DEFENSE NEEDED: Kevin Young’s BYU Cougars URGED to FIX Issues & CLIMB Back Up Polls in Tough Big 12 | BYU Women's Basketball Showing Out | BYU Football Offers Jaxson Rex & Preston Beck
DEFENSE NEEDED: Kevin Young’s BYU Cougars URGED to FIX Issues & CLIMB Back Up Polls in Tough Big 12 | BYU Women's Basketball Showing Out | BYU Football Offers Jaxson Rex & Preston Beck  
Podcast: Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball
Published On: Mon Feb 02 2026
Description: The BYU Cougars are at a crossroads as Kevin Young’s men’s basketball squad faces mounting pressure in the Big 12. After back-to-back losses to Kansas and Arizona, Jake Hatch delivers an unfiltered analysis of what’s holding BYU back from true contender status. The Cougars have yet to notch a signature win in conference play, and the troubling lack of defensive consistency continues to haunt their NCAA Tournament hopes. Can a renewed focus on lockdown defense and bench production—led by Richie Saunders and AJ Dybantsa—reignite BYU’s late-season run? With crucial games against Oklahoma State and top-ranked Houston looming this week, all eyes are on Kevin Young’s adjustments and whether the Cougars can avoid sliding deeper into the Big 12’s crowded middle tier.While the men’s team searches for answers, BYU women’s basketball is quietly rewriting expectations under first-year head coach Lee Cummard. The women’s squad stunned rival Utah with a second-half rally powered by Brinley Cannon and showcased a collective resilience that stands in sharp contrast to the men’s reliance on stars. Delaney Gibb continues to contribute across the board, but it’s Cummard’s versatile, team-oriented rotation that has the Cougars battling for a postseason berth in the Big 12. Jake Hatch calls out the underrated grit, teamwork, and adaptability fueling the women’s success and urges fans to pay close attention as they embark on a pivotal stretch on the road at Kansas and Kansas State.The episode wraps with a spotlight on BYU football’s recruiting wins, as offers go out to Jaxsson Rex and Preston Beck—standout prospects from San Clemente High School and heirs to Cougar legends Byron Rex and John Beck. Jake Hatch examines how BYU’s recruiting pipelines in Southern California remain crucial, both for their legacy impact and for maintaining the Cougars’ competitive edge in an evolving college football landscape. Will the next generation of the Rex and Beck families solidify BYU’s future, and can either basketball squad deliver a statement through February? Tune in for in-depth analysis, program updates, and a candid look at where BYU athletics stands—and what it needs to do next to chase sustained success.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.
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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 todayIndeed - 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.