Is 'Rat Poison' Threatening to DESTROY the Hard-Earned Edge of BYU Football? Kalani Sitake's Warning

The BYU Cougars capture the spotlight as the presumptive Big 12 favorite, but can the program and its leaders avoid the pitfalls of early hype and truly ascend to perennial powerhouse status? The conversation focused on an informal coaches’ poll naming BYU as the top team in the Big 12, underscoring how Bear Bachmeier, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, LJ Martin, and a seasoned lineup of upperclassmen have set the stage for high expectations. A key theme that emerged was the importance of resisting “rat poison”—the complacency that comes from widespread praise—echoing coaching legend Nick Saban’s adage. The discussion explored BYU’s desire to avoid resting on past success, with insights into Evan Johnson’s relentless work ethic and the overall locker room culture fostered by Kalani Sitake. Several points were raised, including whether the Cougars have the right mentality to translate recent 23-4 records into tangible postseason success, such as a Big 12 title or a College Football Playoff berth. One concept discussed was BYU’s rise as a national and international brand, reaching beyond Texas Tech and other conference rivals. The discussion referenced Stewart Mandel’s assertion that BYU stands as the most recognizable brand in the Big 12, rooted in the program’s affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the legacy of the 1984 National Championship, Ty Detmer’s Heisman triumph, and quarterback legends from the LaVell Edwards era. The conversation highlighted BYU’s continued appeal to TV networks, recurring late-night national games, and strong booster support—crucial elements as the Cougars aim for the next level of national acclaim. Further, the discussion explored what it would take for BYU to become wholly undisputed in Big 12 branding, from winning a College Football Playoff game to capturing the first league title of the new era. On the basketball front, the episode broke down a disruptive court ruling in Ohio granting 15 Division I players—including post players Caden Powell and Shawn Phillips Jr.—temporary eligibility and a surprise return to the transfer market. With BYU holding three open roster spots and an urgent need for a true center, the conversation analyzed the fit of both big men: Powell’s Big 12 experience and rebounding prowess, and Phillips’ SEC credentials as a shot-blocking rim protector. The urgency for Kevin Young to finalize his roster was emphasized, with attention to additional potential big men if further injunctions follow. What moves will BYU make before the clock runs out, and will this unprecedented free-agent wave turn the Cougars into a true hoops contender? #BYUfootball #Big12MediaDays #BYU #BIg12 #BYUCougars #JakeHatch #LockedOnCougars #KalaniSitake #BYUhoops If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by going to LockedOnCougars.SuperCast.com Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCougars?sid=... Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege 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! Indeed: Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast  FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) 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. You can get in contact by emailing us at [email protected].