BYU football is making headlines as they power through midseason undefeated and ranked No. 2 nationally, asserting themselves as true College Football Playoff contenders. The team’s recent upset of Notre Dame on their home turf has ignited talk of BYU’s potential to not only break into the nation’s top spot but to shatter barriers that have historically excluded them from the championship conversation. With standout performances on both sides of the ball, BYU fans are asking: how high can this program climb with their current momentum? Bear Bachmeier’s rise to Heisman Trophy contention has energized the offense, even with key injuries like LJ Martin sidelined. BYU’s attack has earned an A-minus, suggesting the team still has room for improvement—especially as they anticipate Martin’s return for the season’s critical stretch. On defense, coordinator Kelly Poppinga’s aggressive approach—blending influences from Jay Hill and Bronco Mendenhall—has transformed the unit into a force allowing just 17 points per game. The Cougar defense, earning a definitive A, has repeatedly bailed out the offense in tense moments, proving essential to BYU’s ability to stay undefeated. However, special teams remain a source of concern. Costly muffed punts by Cannon DeVries and others have flipped momentum and placed the Cougars in tough positions against strong competition. Despite notable kicking performances from Matthias Denham and Fuller Schurz, the unit’s inconsistency leads to a grade of C-plus. As BYU gears up for Big 12 competition, questions linger: can they solidify special teams and maintain elite performance on offense and defense? With Kalani Sitake’s leadership and five years of steady program building coming to fruition, BYU is poised to finally kick down college football’s glass ceiling and prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
BYU football is making headlines as they power through midseason undefeated and ranked No. 2 nationally, asserting themselves as true College Football Playoff contenders. The team’s recent upset of Notre Dame on their home turf has ignited talk of BYU’s potential to not only break into the nation’s top spot but to shatter barriers that have historically excluded them from the championship conversation. With standout performances on both sides of the ball, BYU fans are asking: how high can this program climb with their current momentum?
Bear Bachmeier’s rise to Heisman Trophy contention has energized the offense, even with key injuries like LJ Martin sidelined. BYU’s attack has earned an A-minus, suggesting the team still has room for improvement—especially as they anticipate Martin’s return for the season’s critical stretch. On defense, coordinator Kelly Poppinga’s aggressive approach—blending influences from Jay Hill and Bronco Mendenhall—has transformed the unit into a force allowing just 17 points per game. The Cougar defense, earning a definitive A, has repeatedly bailed out the offense in tense moments, proving essential to BYU’s ability to stay undefeated.
However, special teams remain a source of concern. Costly muffed punts by Cannon DeVries and others have flipped momentum and placed the Cougars in tough positions against strong competition. Despite notable kicking performances from Matthias Denham and Fuller Schurz, the unit’s inconsistency leads to a grade of C-plus. As BYU gears up for Big 12 competition, questions linger: can they solidify special teams and maintain elite performance on offense and defense? With Kalani Sitake’s leadership and five years of steady program building coming to fruition, BYU is poised to finally kick down college football’s glass ceiling and prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
Support Locked On Cougars Hits:
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: Today's hit is sponsored by Kalshi. Download Kalshi and use code HIT to get $25 when you trade $25.18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory.
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.