Will BYU Football, Led by Bear Bachmeier, DOMINATE the Big 12 Race? Texas Tech Faces Major CHALLENGE

The Big 12 Conference appears to be wide open and the race for the conference championship could be the most unpredictable yet. With BYU and Texas Tech emerging as early favorites, the season promises weekly matchups where no outcome is safe and even underdogs can rewrite the script. Can Kalani Sitake's BYU Cougars, led by Bear Bachmeier, LJ Martin and boasting one of the nation’s highest rates of returning defensive production, assert itself as the new gold standard? Or will Joey McGuire steer Texas Tech to dominance amid another busy offseason in the transfer portal? The conversation focused on the ESPN preseason rankings, spotlighting Texas Tech and BYU at the top, but the real intrigue lies in the “mushy middle,” where Houston, Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma State, and others all appear ready to compete. A key theme that emerged was the conference’s volatility—recent history includes Arizona State flipping from worst to first and games where cellar dwellers like Iowa State are fully capable of shocking Big 12 powers on any given Saturday. The discussion explored the challenges Utah faces as Morgan Scalley takes over, needing to replace all starting offensive and defensive linemen but still benefiting from a favorable home-heavy schedule and a proven culture. Meanwhile, Houston’s track record under Willie Fritz makes them a dark horse, with listeners invited to consider whether a quick turnaround can put the Cougars into contention as early as this year. Several points were raised, including Oklahoma State’s hype under new leadership and roster additions from North Texas—will Eric Morris translate that momentum or stumble under the pressure of expectations? The hosts also discussed Noah Fifita’s loyalty to Arizona, turning down lucrative transfer opportunities, and whether his commitment can propel Arizona into championship conversations. Arizona State emerged as another team to watch, with Kenny Dillingham working through transition challenges after roster upheaval at key positions, possibly setting up for a future breakthrough rather than immediate success. Can newcomers like Cincinnati or UCF capitalize on the Big 12’s parity, or will established programs stamp their authority? With the motto “How did that team beat that team?” echoing weekly, every squad—from Baylor to West Virginia—has a shot at shocking the conference and making a run to Arlington. 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.