ESSENTIAL: Filling BYU Football’s Top TRANSFER PORTAL Gaps | Kalani Sitake MUST Address These Spots | Walker Lyons Perfect Fit at Tight End | AJ Dybantsa Truly Unique Force for BYU Basketball
Podcast: Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & BasketballPublished On: Mon Jan 12 2026
Description: The BYU Cougars lock in top talent and set sights on game-changing additions in the transfer portal, sparking fresh optimism for the upcoming season. LJ Martin returns after a record-chasing campaign, while Walker Lyons steps in as a high-ceiling tight end, likened to Carsen Ryan for his dynamic blocking and pass-catching skill. With Chase Roberts’ departure and key veterans spread across the roster, questions loom: can BYU’s blend of homegrown stars and portal pickups provide enough depth to survive the Big 12 gauntlet? Jake Hatch lays out a definitive list of positions to target, highlighting urgent needs at backup running back, offensive line reinforcements, starting-caliber wide receiver, defensive tackle and cornerback, and special teams. Will Kalani Sitake’s development-oriented strategy continue to yield results without a heavy transfer overhaul?Roster stability takes center stage, capped by Evan Johnson’s commitment to return, giving BYU a solid foundation heading into the offseason. The conversation examines how development-first recruiting has brought back-to-back double-digit win seasons, but also explores the pitfalls when the Cougars dip too deep into portal waters. Jake Hatch analyzes O-line candidates like Zach Yamauchi, Paki Finau, and Utah State transfer Jr Sia, stressing the importance of pushing incumbents to elevate the run game. Wide receiver depth behind Jojo Phillips and Parker Kingston remains a concern, as does cornerback depth despite strong starters like Tre Alexander and Evan Johnson. Special teams uncertainty—with Will Ferrin NFL-bound and Sam Vander Haar awaiting eligibility—underscores the need for reliable replacements.The buzz gets even louder on the hardwood, with AJ Dybantsa rewriting the record books and drawing comparisons to BYU legends like Jimmer Fredette and Danny Ainge. Is BYU basketball witnessing a one-of-one talent with potential to reach the Final Four or contend for a national championship? With major Big 12 showdowns against TCU and Texas Tech looming, Jake Hatch suggests the Cougars could be on the cusp of a new era in Provo. Listeners get insider perspectives on how roster moves, coaching shifts, and breakout athletes may impact BYU’s football and basketball trajectories in the coming year—and raises the question: is Cougar Nation ready for what’s next?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 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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