CONCERN: With BYU Star Faletau Satuala OUT, What Must Happen for Cougars to THRIVE in Big 12 in '26? | BYU Safeties Preview

Faletau Satuala’s injury shakes up the BYU Cougars’ defensive landscape just months before the 2026 season. The acclaimed All-American safety, who dazzled last year with his rare combination of height, speed, and playmaking, now faces a crucial recovery period after fracturing his foot. With Satuala projected to miss at least eight weeks, Jake Hatch examines the timeline and the potential pitfalls BYU faces if he’s not 100% by the high-stakes Week 2 matchup against Arizona—a game set to define the early Big 12 race. Can BYU's defense remain elite without its versatile anchor patrolling the back end? Jake Hatch zooms in on the new leaders emerging in the Cougars’ secondary. Raider Damuni, another four-star talent with deep family roots in Provo, is poised to headline the safety group if Satuala remains sidelined. Veteran Tommy Prassas and the revitalized Jarinn Kalama are highlighted as key contributors, each bringing a unique skill set—whether as rangy, hard-hitting strong safeties or more natural centerfielders. The discussion explores how spring camp elevated Kalama’s profile from a relative afterthought to a legitimate rotation piece and how Prassas' return to his natural safety role could provide schematic flexibility. As defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga implements subtle changes—favoring field and boundary side alignments over traditional free/strong safety roles—Jake Hatch questions how smoothly the group can adapt. He breaks down how BYU’s proven linebackers and strengthened defensive line could lighten the load on the retooled secondary, and why veteran cornerbacks Evan Johnson and Tre Alexander will be critical to the overall scheme. The analysis also touches on former Cougar standout Tanner Wall, now chasing an NFL dream. Looking beyond 2026, Jake Hatch spotlights the brightest prospects set to carry the torch: freshman standouts Matthew Mason and Kennan Pula—already making noise in spring camp—and Crew Clark, a playmaker from Idaho aiming to force his way into future rotations. With a well-stocked safety room and seasoned contributors possibly NFL-bound soon, will the next wave of Cougars rise to the challenge? The episode closes with a salute to BYU’s NCAA track and field success—congratulating Taylor Lovell for her steeplechase victory and Ben Barton for snapping a 45-year championship drought in the decathlon. As the Cougars’ football depth is tested, listeners are left to wonder: can BYU’s revamped defense deliver on its Big 12 aspirations and who will emerge as the new household name in Cougar blue? 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! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  Rugiet: Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men 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 <a href="https://www.fanduel.com/" ta