Episode Details

The BYU Cougars completed their defensive coaching staff with three vital moves, setting the stage for a high-stakes 2026 campaign. Can Kalani Sitake's new hires—highlighted by Chad Kauha’ha’a's promotion to outside linebackers and edges coach—elevate BYU’s pass rush and recruiting game to new heights? After producing the program's highest sack total in a decade, Kauha’ha’a's expertise and energy are poised to reshape BYU’s defensive front. His proven ability to recruit talent and develop elite pass rushers promises a fresh injection of speed and intensity, just as the Cougars aim for Big 12 supremacy and a breakthrough into the College Football Playoff.

Jake Hatch analyzes Sitake’s strategic reshuffling, spotlighting the transition of Justin Ena to full-time special teams coordinator. Will Ena’s experience restore the strengths BYU showcased on special teams in 2024 and eliminate the costly lapses of 2025? The discussion covers Kelly Poppinga’s expanded duties as defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach and the implications for rising stars like Siale Esera. The addition of Lewis Walker as cornerbacks coach further fuels intrigue—is Walker, with a decade of FCS coaching experience, mainly at North Dakota State and Monmouth, the right fit to replace Jernaro Gilford and cultivate the NFL potential of Tre Alexander and Evan Johnson? Walker’s Utah roots and previous ties to Sitake provide familiarity, but the spotlight is on whether he can deliver rapid results at the Power 4 level.

Key talking points include how Demario Warren’s reassignment to safeties and passing game coordinator could influence BYU’s secondary, the need for rapid talent development to maintain defensive excellence, and the broader impact on the Cougars’ playoff aspirations. Jake Hatch considers the pressure facing BYU after two near-miss seasons and debates whether this new-look staff has the spark to break through. Listeners are invited to share their thoughts about the hires and weigh in on BYU’s updated game plan.

Will BYU’s bold changes propel them into the College Football Playoff, or are there still hurdles to overcome? Get the full rundown on the Cougars’ off-season strategy and the coaching shakeup that aims to redefine their Big 12 future.

Support Locked On Cougars:

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 Locked On Podcast Network Sponsors!

Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply

Mazda - This episode is brought to you by Mazda. We put that same drive into every deta