REDEMPTION: Keanu Tanuvasa Commits to TRANSFORMING BYU's Defensive Front Alongside Justin Kirkland

BYU Football looks to make waves in the Big 12, driven by a reenergized defensive line led by Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland. Could this be the year that the Cougars’ defensive tackle duo establishes itself as the conference’s finest? Tanuvasa returns for his final season after tough NFL feedback and a “disgust” with leaving unfinished business on the field. He shares his motivation to run it back, highlighting the bond with teammates, the evolving program culture, and the personal desire to elevate his game and draft stock by pushing team success. Jake Hatch spotlights Tanuvasa’s growth from a player “freelancing” out of position to an intentional, vocal leader invested in every aspect of the program. Tanuvasa explains how his NFL aspirations are aligned with BYU’s defensive performance—believing that winning as a team boosts individual draft stock. He details his off-field efforts, from organizing team meals to mentoring new arrivals like Cade Uluava, emphasizing a culture where every BYU player feels they belong, regardless of their background or prior school. The podcast breaks down what’s changed with new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga at the helm. Tanuvasa praises Poppinga’s deliberate, passionate approach and his willingness to adapt schemes to put veterans in position to succeed. With Poppinga’s defensive line background, Tanuvasa feels empowered to trust his instincts and play with greater “free will” while still embracing team accountability. The rigorous, collaborative atmosphere has bred optimism that this will be a breakthrough year for BYU’s defense. Personal details deepen the story—Tanuvasa shares the unique dynamic of playing under the watchful eye of his father, Shawn, the team chaplain, and the legacy of his family’s jersey numbers. With his final year at BYU measured by a single word—“intentional”—Tanuvasa is determined to leave his mark both on and off the field. Will the Cougars’ reinforced defensive line deliver on high expectations? Can Tanuvasa’s all-in leadership and fresh perspective under Coach Poppinga be the spark that propels BYU to Big 12 contention? Strap in as Jake Hatch brings you exclusive insights from Provo. 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! 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. 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.