ACC chaos strikes BYU football, jeopardizing the Cougars’ 2026 College Football Playoff ambitions and sparking outcry—can Kalani Sitake’s program find a solution before it’s too late? Jake Hatch breaks down how the ACC’s unbalanced conference schedule forced Cal to cancel its much-anticipated home-and-home series with BYU, leaving the Cougars without a Power Four opponent just nine months ahead of the 2026 season. With College Football Playoff selection hinging on quality non-conference wins and the Big 12’s strict expectations for scheduling, BYU faces an uphill battle to keep its postseason hopes alive. Will ESPN’s legendary game arranger Dave Brown orchestrate a strategic fix? Could the Big 12 offer a waiver or manufacture an intra-conference non-conference matchup? Jake Hatch explores these possibilities while highlighting how timing, uncoordinated conference decisions, and scarcity of available Power programs threaten to derail BYU’s aspirations.

Turning to the gridiron, Jojo Phillips offers exclusive insights after his long road back from injury. The star wide receiver opens up about regaining confidence after his collarbone setback against Stanford, the steady leadership of Kalani Sitake, and the unwavering bond within the BYU locker room—even during distractions like coaching rumors. Phillips details his mentality approaching the Pop-Tarts Bowl versus Georgia Tech, his focus on ending the year with momentum, and the sense of urgency as transfer portal season approaches. His candid reflections reveal the challenges and resilience needed to thrive at the highest level.

The transfer portal drama continues as Walker Lyons, USC tight end and brother to BYU commit Ryder Lyons, emerges as a priority target for the Cougars. Jake Hatch assesses Walker’s USC impact, family connections to Provo, and the real possibility of the Lyons brothers becoming a BYU tandem. Listeners get an inside look at BYU’s evolving portal strategy, roster implications for 2026, and why the Cougars remain a compelling destination for high-profile talent. Can BYU’s staff turn adversity into opportunity and solidify their spot among college football’s elite? Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis and exclusive player perspective.

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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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