ACC Schedule Chaos DERAILS BYU 2026 Playoff Dreams After Stupid Cal Cancellation | Is This FIXABLE? | Jojo Phillips 1-on-1 | Walker Lyons Portal-Bound & BYU Has Need

ACC chaos strikes BYU football, jeopardizing the Cougars’ 2026 College Football Playoff ambitions and sparking outcry—can Kalani Sitake’s program find a solution before it’s too late? Jake Hatch breaks down how the ACC’s unbalanced conference schedule forced Cal to cancel its much-anticipated home-and-home series with BYU, leaving the Cougars without a Power Four opponent just nine months ahead of the 2026 season. With College Football Playoff selection hinging on quality non-conference wins and the Big 12’s strict expectations for scheduling, BYU faces an uphill battle to keep its postseason hopes alive. Will ESPN’s legendary game arranger Dave Brown orchestrate a strategic fix? Could the Big 12 offer a waiver or manufacture an intra-conference non-conference matchup? Jake Hatch explores these possibilities while highlighting how timing, uncoordinated conference decisions, and scarcity of available Power programs threaten to derail BYU’s aspirations.Turning to the gridiron, Jojo Phillips offers exclusive insights after his long road back from injury. The star wide receiver opens up about regaining confidence after his collarbone setback against Stanford, the steady leadership of Kalani Sitake, and the unwavering bond within the BYU locker room—even during distractions like coaching rumors. Phillips details his mentality approaching the Pop-Tarts Bowl versus Georgia Tech, his focus on ending the year with momentum, and the sense of urgency as transfer portal season approaches. His candid reflections reveal the challenges and resilience needed to thrive at the highest level.The transfer portal drama continues as Walker Lyons, USC tight end and brother to BYU commit Ryder Lyons, emerges as a priority target for the Cougars. Jake Hatch assesses Walker’s USC impact, family connections to Provo, and the real possibility of the Lyons brothers becoming a BYU tandem. Listeners get an inside look at BYU’s evolving portal strategy, roster implications for 2026, and why the Cougars remain a compelling destination for high-profile talent. Can BYU’s staff turn adversity into opportunity and solidify their spot among college football’s elite? Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis and exclusive player perspective.Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!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!Omaha Steaks: Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.Wayfair: Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to https://Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off.Sale ends December 7thGametime: 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 applyFanDuel: Right now, new customers can bet just five dollars and get three hundred in bonus bets if you win. Go to FanDuel.com to get startedFANDUEL 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. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at [email protected]. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.