IGNORED? Kalani Sitake & BYU Football Are Being DRAMATICALLY Overlooked—Total Game-Changer For Them! | SEC Honks Whining About BYU-Notre Dame | Get Out & Attend Marriott Madness!

BYU football is quietly positioning themselves as a Big 12 threat, thriving on being underestimated as national media attention shifts toward Utah, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. Could this underdog status fuel their run to a championship? Jake Hatch highlights Kalani Sitake's steadying presence and BYU's impressive 27-4 record over the past two-plus seasons as evidence that writing off the Cougars could be a costly mistake. Following a hard-fought victory over TCU—a game that saw Bear Bachmeier candidly address his own struggles—the BYU Cougars remain focused on their “handle business week by week” mentality. With a crucial Friday night test against Iowa State and a potential College Football Playoff-shaping clash versus Notre Dame looming, BYU’s season is building toward a national spotlight. Will a statement win over Notre Dame on ABC push BYU into serious CFP conversation, or does one misstep end the dream?

The drama extends beyond the field as SEC voices, led by Clay Travis, rage over ESPN granting BYU vs. Notre Dame the coveted primetime slot on ABC October 17th, allegedly at the expense of top SEC matchups. Jake Hatch calls out the perceived entitlement in the SEC’s reaction, arguing that programs like BYU and Notre Dame deserve the big stage and that ESPN’s move reflects college football’s evolving landscape. Debates heat up over which games truly drive ratings and whether the SEC's grip on marquee television exposure may finally be loosening. Meanwhile, optimism rises across Brigham Young University athletics. “Marriott Center Madness” gives Cougar fans a first look at both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Kevin Young is quickly transforming BYU men’s hoops into a recruiting powerhouse, competing with the likes of Kentucky and Duke for elite prospects. On the women’s side, Lee Cummard’s group—led by dynamic guard Delaney Gibb—looks poised for a noteworthy season after last year’s deep postseason run.

Additional highlights include a tip of the cap to BYU’s golf standout Kihei Akina, fresh off a top-10 finish at the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort. Jake Hatch wraps with a look at the broader surge in Cougar sports, from postseason expectations in basketball to the rising profile of Olympic sports at BYU. Can BYU football parlay its outsider energy into a legitimate playoff push? Is Cougar basketball on the cusp of a national breakthrough? Get the full rundown on BYU’s momentum, key storylines, and why now might be the time to buy stock in the Cougars’ championship ambitions.

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/everydayerclub

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.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

KALSHI: For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. 

Butcher Box: If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.

SupplyHouse: Visit https://SupplyHouse.com/TM to learn more about becoming a Trade Master.  Use promo code  S H 5 College  for five percent off your first order.  
SupplyHouse. Real people. Real service. 

Wayfair: Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.

Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions appl