FAVORITES? BYU Football Predicted to WIN Big 12, Bear Bachmeier & LJ Martin Lead College Football Playoff Hype | Will Chase Roberts & Jack Kelly Rock NFL Combine? | Who Emerges as WR1 for BYU Football?
The BYU Cougars command the national conversation as surprise favorites in the Big 12, setting the stage for one of their most anticipated football seasons ever. Analysts—including Jon Wilner and Brad Crawford—aren’t just speculating; they’re naming BYU as legitimate contenders for the conference crown and potential newcomers to the College Football Playoff. With Kalani Sitake retaining his core roster, the Cougars boast a dynamic quarterback in Bear Bachmeier, the electrifying LJ Martin at tailback, and a rebuilt defense led by Isaiah Glasker and Cal transfer Cade Uluave. CBSsports.com points to the advantages of home-field play and a schedule that features crucial matchups against Notre Dame, TCU, and Arizona State—plus a chance to settle the score with Utah. As preseason buzz shifts from underdog to hunted, questions loom: Will BYU thrive in the spotlight or miss their window for a historic breakthrough? Jake Hatch dissects the excitement surrounding BYU’s presence at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Not only are headline names like Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly vying for pro contracts—joined by Will Ferrin and Garrison Grimes as surprise attendees—but their performances could set a new standard for BYU talent on the national stage. Chase Roberts’ size and receiving ability are clear, but will he demonstrate the necessary speed and special teams versatility to stand out? For Jack Kelly, his hybrid skills at linebacker/edge are promising, but questions remain about his run defense at the next level. With alumni like Fred Warner, Puka Nacua, and Kyle Van Noy shining in the NFL, BYU’s current crop aims to further elevate the program’s reputation for producing pro-ready athletes. Turning toward spring camp, the focus is on the Cougars’ depleted wide receiver room. With Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston gone, the fight for top targets is on—who will emerge as Bear Bachmeier’s go-to pass-catcher? Prospects Jojo Phillips, Cody Hagen, Kyler Casper, and Tiger Bachmeier face fierce competition from promising newcomers like Tei Nacua, Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula and Reggie Frischknecht. Will Fesi Sitake’s demanding coaching and a fresh rotation deliver a receiver unit ready to fuel BYU’s playoff aspirations, or will untested talent leave the offense searching for answers?
Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball · Jake Hatch, Kalani Sitake, Chase Roberts, Jack Kelly, Will Ferrin, Garrison Grimes, Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin, JoJo Phillips, Parker Kingston, Tiger Bachmeier, Cody Hagen, Tei Nacua, Kyler Casper, Reggie Frischknecht, Walker Lyons
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Show Notes
The BYU Cougars command the national conversation as surprise favorites in the Big 12, setting the stage for one of their most anticipated football seasons ever. Analysts—including Jon Wilner and Brad Crawford—aren’t just speculating; they’re naming BYU as legitimate contenders for the conference crown and potential newcomers to the College Football Playoff. With Kalani Sitake retaining his core roster, the Cougars boast a dynamic quarterback in Bear Bachmeier, the electrifying LJ Martin at tailback, and a rebuilt defense led by Isaiah Glasker and Cal transfer Cade Uluave. CBSsports.com points to the advantages of home-field play and a schedule that features crucial matchups against Notre Dame, TCU, and Arizona State—plus a chance to settle the score with Utah. As preseason buzz shifts from underdog to hunted, questions loom: Will BYU thrive in the spotlight or miss their window for a historic breakthrough?
Jake Hatch dissects the excitement surrounding BYU’s presence at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Not only are headline names like Chase Roberts and Jack Kelly vying for pro contracts—joined by Will Ferrin and Garrison Grimes as surprise attendees—but their performances could set a new standard for BYU talent on the national stage. Chase Roberts’ size and receiving ability are clear, but will he demonstrate the necessary speed and special teams versatility to stand out? For Jack Kelly, his hybrid skills at linebacker/edge are promising, but questions remain about his run defense at the next level. With alumni like Fred Warner, Puka Nacua, and Kyle Van Noy shining in the NFL, BYU’s current crop aims to further elevate the program’s reputation for producing pro-ready athletes.
Turning toward spring camp, the focus is on the Cougars’ depleted wide receiver room. With Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston gone, the fight for top targets is on—who will emerge as Bear Bachmeier’s go-to pass-catcher? Prospects Jojo Phillips, Cody Hagen, Kyler Casper, and Tiger Bachmeier face fierce competition from promising newcomers like Tei Nacua, Legend Glasker, Jaron Pula and Reggie Frischknecht. Will Fesi Sitake’s demanding coaching and a fresh rotation deliver a receiver unit ready to fuel BYU’s playoff aspirations, or will untested talent leave the offense searching for answers?
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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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