Could BYU Football’s Dynamic Duo RUIN Each Other’s Awards Hopes This Season? | Fan Friday Squad Show Talking BYU Basketball, Football & USU Series

The BYU Cougars’ national championship hopes face a fascinating twist as two offensive stars vie for major hardware—but could their dominance actually hurt each other's chances for the Heisman Trophy or Doak Walker Award? Jake Hatch explores whether LJ Martin’s explosiveness or Bear Bachmeier’s quarterback leadership will earn the national spotlight, spotlighting the potential risk of hurting each other individual award candidacy even as both players anchor a stacked backfield. The show dives deep into ESPN’s latest college football preseason rankings, with BYU slotted at No. 12 and the spotlight shining on Martin as a potential Doak Walker winner after a 1,305-yard campaign and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Listeners are left to ponder: will the Cougars’ strength-in-numbers become their undoing in the race for football’s most prestigious awards? Turning to the hardwood, a passionate squad of BYU fans joins Jake Hatch to break down the Cougars’ basketball roster crisis at center. Despite recent success recruiting guards and wings—citing names like AJ Dybantsa and Bruce Branch III—the absence of a true big man looms large after last season’s struggles against top-level post players. Concerns run high as fans discuss whether Kevin Young and his staff can land a difference-maker from the international pipeline, and if BYU boosters are truly willing to outbid rivals for much-needed size. The roundtable reflects on recruitment philosophies, retention challenges in the transfer portal era, and the urgent need for a strong inside presence to free up offensive standouts next season. Excitement surges for the revived Utah State series, as fans debate the merits of moving games to the Delta Center for higher attendance and revenue, while reminiscing about the hostile environment in Logan. Meanwhile, lifelong Cougar supporters share personal stories of BYU fandom passed through generations, the meaning of season tickets, and storming the field after iconic wins. The episode concludes with spirited predictions for BYU football: is Notre Dame the must-win matchup, or will Utah or Arizona prove to be the true pivot point for College Football Playoff contention? As the BYU Cougars prepare for a pivotal season, can they capitalize on returning talent—or will a stacked schedule and internal pressures prove too much? 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 SPONSORS FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game  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 Rugiet - Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl. Rugiet - Performance medicine for men 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. 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.