The Loyal Cougars Podcast | For BYU Cougars Sports Fans
Episodes
Top 3 Offseason Priorities for BYU. Where Does Rob Wright Rank? BYU’s Impact on Kyle Whittingham.
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU’s tournament run is over, and we’re breaking down everything that went wrong in the loss to Texas. Jake Edmonds and Tosh Mackintosh dive in...
Is the 6-Seed Cursed? Texas or NC State: Who’s the Better Matchup for BYU?
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU is heading to the NCAA Tournament as a 6-seed, but history hasn’t always been kind to teams on that line. Is the 6-seed cursed, or can the Couga...
AJ Dybantsa Returning to BYU Next Season? + Texas Tech Takeaways & Spring Football Hype
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AJ Dybantsa teasing a possible return to BYU next season. Are we buying it? We dive into the growing speculation and what it could mean for the Cougar...
Is BYU Going Too “NBA”? Does Kevin Young Get a Pass This Year? Previewing Cincinnati.
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU is still sitting around #23 in NET and KenPom, but the direction of the season is raising real concerns. Jake Edmonds and Jake Hatch debate whethe...
AJ Dybantsa Goes Nuclear vs Iowa State + BYU’s Tourney Ceiling & Spring Football Roster Storylines
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU took down Iowa State, and AJ Dybantsa put on an absolute show (29/10/9). We break down what the win really means, why BYU’s defense looked diffe...
Does BYU stand a chance without Richie? Reliving Jimmermania. Parker Kingston kicked off the team.
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Richie Saunders suffered a season-ending ACL tear, ending his BYU career. What does BYU basketball look like without him in the lineup? In this episod...
Loyal Spotlight: Kansas State transfer linebacker Jake Clifton talks about his decision to join BYU
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Kansas State and current BYU linebacker Jake Clifton talks about his decision to transfer to BYU, how he’s acclimating to Provo, who he patte...
Is something off with Keita? Concerning trends for BYU hoops. Does KY need to revamp recruiting?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Keba Keita is averaging 5.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and shooting 57% from the field over the last 7 games. Have injuries derailed his season?...
Are first halves BYU’s kryptonite? And should Khadim Mboup be a more integral part of the rotation?
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU almost digs its way out of another double-digit halftime hole, falling short of a comeback against Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. Richie Saunders wit...
Silver linings: What we learned from BYU’s loss to Arizona. Can the Cougars rebound at Kansas?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU's miraculous comeback falls short as Rob Wright's potential game-winning shot gets blocked in the final seconds of the Cougars' loss to No. 1 Ariz...
BYU Discovers a Dominant Defensive Lineup. Can BYU’s Big 3 Mesh? Big 12 Portal Winners and Losers
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU hoops loses to Texas Tech despite going on a 16-2 run with AJ Dybantsa on the bench. What worked well during that stretch and why couldn’t the C...
BYU Fans Upset Utes with “Classless” Chants. Richie’s Rebound Rampage. Can the Cougs Hang with Tech?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BYU escapes Salt Lake City with an 89-84 win over a hot-shooting Utah team at the Huntsman Center. Why are Utah fans so upset at BYU fans for chanting...
BYU retains 12 players and counting despite losing two coaches. What is working in Provo?
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
12 players have announced they are running it back with BYU this portal period, despite Jay Hill and Jernaro Gilford exiting for Michigan. What is Kal...
Bear answers the call against Georgia Tech. The potential fallout of Kyle Whittingham to Michigan.
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Without any true run threat in the Pop Tarts Bowl, BYU and Aaron Roderick built the offensive scheme around Bear Bachmeier and the freshman answered t...
Does Kalani’s salary contradict BYU’s mission? Georgia Tech preview. And a concerning Big 12 trend.
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Salt Lake Tribune published an op ed article from a BYU student who is “deeply disturbed” by the reported $9 million salary of Kalani Sitake. ...
Could Jay Hill go to Utah? BYU’s transfer portal needs. And men’s hoops adding depth at center.
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Kyle Whittingham out as head coach at Utah and Morgan Scalley taking over, will Utah be able to poach Jay Hill from BYU to be its new defensive c...
LC Spotlight: BYU guard Jared McGregor talks about his foundation, Name of the Game
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU senior guard Jared McGregor hasn't seen a lot of playing time while at BYU, but has been able to make a lasting impact off the court through his f...
Is the CFP selection process broken? Is Texas Tech that much better than BYU? And Kalani’s extension
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the College Football Playoff Committee out of their mind leaving out BYU? How did Notre Dame fall one spot and Miami climb two spots even though ne...
Why would Kalani leave for Penn St.? What would it mean for BYU? Why is the Big 12 so disrespected?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rumors are heating up about Kalani Sitake leaving BYU to become the next head coach at Penn State. How realistic is it? What would it mean for BYU mov...
Is BYU a top 10 caliber team? Comparing CFP resumes. Are we in the ”good old days” of BYU football?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does BYU Football deserve to be in the top 10 of the CFP rankings? We compare the Cougars' resume with Oregon, Notre Dame, and Alabama. BYU has won 10...
Did BYU do enough to impress the CFP committee? Can BYU run with Cincy? What happened against UConn?
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU boat races TCU in the Cougars' first win against the Horned Frogs since 2007. Did the blowout win pass the eye test with the CFP committee? Can th...
Deja vu for BYU football? What went wrong against Texas Tech? Conference championship scenarios.
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU suffers a blowout loss in Lubbock. Are we headed for a repeat outcome of last season where the Cougars fall just short of a conference championshi...
Special Guest Drake Toll. Is Vegas underestimating BYU? Can the Cougars pull off the upset vs Tech?
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU goes into Lubbock a 10.5 point underdog, but the Cougars are 6-2 against the spread this year. Is Vegas underestimating the Cougars again this wee...
Another double digit comeback win vs. ISU. Bear carries the Cougars sans LJ. Is BYU just lucky?
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the early loss of LJ Martin, BYU overcomes another two-score deficit to beat Iowa State 41-27. Bear Bachmeier shows he can carry the offense, ...
Bear’s Holy War moment. Better coaching style: Kyle or Kalani? Are we worried at all about hoops?
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"There's a Bear on the loose in Provo" joins the likes of Beck to Harline, 4th and 18, and George is Still Running. What makes Bear so special? And Ka...
BYU weathers the storm in Tucson. Previewing the Holy War. Can the Cougars contain Devon Dampier?
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU overcomes bad weather and a late 10-point deficit to beat Arizona in overtime, remain undefeated, and achieve bowl eligibility. How does BYU keep ...
BYU’s offense: The highs and lows against WVU. Are we confident or concerned? Previewing Arizona.
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU puts together one of its best offensive showings of the season against West Virginia, but also one of its worst with three turnovers. We talk abou...
BYU’s defensive adjustments stifle Buffs. Bear’s maturity in a hostile environment. Previewing WVU.
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After giving up 14 points in the first quarter at Colorado, BYU's defensive adjustments were too much for Kaidon Salter and the Buffs. What were some ...
BYU’s offense takes a massive step forward vs ECU, cracking the AP Top 25, looking ahead to Colorado
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU remains undefeated after a 34-13 blowout of East Carolina. The Cougar defense continued its dominance, but the offense, led by Bear Bachmeier and ...
5 things we like about BYU football. Where does Bear fall on the list? Plus, previewing ECU.
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Daily Herald BYU beat writer Brandon Gurney lists the five things he likes the most about BYU football heading into the Cougars' week four road trip t...
Cougar offense stalls vs. Stanford. Is this BYU’s best defense ever? And week 2 winners and losers
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU's offense can't take advantage of short fields, scoring only 27 against Stanford. Why we're not too concerned... yet. Plus, the Cougar defense is ...
Bear shines in BYU’s pleasant but uneventful win over Portland State, plus week 1 winners and losers
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bear Bachmeier accounts for five of BYU's nine touchdowns against a miserable Portland State team. We break down the good and some bad from his seven ...
Can BYU cover a 43.5 point spread? The Big 12 shines in week 0. And Ryder Lyons dominates on ESPN.
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU opens up a 43.5-point favorite against Portland State. Can and will the Cougars cover the spread? Plus, Iowa State vs Kansas State from Ireland do...
Loyal Spotlight: GoCougs.Travel -- a new way for BYU fans to contribute to BYU Athletics
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Sanders (CEO) and Scott Stevens (CMO) of Waypoint join the Loyal Cougars Podcast to talk about what they're doing to make it easier for BYU fans ...
Is BYU throwing Bear to the wolves? Fox Sports’ hysterical rankings. And previewing Cincy and UCF
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU has all but named Bear Bachmeier its starting quarterback. Is the true freshman ready for the big stage? Or is BYU throwing him to the wolves too ...
Is ARod to blame for BYU’s QB conundrum? Previewing TCU. And AJ’s marketing impact on BYU.
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU heads into the third week of fall camp without a clear favorite at the QB position. Should ARod have prepared better for a situation like this? Pl...
BYU’s defense dominates week 1 of fall camp. Previewing Texas Tech. And overreacting to basketball.
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to Joe Wheat, BYU's defense recorded seven interceptions during week one of fall camp. Are we excited about the defense or concerned about t...
BYU’s ticket dilemma, PFF picks football under 6.5 wins, and previewing Iowa State.
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU basketball is the hottest ticket in town and some Cougar Club donors are upset with their options. Is there anything BYU should do to ensure all d...
Previewing Utah: Should BYU really be worried about Devon Dampier? And Jake Retzlaff heads to Tulane
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Utah heads to LES this year looking for its first win against BYU since 2019. Should BYU be worried about New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampie...
What’s Utah’s deal with Keanu Tanuvasa? BYU’s elite recruiting class. And an early Arizona preview.
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Keanu Tanuvasa got a lot of criticism during the Big 12's media days for a quote he didn't actually say. What's the deal with Utah fans? Plus, BYU add...
AJ Dybantsa named World Cup MVP. Is Jake Retzlaff hurting BYU’s recruiting? Early WVU game preview.
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AJ Dybantsa adds to his collection of early accolades by leading Team USA U19 to a world cup title, winning MVP honors. We break down some of his best...
Jake Retzlaff’s BYU saga coming to an end? Can Ryder Lyons break the spell of highly-rated QB busts?
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Retzlaff's reported 7-game suspension and decision to transfer means BYU now has a quarterback battle on its hands. Was the 7-game suspension too...
Can Ryder Lyons be BYU’s next Zach Wilson? Plus, an early preview of BYU vs. Colorado.
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryder Lyons is ready to announce where he's going to school post-mission. Is it BYU, Oregon, or USC? Can he be the next Zach Wilson at BYU? Plus, we'r...
Jake Retzlaff still practicing with the team. Does that mean he thinks he’s staying at BYU?
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Retzlaff is still practicing with the football team. Does he think there's a chance he'll stay at BYU? Plus, what are the biggest "what ifs" in B...
BYU Extends Kevin Young. What will it take for him to reach Lavell Edwards Status?
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU announced they extended Kevin Young's contract amidst rumors the former Phoenix Suns assistant was being targeted by his old NBA squad. What will ...
Did BYU know about Jake Retzlaff before it became public? Is there any chance he plays in 2025?
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did Kalani Sitake, Brian Santiago, and BYU Athletics know about Jake Retzlaff before the news of his civil trial became public? With three months unti...
BYU’s polarizing hire. Pros and cons of Brian Santiago. Football’s win total odds set at 7.5.
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU names Brian Santiago its new Athletic Director and fans either love it or hate it. LockedOn Cougars podcast host Jake Hatch joins the Loyal Cougar...
Is Morgan Scalley the reason Kalani has stayed at BYU? Plus, BYU’s top 10 most electric players.
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A Utah blogger claims Kalani Sitake will me more open to talking with other schools now that Morgan Scalley has been named head coach in waiting at Ut...
Does BYU have a perception problem? Are other fans jealous? Bachmeier brothers and Kirkland sign.
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does BYU have a problem with perception? Is NIL success painting the school in a bad light or are fans of other schools just jealous of the Cougars' r...
Tampering allegations reignite the BYU Utah rivalry. Richie returns and Kennard Davis commits.
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tampering allegations against BYU by members of the Utah media brought out the best and worst of fans during the end of the spring transfer portal per...
Why did Rob Wright Really Sign with BYU? Is Kevin Young’s Recruiting Approach Unique or Replicable?
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Wright told Jay Drew of the Deseret News that NIL played a only small role in signing with BYU. Is he telling the truth or is there more to the st...
BYU’s NIL Dilemma. Brock Harris Commits, and What are the Cougars’ Odds with Ryder Lyons?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Clark Gilbert says BYU will never be the highest bidder, but boosters say BYU will never be outbid. Can both be true? Making sense of BYU's NIL approa...
Is Egor Demin Coming Back to BYU? Does Dallin Hall Leaving Really Hurt the Cougars?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Egor Demin has been teasing BYU fans with vague posts, but he's a projected lottery pick. Jake Edmonds and Tosh Mackintosh debate his return to BYU --...
What’s next for BYU hoops? Breaking down the Sweet 16, and previewing a high-ceiling 2026 season.
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite the record-breaking loss to Alabama in the Sweet 16, the Cougars met or exceeded season expectations. Jake Edmonds and Brian Swindlehurst brea...
Still dancing. Can BYU run with Alabama? Richie Saunders among BYU’s top 3 all-time?
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. Do the Cougars have what it takes to compete with the country's highest scoring offense? ...
BYU dancing. Why is everyone freaking out about VCU? Can the Cougs overcome a stingy Rams defense?
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the second year in a row, BYU heads to the NCAA Tournament as a 6 seed, facing an 11-seed A-10 opponent. This time it's VCU, which is known for it...
BYU a 5-seed in the NCAA Tournament? And could a rematch with Iowa State actually be a good thing?
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ESPN's Joe Lunardi bumped BYU to a 5-seed in the NCAA tournament playing against UC San Diego in the first round. Spencer Linton joins the podcast to ...
The Hall/Fouss connection, Previewing Iowa State, and spring football.
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fousseyni Traore dominates against West Virginia and Arizona State. We break down his connection with Dallin Hall. And is Fouss the most under-appreci...
Foul or no foul (and honestly, who cares?), chant-gate, and cracking the AP Top 25.
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Locked on Cougars host Jake Hatch joins the show to break down BYU's blowout win against Kansas and clutch performance at Arizona; why arguing a singl...
Dallin’s swagger is back, Keita dominates, and Brian Santiago as the frontrunner for BYU’s next AD.
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Dallin Hall back to his 2023-24 self? Evaluating his performance against West Virginia and Kansas State. What in the world has gotten into Keba Kei...
What happened in Cincinnati? Breaking down BYU’s flaws vs. the Bearcats and previewing WVU and KSU
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After a miserable second half against Cincinnati, Jake Edmonds and Tosh Mackintosh break down what went wrong. -- defending the guards and allowing se...
Former BYU DB Crew Wakley addresses game film rumors and talks about his time at BYU.
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former BYU walk-on safety, Crew Wakley joins the Loyal Cougars Podcast to talk about the rumors that circulated after the 2024 season regarding his fi...
BYU is back on the bubble. What would a win against Arizona mean? And how underrated is Dallin Hall?
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With their second Quad 1 win in a row and fourth straight overall, BYU is officially back on the tournament bubble with a home clash against the Arizo...
The Kanon Catchings game. BYU pulls out a gutsy win over Baylor. Are they back on the bubble?
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU basketball extends it's winning streak to three games with an overtime win at home against Baylor. Kanon Catchings was perfect from the field and ...
Has BYU hoops turned the corner? The Final AP and ESPN’s preseason poll, and NCAA eligibility drama.
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Give 'em Hell Brigham co-founder and recruiting insider, Jeff Hansen joins Jake Edmonds to recap a great week for BYU basketball and preview a more ch...
Does Tony Padilla have a beef with BYU and can the Cougars still salvage the season?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After BYU's loss to Utah, some Cougar fans seem to think NCAA official, Tony Padilla has a bias against their team. We dive into the actual numbers. P...
BYU Associate AD Tyson Hutchins talks about The Cut, social media strategy, and his career journey.
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BYU Associate Athletic Director over Creative Strategy joins the Loyal Cougars podcast to talk about what goes into the production of The Cut, which g...
Is Richie Saunders BYU’s best player? How far down draft boards is Egor Demin falling? | Episode 03
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Richie Saunders has gone from a productive 6th man to an impact player in 2024-25. Is he BYU's best player? And is Egor Demin's struggles a cause for ...
BYU vs Houston Recap, previewing Texas Tech, and ESPN’s FPI | Episode 02
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Edmonds and Hema Heimuli recap BYU basketball vs Arizona State and Houston. What is going on with Dallin Hall. Can they rebound from a blowout lo...
Remembering the Alamo Bowl: BYU Football vs. Colorado Recap | Episode 01
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jake Edmonds and Tosh Mackintosh recap the Alamo Bowl meeting between the BYU Cougars and Colorado Buffaloes and review the 2024 BYU Football season. ...