DRIVEN: Kalani Sitake & BYU Cougars SET Sights on a Big 12 Title & College Football Playoff Berth | Andrew Gentry Championship Mindset | Raider Damuni 1-on-1 Chat

Kalani Sitake makes it clear: for the BYU Cougars, the standard is a Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff. As the BYU football program gears up for another season in Provo, the message from both coaches and players is unmistakable—complacency has no place in the program. With a 23-4 record over the past two years, but only an Alamo Bowl and Pop-Tarts Bowl to show for it, the team’s leaders are determined to turn near-success into tangible national relevance. Sitake, reflecting on his journey at Brigham Young University and his connection with LaVell Edwards, emphasizes that being “good enough” isn’t good enough; he wants comfortable wins and concrete progress toward titles, not just moral victories. Jake Hatch spotlights the voices shaping BYU’s rise. Offensive lineman Andrew Gentry, a former national champion at Michigan, champions a new championship mindset, insisting that only a playoff run will satisfy team goals. With Bruce Mitchell and Gentry anchoring the line, the offense is set for toughness and leadership by example. Hatch also examines the defensive transformation under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga. Raider Damuni, now stepping out of the shadows to become a leading safety, embraces both the legacy of former teammates like Tanner Wall and the challenge of leading younger players. His focus on finishing strong and fighting complacency shows up in how the roster attacks offseason conditioning, guided by Skyler Mayne and Ryan Phyllis—positioning BYU for late-season success where, in the past, they’ve faltered. Are the Cougars finally ready to shatter historical barriers? With upperclassmen like Faletau Satuala, Tommy Prassas, and Damuni combining experience and hunger, BYU’s deep, veteran roster looks poised to chase down the program’s first-ever Power Four conference crown and return to the heights they’ve not reached since 1984. Hatch explores how player-driven accountability under Sitake’s philosophy could be the X-factor, as athletes are encouraged to police issues internally before coaches step in—a model that has produced successful leaders before. Hatch also discusses the mindset shift away from settling for bowl games and toward demanding trophies and national prominence. Will this be the BYU Cougars’ breakthrough year—a season where close games transform into dominant wins and whispers of potential finally become championship reality? The pursuit is on, and the stakes have never been higher in 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! Odoo: Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon KALSHI: Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25 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