Episode Details

University of Utah stuns the college football landscape by officially committing to Adidas, ending an 18-year relationship with Under Armour in a move that has fans, recruits, and analysts questioning the long-term payoff. Did the Utes overestimate their market value like they did in the Pac-12, helping lead to the conference's demise, and take an unnecessary financial hit, or will access to Adidas’ innovative NIL platform put more money into the pockets of Utah athletes and help the program land higher-caliber recruits? Jake Hatch and JT Wistrcill dissect every angle of the seven-year deal, reportedly worth $45 million (6.42M annually), that Utah took after spurning Under Armour's original offer of $10 million annually, examining the calculated risks taken by Utah’s athletic department to go on the open market, and debating the brand’s impact on both on-field performance and off-field appeal. The hosts dive into how athlete preferences for apparel giants like Nike and Adidas are shaping modern recruiting battles, referencing recent examples like Darryn Peterson’s partnership with Adidas and AJ Dybantsa’s Nike loyalty as game-changers for player destinations.

But business off the field quickly gives way to fireworks on it as the episode circles back to the highly anticipated Holy War showdown between BYU and Utah. With bragging rights and Big 12 title ambitions on the line, can Devon Dampier lead the Utes to a program-saving victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium, or is Bear Bachmeier primed to deliver a fourth straight rivalry win for the Cougars? The debate gets personal as Hatch and Wistrcill wager on the outcome, promising to wear rival colors on-air—upping the emotional ante for fans on both sides.

Key topics include offensive and defensive line matchups, where BYU’s projected top-five national offensive line—anchored by Bruce Mitchell and a strong defensive line anchored by Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland—faces a Utah unit rebuilding with new starters across all trenches. The hosts spotlight the quarterback battle between Bachmeier and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Dampier, dissecting each player’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential to change the game with a single play. Expect insight on how the intensity of the rivalry elevates every snap and why a few signature moments—like a huge run by L.J. Martin or a pivotal Dampier scramble—could define the outcome.

Will Utah end their losing streak and reestablish state dominance, or is BYU ready to cement themselves as the new powerhouse in Big 12 competition? Don’t miss this comprehensive, high-energy analysis of college football’s most heated rivalry and one of the year’s boldest apparel moves.

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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, a