SportSpyder - The Latest BYU Cougars Football Podcasts

Texas Tech to BYU, Is Brett Yormark Ruining the Big 12? | Monster Energy Crisis

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark’s vision of a modern, "globally relevant" conference has hit a period of intense turbulence in 2026, leaving segments of the fan base feeling increasingly disconnected from his leadership. While Yormark’s early tenure was defined by swift, decisive expansion and savvy media rights negotiations, this year’s strategic pivots have faced significant backlash for appearing either tone-deaf or overly corporate.

The most glaring point of friction has been Yormark’s handling of the Brendan Sorsby gambling saga involving Texas Tech. By refusing to address the controversy during the 2026 Media Days—even after being directly questioned—Yormark drew heavy criticism from both national analysts and local media. To many fans, the dismissal felt like a "corporate answer" that avoided the elephant in the room, creating an impression of a commissioner who is more focused on brand management than the realities of the schools he governs. His tense, public interaction with a Texas Tech reporter, during which he forced the reporter to stand and repeat a question before ultimately dodging it, was widely viewed as a poor look for the conference.

Furthermore, his recent commercial strategy has struck a nerve with traditionalists. The announcement of a multi-year "Monster Energy" entitlement partnership, which will see branding integrated across fields, courts, and jerseys, has been labeled by some as an "abomination" that turns college sports into a NASCAR-style product. For fans who value the tradition and regional identity of college athletics, these moves suggest a conference prioritized for its "almighty dollar" at the expense of its cultural roots. Whether it’s the failed push for games in Mexico or the logistical controversies of recent tournament events, a growing chorus of fans now perceives Yormark as a leader chasing global trends while drifting away from the core traditions of his member institutions.

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MONEY TALKS: BYU Football's Entrata Partnership Flexes Their Financial Muscle | Utah Left SCRAMBLING | Danny Ainge Enters College Basketball Immortality Finally

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The BYU Cougars turn heads in college athletics with a landmark, multi-year jersey sponsorship from Entrata, a Utah-born tech unicorn estimated to be worth over $4 billion. With Adam Edmunds, a BYU alum and Entrata CEO, stepping up to invest potentially up to $5 million annually, BYU signals its emergence as a financial juggernaut in the Big 12. While Utah fans tout a potential $500 million private equity deal with Otro Capital Partners and scramble to organize grassroots “UteCoin” pledges, the Cougars quietly leverage a deep network of tech-savvy boosters, fueling the athletic department’s ambitions without relying on campus subsidies. Jake Hatch breaks down this new era of college athletics financing, examining how BYU and Texas Tech are pulling away as the Big 12’s fiscal leaders and why Utah’s approach faces new challenges in the NIL and private equity arenas.

Hatch spotlights the advantages of BYU’s financial model—boosted by influential alumni like Jason McGowan of Crumbl and potentially Ryan Smith—while questioning the sustainability and transparency of Utah’s fledgling alternative routes. From Kalani Sitake’s top-10 national salary to the hiring of NBA-talent Kevin Young as men’s basketball coach, BYU’s resources are sparking tangible success on the field and the court. The discussion explores whether the Cougars can keep extending this advantage and how NCAA rules, now allowing up to two jersey patch sponsors, should create even more opportunity before the football season kicks off. Will BYU continue to raise the bar or will rivals narrow the financial gap?

Beyond the numbers, fans get to celebrate BYU legend Danny Ainge’s overdue enshrinement into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Hatch relives Ainge’s iconic “dash to glory” to the Elite Eight, considers future Hall contenders like Jimmer Fredette and Krešimir Ćosić, and reflects on how each generation of BYU greats has built on the last—from Stan Watts to Dave Rose, and now Kevin Young. Are the Cougars on the cusp of cementing their national legacy in both football and basketball? Don’t miss insights on upcoming player interviews, season previews, and a look at how BYU’s booster power could shape the NCAA landscape for years to come.

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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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7-13-26 - Hour 4 - What changes would like to see made in the CFP?

Broadway Media — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:11:22 GMT

7-13-26 - David Epps - Chief Executive Officer, Peach Bowl - How many objective data points do you need for the CFP?

Broadway Media — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:34:39 GMT

One-on-One interview with Kalani Sitake + BYU lands sponsorship patch

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:36:47 GMT

Jake & Ben

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:15:44 GMT

Big 12 Opponent Preview: Justin Spears from The Arizona Daily Star talks Wildcats who will see BYU Early & Utah Late in the season

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:11:00 GMT

Hour 4: Big 12 Opponent Preview - Justin Spears from The Arizona Daily Star talks Wildcats with BYU Early & Utah Late | Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham Opens Up about asking for NIL | Ben Has Some Shout outs to Give

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:08:21 GMT

7-13-26 - Mike Buddie - TCU Athletic Director - Is BYU vs TCU becoming more of a rivalry in the Big 12?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:44:31 GMT

7-13-26 - Hour 3 - What's your reaction to BYU unveiling its new jersey patch sponsorship with Entrata today?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:30:22 GMT

7-13-26 - Jonathan Tavernari - Former BYU MBB Player - What grade does JT give this year's BYU football roster?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:32 GMT

7-13-26 - Darnell Dickson - Daily Herald - How significant is the new partnership with Entrara for the future of BYU Athletics?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:26:26 GMT

7-13-26 - Hour 2 - Who is the favorite to win the Big 12 conference this season?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:19:09 GMT

7-13-26 - Mike Lacey - Former BYU TE & LB - What's the trajectory Trajectory of BYU Football in the Big 12?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:02:53 GMT

7-13-26 - Shehan Jeyarajah - Nation CFP Writer, CBS Sports - Is BYU now the favorite to win the Big 12 conference?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:01:23 GMT

Hour 1: So that's where Ben was Last Week | Top 3 Stories of the Day: Darryn Peterson, Cody Williams & Ace Bailey are Out Tonight | Can Mike Vrabel Make any Public Appearances with his Wife?

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:27:07 GMT

7-13-26 - Hour 1 - What will the Big 12's record be in games against other P4 opponents this season?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:25:39 GMT

FULL SHOW | Utah Jazz fall to the Clippers; what's going on

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:42:20 GMT

HOUR 3 | Josh Furlong on reactions from Utah's Big 12 Media Days and the new energy under Morgan Scalley | BYU announces football jersey patch partnership with Utah-based company | Semifinals at the World Cup for World Cup Minute

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:25:19 GMT

Shehan Jeyarajah | Reactions from Big 12 Media Days | What stood out from Utah and BYU? | Which teams surprised from media days?

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:50:11 GMT

Reporter Claims BYU/Big 10 Are In Deep Expansion Talks

Locked On Podcast Network — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The conversation surrounding BYU’s potential move to the Big Ten has evolved from a fringe realignment rumor into a subject of significant academic and media analysis. While the Big 12 currently offers BYU a stable environment, the allure of the Big Ten’s massive media rights distribution and its status as a perennial powerhouse in college athletics remains a compelling hypothetical for boosters and industry insiders.

Proponents of a potential jump point to BYU's national brand—which remains distinct from traditional state-school models due to its expansive, global alumni base—as a perfect cultural fit for the Big Ten’s geographic expansion. The university’s ability to draw large, non-local TV audiences could provide the Big Ten with valuable entry points into markets that the conference has struggled to capture. Furthermore, BYU’s consistently high-performing football and basketball programs are seen by some as assets that could help the Big Ten maintain its dominance in a landscape increasingly defined by top-heavy conference structures.

However, significant hurdles remain. First, BYU’s institutional values and religious affiliation present unique integration challenges that rarely arise with public land-grant universities. While the Big Ten has integrated diverse academic institutions, the logistical and cultural alignment required to merge BYU’s unique operational requirements with a league as sprawling as the Big Ten is a complex barrier.

Additionally, current internal messaging from BYU leadership suggests a strong preference for stability. Coach Kalani Sitake has publicly dismissed the notion of departing for traditional Big Ten powers, citing the program’s current trajectory and the cultural fit within the Big 12. For now, the "Big Ten expansion" narrative appears more like a symptom of the current realignment era's uncertainty than a concrete plan, as BYU focuses on solidifying its position as a marquee program in a revitalized Big 12.

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Are Kalani Sitake & the BYU Cougars PRIMED to DESTROY Win Projections This Fall? SEC Bias Remains | Will BYU's Pass-Rush Deliver This Season? | Caleb Ourigou Has Perfect Fit in Provo?

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The BYU Cougars set their sights on exceeding expectations, as ESPN’s FPI and major sportsbooks continue to project Kalani Sitake’s program at a modest 8.5 wins—even as the analytics favor BYU in 11 out of 12 games. Is this finally the season where Klalani Sitake and the BYU football program transitions from surprise contender to undeniable College Football Playoff threat? The conversation focused on the apparent disconnect between national analytics and the high hopes around Provo, underscoring the need for BYU to “leave no doubt” by dominating Big 12 competition and potentially securing a spot in the CFP.

A key theme that emerged was whether anything less than 10 wins would now be a disappointment for BYU, given their roster depth, experience, and favorable schedule. Discussion explored how the Cougars face no FPI Top 25 opponents outside of Notre Dame, raising the stakes for a season that demands both consistent victories and statement performances. Several points were raised, including the need for BYU to avoid pitfalls like injuries, and how the program’s past ability to outperform projections sets a higher bar for the current campaign. The debate centered on whether persistent “downgrades” from national pundits are justified, or if another overachieving season lies ahead.

The discussion shifted to one of BYU’s pivotal challenges: generating a disruptive pass rush. One concept discussed was the difference between raw sack totals and the overall effect of applied pressure, with the defensive scheme designed not just for sacks but to force quarterbacks into hurried, inaccurate throws. Names like Keanu Tanuvasa, Nusi Taumoepeau, and Tausili Akana surfaced as potential breakout stars, especially with the addition of coach Chad Kauha’aha’a, whose track record inspires new optimism along the edge. The group explored how recruiting, player development, and creative personnel packages could finally deliver BYU’s second double-digit sack artist in as many years and elevate Kelly Poppinga’s defense to a new level.

On the basketball front, the conversation examined four-star recruit Caleb Ourigou’s impressions after visiting Provo. The discussion explored the wider narrative around Utah as a recruiting destination, with Origu’s positive experience challenging outdated stereotypes. Insights were offered on Kevin Young’s pitch for BYU as a springboard to the NBA, the absence of a starting big man, and opportunities for immediate impact. The episode closes by looking ahead to a packed week, featuring interviews with Brigham Young University athletes and Big 12 insiders, as the excitement builds toward the start of football season. Will BYU’s production finally match its growing ambitions—and silence the national skeptics once and for all?

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National Experts Are Picking BYU to Win the Big 12

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

7-10-26 - Hour 4 - Will the Big 12 gets two bids into the CFP at the end of the season?

Broadway Media — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:30:36 GMT

SportSpyder - The Latest BYU Cougars Football Podcasts

Texas Tech to BYU, Is Brett Yormark Ruining the Big 12? | Monster Energy Crisis

MONEY TALKS: BYU Football's Entrata Partnership Flexes Their Financial Muscle | Utah Left SCRAMBLING | Danny Ainge Enters College Basketball Immortality Finally

7-13-26 - Hour 4 - What changes would like to see made in the CFP?

7-13-26 - David Epps - Chief Executive Officer, Peach Bowl - How many objective data points do you need for the CFP?

One-on-One interview with Kalani Sitake + BYU lands sponsorship patch

Jake & Ben

Big 12 Opponent Preview: Justin Spears from The Arizona Daily Star talks Wildcats who will see BYU Early & Utah Late in the season

Hour 4: Big 12 Opponent Preview - Justin Spears from The Arizona Daily Star talks Wildcats with BYU Early & Utah Late | Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham Opens Up about asking for NIL | Ben Has Some Shout outs to Give

7-13-26 - Mike Buddie - TCU Athletic Director - Is BYU vs TCU becoming more of a rivalry in the Big 12?

7-13-26 - Hour 3 - What's your reaction to BYU unveiling its new jersey patch sponsorship with Entrata today?

7-13-26 - Jonathan Tavernari - Former BYU MBB Player - What grade does JT give this year's BYU football roster?

7-13-26 - Darnell Dickson - Daily Herald - How significant is the new partnership with Entrara for the future of BYU Athletics?

7-13-26 - Hour 2 - Who is the favorite to win the Big 12 conference this season?

7-13-26 - Mike Lacey - Former BYU TE & LB - What's the trajectory Trajectory of BYU Football in the Big 12?

7-13-26 - Shehan Jeyarajah - Nation CFP Writer, CBS Sports - Is BYU now the favorite to win the Big 12 conference?

Top 3 Stories of the Day: Darryn Peterson, Cody Williams & Ace Bailey are Out Tonight | BYU Announces Jersey Sponsor | World Cup Semi Finals are set

Hour 1: So that's where Ben was Last Week | Top 3 Stories of the Day: Darryn Peterson, Cody Williams & Ace Bailey are Out Tonight | Can Mike Vrabel Make any Public Appearances with his Wife?

7-13-26 - Hour 1 - What will the Big 12's record be in games against other P4 opponents this season?

FULL SHOW | Utah Jazz fall to the Clippers; what's going on

HOUR 3 | Josh Furlong on reactions from Utah's Big 12 Media Days and the new energy under Morgan Scalley | BYU announces football jersey patch partnership with Utah-based company | Semifinals at the World Cup for World Cup Minute

Shehan Jeyarajah | Reactions from Big 12 Media Days | What stood out from Utah and BYU? | Which teams surprised from media days?

Reporter Claims BYU/Big 10 Are In Deep Expansion Talks

Are Kalani Sitake & the BYU Cougars PRIMED to DESTROY Win Projections This Fall? SEC Bias Remains | Will BYU's Pass-Rush Deliver This Season? | Caleb Ourigou Has Perfect Fit in Provo?

National Experts Are Picking BYU to Win the Big 12

7-10-26 - Hour 4 - Will the Big 12 gets two bids into the CFP at the end of the season?