setting the stage for a pivotal week in BYU sports.Will BYU’s renewed focus propel them to a signature win, and can football’s trench upgrades deliver postseason glory? Don’t miss this comprehensive breakdown of Cougars strategy, challenges, and culture.Support Locked On Cougars:Follow & 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 applyMazda - This episode is brought to you by Mazda. We put that same drive into every detail.
Wins define the moment.
Putting in the work –
That defines you. Stay tuned for highlights in this week’s “Moving the Game Forward.” There’s more to a Mazda, because there’s more to youFanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. It's the last call for football on FanDuel. If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you winTurbo Tax - For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today5-Hour ENERGY - Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at https://5-hourENERGY.com or AmazonIndeed - Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcastFANDUEL 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.Part of the Locked On Podcast Network – Your Team. Every Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.