Episode Details

Welcome back to Locked On Cougars, your daily source for all things BYU athletics. On today’s episode, Jake Hatch dives deep into the monumental release of the 2026 BYU football schedule. This isn't just another year in the Big 12; the 2026 slate is arguably one of the most anticipated in the history of the program, headlined by a massive non-conference showdown and a gauntlet of familiar rivals.

The Headliner: Notre Dame in Provo

The crown jewel of the 2026 schedule is the return of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to LaVell Edwards Stadium. We discuss the significance of getting the Irish to Provo, the atmosphere expectations for Cougar Nation, and why this game serves as a litmus test for Kalani Sitake and his staff on the national stage. Can BYU secure a program-defining win against an Independent/Power conference blue blood?

Big 12 Home Slate: Arizona and Arizona State

The "Desert Schools" are making the trip north. We analyze the matchups against Arizona and Arizona State. With these former Pac-12 foes now fully integrated into the Big 12, the familiarity is high, but the stakes are higher. We break down why defending the home turf against the Wildcats and Sun Devils is mandatory if BYU wants to contend for a Big 12 Championship.

The Rivalry and The Road: Utah, TCU, and Kansas

It doesn't get any bigger than the Holy War. The Cougars head to Rice-Eccles Stadium to face Utah in a game that will likely have massive implications for the conference standings. Beyond the rivalry, we look at the daunting road trips to Fort Worth to face TCU and Lawrence to take on Kansas. We identify the "danger zones" in the schedule—those back-to-back road stretches that could define the season’s trajectory.

Expectations for Kalani Sitake

With a schedule this loaded, what is the "pass/fail" mark for Kalani Sitake in 2026? We examine the roster outlook, recruiting cycles, and why 2026 is being circled as a year where BYU must not only compete but dominate. Is this an 8-win floor or a 10-win ceiling?

Key Stretches and Final Verdict

We wrap up the show by identifying the most difficult three-game stretch and predicting which "sleeper" game on the schedule might actually be the hardest to win. From the altitude advantage in Provo to the humidity on the road, we cover every angle of the 2026 BYU football season.

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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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