BONUS: BONUS: Somehow BYU, Utah Are SMASHING Transfer Portal DESPITE Coaches Leaving, Kyle Whittingham Out

In the high-stakes ecosystem of the 2026 Big 12, the transfer portal has become a Rorschach test for program identity. While schools like Texas Tech and Oklahoma State have leaned into "48-hour visit flurries," BYU and Utah have opted for a more deliberate, stability-first approach that national analyst Drake Toll recently described as a high-wire act of roster retention.BYU: The "Retain and Refine" ModelFor BYU, the 2026 cycle is defined not by who they bought, but who they kept. Following a historic 12–2 season, Kalani Sitake successfully "portal-proofed" his locker room. The headliner was the retention of true freshman phenom Bear Bachmeier at quarterback and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin.The Cougars have used the portal for surgical "force multipliers" rather than foundational rebuilding. Key additions include the homecoming of former USC four-star tight end Walker Lyons and Oregon wideout Kyler Kasper. Despite the "Michigan Factor"—where former DC Jay Hill followed Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor—BYU has maintained its core, gambling that chemistry will outweigh the volume-heavy strategies of their peers.Utah: The "Scalley Standard" RetoolAcross the aisle, the Morgan Scalley era at Utah has begun with a focused retooling. Transitioning from the Whittingham legacy, Scalley has targeted high-efficiency "culture fits." The Utes’ 2026 haul is headlined by San José State standout running back Steve Chavez-Soto and Utah State’s Braden Pegan, a four-star portal wideout.Rather than chasing "mercenary" talent, Utah has treated the return of veterans like Rabbit Evans and Nate Ritchie from injury as "internal portal wins." Drake Toll notes that while both Beehive State programs currently sit in the middle of the conference portal rankings, their veteran-heavy rosters are built for the December "meatgrinder" rather than January headlines.Everydayer Club  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  Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! GametimeToday'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.WayfairGet last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.  FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.