UNPROVEN: Will BYU’s Wide Receivers & Bear Bachmeier DELIVER Playoff-Worthy Offense? Experts Discuss | Can They Find a Way to Knock Off Notre Dame?

The BYU football program have a new look on their offense with major questions looming: Can their new-look wide receiver corps and veteran offensive line spark a playoff run in 2026? After losing their top three pass catchers—Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan, which accounted for roughly 80% of last season’s aerial production—the BYU Cougars face intense scrutiny about their ability to reload and compete in the Big 12 and against national powerhouses like Notre Dame. With Bear Bachmeier locked in as QB, Brigham Young University eyes impact transfers and highly touted freshmen, including Oregon transfers Roger Saleapaga and Kyler Kasper and speedster Legend Glasker, to step into featured roles. Will the sum of BYU’s new parts prove greater than the missing stars, or could their lack of a proven No. 1 receiver be their downfall when facing elite talent? Brian Smith and Jake Hatch dive into the layered strategy behind BYU’s rebuild, starting with the tight end duo of Saleapaga and Walker Lyons, poised to be focal points in Aaron Roderick’s scheme. The conversation highlights the offensive line’s experience, anchored by right tackle Andrew Gentry, whose run-blocking prowess should open holes for underrated running back LJ Martin. The hosts analyze how Kalani Sitake and BYU plan to balance Bear Bachmeier’s physical play and running ability with the need to keep him healthy for a potential postseason run, raising questions about situational quarterback runs and the long-term durability of their offensive centerpiece. The discussion pivots to BYU’s ability to execute in crucial games, with pressing matchups against teams like Notre Dame and Texas Tech—programs known for NFL-caliber secondaries and defensive lines. Can the new receiving corps, now billed as bigger and faster, hold their own against future pros? Will BYU’s offensive line reclaim its physical identity and dominate at the line of scrimmage after last year’s humbling at the hands of Texas Tech’s generational unit? Jake Hatch points to the players’ offseason focus and a hunger to prove doubters wrong, stressing the importance of controlling the trenches and hitting timely deep shots to change defensive game plans. Will the Cougars’ calculated portal moves, revamped attack, and physical mentality be enough to bridge the gap from good to elite in college football? 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! 5-Hour ENERGY: Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https:/5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon KALSHI: For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get $10 when you trade $10 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 Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase FanDuel: Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season 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.