SportSpyder - The Latest BYU Cougars Basketball Podcasts

Are the BYU Cougars DESTINED to DOMINATE the Big 12 This Season? One Expert Believe They Are Capable | Kevin Young Makes More BYU Hoops History | Lee Cummard Flexing Recruiting Prowess

Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The BYU Cougars defy long-standing media skepticism as Jon Wilner—once known for downgrading BYU—now ranks them atop his Big 12 power rankings, signaling a seismic shift in expectations for Kalani Sitake’s program. With veteran leadership from quarterback Bear Bachmeier, explosive running back LJ Martin, and a proven offensive line, BYU is positioned as the most complete team in the conference, even accounting for key departures like defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Jake Hatch explores how home-field advantage and a favorable schedule could propel BYU past conference rivals like Texas Tech and Houston, sparking discussion about a legitimate run at both the Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. Is this the year the Cougars finally break their glass ceiling and chase another national championship, echoing the storied 1984 season?

Kevin Young raises the bar for BYU men’s basketball by potentially sending two players into the NBA draft for the first time in the modern era, a feat never before achieved in school history. AJ Dybantsa is projected as a top-two pick, likely landing with the Utah Jazz or going number one overall to the Washington Wizards, while Richie Saunders, undeterred by an ACL tear, garners strong second-round interest. Young’s recruiting acumen is on full display, with Bruce Branch III slotted as a potential number one pick for the 2027 draft and momentum building for future NBA-caliber rosters. Can Young transform BYU into a true NBA pipeline and sustain this remarkable talent surge?

On the women’s basketball front, Lee Kumard flexes his recruiting muscle by landing Australian blue chip Praysayus Notoa, who chose BYU over the likes of UCLA and TCU. Natoa’s two-way skill set and international experience promise to boost BYU after last season’s breakthrough run, as the Cougars look to build on their growing national reputation. Meanwhile, men’s golf celebrates Kihei Akina’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and first-team selection, spotlighting the program’s bright future as it prepares for NCAA Regionals under outgoing coach Bruce Brockbank.

Will BYU’s unprecedented success on the gridiron, hardwood, and fairway mark the dawn of a new powerhouse era in Provo? Can established stars and rising phenoms deliver hardware, draft buzz, and national headlines? Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s energetic, in-depth analysis of BYU athletics’ rapidly ascending trajectory.

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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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5-12-26 - Hour 4 - How can AJ Dybantsa end up in Utah as the No. 1?

Broadway Media — Wed, 13 May 2026 03:03:46 GMT

5-12-26 - Brandon Gurney - Beat Writer, Daily Herald -

Broadway Media — Wed, 13 May 2026 03:00:51 GMT

Washington Wizards GM weighs in on AJ Dybantsa + Utah Utes: Spring outlook

Wed, 13 May 2026 01:41:13 GMT

5-12-26 - David Locke - Radio Voice of the Utah Jazz - Would the Jazz sell their future to get AJ Dybantsa?

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 23:29:41 GMT

5-12-26 - Hour 3 - How much play action will BYU football have this off season?

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 23:02:27 GMT

5-12-26 - Jared Bledsoe - Former BYU WR - How do wide receivers spend their offseason training with quarterbacks?

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 22:41:10 GMT

5-12-26 - Hour 2 - Should BYU schedule Norte Dame everyday in the non-conference schedule?

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 22:13:16 GMT

5-12-26 - Hour 1 - What type of package would the Jazz have to give Washington to draft AJ Dybantsa?

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 21:27:50 GMT

UNWAVERING: BYU Cougars Stun Big 12 by REFUSING $30 Million RedBird Private Equity Deal – Here’s Why

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Brigham Young University’s principled stand against debt is sending shockwaves through the Big 12’s financial playbook as RedBird Capital offers a game-changing $500 million private equity package. Jake Hatch and Drake Toll spotlight how the BYU Cougars’ deep-rooted commitment to fiscal discipline—anchored in the ethos of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—has made them one of the first schools to reject the enticing, no-strings-now, pay-later $30 million cash infusion. With a long history of raising all funds before breaking ground and a mandate to oerate in the black from the main campus, the BYU Athletic Department has little use for high-interest loans, especially with aggressive boosters capable of filling any revenue gap overnight.

But the real intrigue? Most of the Big 12 is following BYU’s lead. Programs like UCF and Houston, both on the verge of full conference revenue shares like BYU, are also passing on RedBird’s offer—even though the 10% interest rate is far from a payday loan scenario. The podcast explores why schools with major growth opportunities are letting this “free money” slip, pondering if boosters and cautious long-term planning outweigh the lure of instant upgrades. Yet, as Drake points out, schools cutting programs or facing financial crunches, such as Iowa State, face a different calculus. What happens if, in six months, financial desperation sets in? Does the one-year window to accept the deal keep options open for a sudden pivot?

Driving the conversation to its most provocative point: what if only a single school—say, Iowa State—accepts the full $500 million? Could such an unprecedented influx instantly transform a program into a juggernaut, landing three straight College Football Playoff titles, outspending even Alabama and LSU, and reshaping the national landscape? Jake and Drake weigh the potential for a Big 12 dark horse to buy its way to glory, dissect the risks of high-stakes borrowing versus organic growth, and speculate on why a “flush with cash” approach remains so controversial.

Get the insights, the hypotheticals, and the real-world numbers behind college athletics’ evolving relationship with private equity—before the next power shift rocks the sport.

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5-12-26 - Cam Clark - Cougar Sports Center Update

Broadway Media — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:35:12 GMT

TJ Woods on BYU’s Offensive Line | Delaney Gibb & Olivia Hamlin | Super Fan Ryan Robinson

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:11:51 GMT

MIRACLE: BYU's AJ Dybantsa Headed to Utah Jazz in NBA Draft

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The dream of keeping AJ Dybantsa in the Beehive State hit a major roadblock during yesterday’s NBA Draft Lottery, but the conversation is far from over. Despite the Washington Wizards securing the No. 1 overall pick, the Utah Jazz—who landed at No. 2—remain the most logical and motivated destination for the generational talent.

Dybantsa’s ties to Utah are deep. After finishing his high school career at Utah Prep and delivering a historic freshman season at BYU—where he led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game—he has become a local icon. His connection with Jazz owner Ryan Smith and the Ainge family is well-documented, leading many to believe that Utah will "sell the farm" to move up a single spot.

From a roster standpoint, the fit is seamless. A core featuring Dybantsa alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey would instantly give Utah one of the highest-upside young trios in the league. Reports suggest the Jazz are exploring trade packages to entice the Wizards, who already have established stars like Anthony Davis and Trae Young and may prefer to slide down to No. 2 to collect extra draft capital or established depth.

However, if Washington stays put, Utah still "wins" the night. Selecting Kansas sensation Darryn Peterson at No. 2 is an incredible consolation prize. But for a Jazz fanbase that has watched Dybantsa dominate just down I-15 in Provo, anything less than the 6-foot-9 wing in a Jazz jersey will feel like a missed connection. The weeks leading up to June 23rd will determine if Danny Ainge can pull off one more blockbuster to keep the "BYU King" home.

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BYU Basketball Fans RALLY Behind AJ Dybantsa—Will Jazz SACRIFICE Everything & Get Him in NBA Draft? | Why Are Big 12 Schools Bailing on Private Equity Offer? | Why Do BYU Baseball & Softball Struggle?

Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Utah Jazz face a pivotal moment as the NBA Draft approaches, with AJ Dybantsa emerging as the potential hometown hero BYU basketball fans are desperate to see in Salt Lake City. Can Ryan Smith and the Jazz front office, led by BYU legend Danny Ainge, swing a deal to secure Dybantsa, leveraging their impressive war chest of first-round picks and young talent, or will BYU Cougars faithful need to pivot their support to rising star Darryn Peterson—especially if Dybantsa gets drafted by the Washington Wizards at number one? The stakes are high, with Jake Hatch and Drake Toll breaking down the implications of either scenario for the Jazz, the ongoing BYU-Utah rivalry, and the commercial windfall that could accompany a local superstar's arrival in Utah Jazz colors. They debate jersey sales projections, franchise strategy, and whether Dybantsa’s local presence could ignite new levels of fan enthusiasm—or if Peterson’s national buzz will upstage the local favorite.

Off the hardwood, the show explores BYU’s staunch refusal to accept the Big 12’s private equity deal, distancing itself from a potential $30 million influx with plenty of their conference peers also reportedly passing on taking the cash. Citing BYU’s culture of financial conservatism and a longstanding commitment to operating in the black—rooted in the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Hatch outlines how the school’s unique fundraising prowess and booster backing fill gaps without resorting to high-interest debt. The hosts contrast BYU’s position with schools like Iowa State and UCF, probing why so many universities are turning down the equity offer despite tight budgets and cutbacks in non-revenue sports.

The discussion takes a hard look at why relative Big 12 newcomers BYU and Utah have struggled in baseball and softball, despite robust athletic traditions and solid facilities. Hatch offers insider perspective on how booster apathy, cold-weather recruiting challenges, and lackluster NIL investment leave these programs at a disadvantage—even with elite venues like Miller Park and Gail Miller Field at their disposal. The conversation examines whether one passionate donor could transform fortunes, referencing the Texas Tech model, and speculates on the not-so-distant future where financial pressures could force schools to cut baseball, softball, or other Olympic sports altogether.

This episode is a can’t-miss for fans invested in the future of the Utah Jazz, BYU athletics, and the changing face of college sports, offering candid insight into the intersecting forces of tradition, money, and community pride shaping today’s games.

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Lacrosse National Champions & Top 5 BYU Draft Picks Ever

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

5-11-26 - Hour 4 - How much does defense matter in assessing NBA prospects?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:58:16 GMT

5-11-26 - Former Cougar Jonathan Tavernari - When will BYU reel in a big man?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:34:49 GMT

5-11-26 - Hour 3 - Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for the top pick in the NBA Draft?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:08:15 GMT

5-11-26 - Darnell Dickson - Where will Richie Saunders be drafted?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:06:59 GMT

5-11-26 - Former BYU Basketball Coach Steve Cleveland - Will Austin Ainge put together a deal for the first overall pick?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:41:09 GMT

5-11-26 - Hour 2 - How many teams should make the CFP?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 22:03:43 GMT

5-11-26 - Hour 1 - Which team will draft AJ Dybantsa?

Broadway Media — Mon, 11 May 2026 21:16:17 GMT

Bear Bachmeier’s BIG IMPACT on the BYU Cougars—Why the Big 12 & College Football Should FEAR What’s Next | Present & Future Under Aaron Roderick Extremely Bright

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Bear Bachmeier’s meteoric rise has BYU Cougars fans buzzing with visions of a new golden era at quarterback. After arriving from Stanford and leading BYU to a stunning 12-2 finish with over 3,500 total yards, Bachmeier is now set for his first full offseason in Provo. Can his rugged running style, fullback mentality, and deeper knowledge of Aaron Roderick’s high-powered offense propel the Cougars to a Big 12 title—and possibly even crack the College Football Playoff? Jake Hatch explores the immense potential Bachmeier brings to the table, from his arm strength showcased in wins like Iowa State and last season’s dramatic Pop-Tarts Bowl, to his physical edge that makes BYU’s play action and QB run concepts so dangerous.

Injury concerns always loom with a tough-running quarterback, prompting a closer look at BYU’s quarterback depth. Who steps up if Bachmeier misses time—a steady hand in veteran Treyson Bourguet or the athletic, high-upside Enoch Watson? Jake Hatch compares their paths: Bourguet’s journey from Western Michigan to being a true ‘program guy’ in the transfer era, armed with ability to sling the ball all over the field; Watson’s athletic pedigree from Arizona’s ALA Queen Creek, his dual-threat skillset, and family ties that speak to his competitive drive. Could Watson surpass Bourguet before season’s end? The battle for QB2 may shape BYU’s fortunes in a tight Big 12 race.

Forward-thinking recruiting keeps excitement high, with five-star prospect Ryder Lyons—the consensus top quarterback in his class—expected to arrive from his mission next season. Jake Hatch shares insider perspectives on Lyons’ NFL-caliber talent and what his timeline means for BYU’s future. The episode also spotlights designated player Emerson Geilman, a practice standout with the tools to challenge for the job, as well as younger prospects like Owen Geilman and Max Barker. As BYU navigates the new era of NIL, the transfer portal, and a 12-team national playoff landscape, Jake Hatch explains how Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick’s transparent approach to roster building is fueling unprecedented depth at quarterback. Can the Cougars sustain this pipeline with guys like Brody Rudnicki and stake their claim as a national contender? This Locked On Cougars analysis unpacks every angle of BYU’s quarterback future.

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AJ to the Wizards?

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

FULL SHOW: Cougar Sports Saturday - May 9, 2026

Sat, 09 May 2026 21:01:41 GMT