# PRESSURE COOKER: BYU Cougars Must Embrace OUTSIZED EXPECTATIONS as Big 12 Title Favorites This Fall | Kila Keone Explains Why BYU Receivers Are Strength, Not Weakness

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/pressure-cooker-byu-cougars-must-embrace-outsized-expectations-as-big-12-title-favorites-this-fall-kila-keone-explains-why-byu-receivers-are-strength-not-weakness
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/pressure-cooker-byu-cougars-must-embrace-outsized-expectations-as-big-12-title-favorites-this-fall-kila-keone-explains-why-byu-receivers-are-strength-not-weakness.md
Podcast: [Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433)
Published: 2026-06-02T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-cougars/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/63a296/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6/episodes/f288298a-ca5b-4c04-9641-8f13fcc070f7/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=df3adc55-2f40-437c-852e-1d8b8122e2c6&awEpisodeId=f288298a-ca5b-4c04-9641-8f13fcc070f7&feed=DzohBBeS
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-cougars-daily-podcast-on-byu-cougars-football-basketball-935433/episodes/pressure-cooker-byu-cougars-must-embrace-outsized-expectations-as-big-12-title-favorites-this-fall-kila-keone-explains-why-byu-receivers-are-strength-not-weakness
Duration seconds: 2005

## Resource

The BYU Cougars claim the spotlight as Big 12 favorites, with sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and dynamic running back LJ Martin poised to lead one of college football’s most compelling teams into the upcoming season. After back-to-back 11-win campaigns and a Big 12 Championship Game appearance, all eyes turn to whether Kalani Sitake’s crew can rise to the challenge and convert high expectations into a College Football Playoff breakthrough. Jake Hatch delivers a detailed analysis of BYU’s new status, tying national projections to Texas Tech’s quarterback controversy and the likely loss of Brendan Sorsby. The episode highlights Stewart Mandel’s prediction of BYU as the “clear Big 12 favorite,” fueling conversations about pressure, privilege, and how the Cougars are embracing the frontrunner role. Hatch explains how returning standouts such as Keanu Tanuvasa, Justin Kirkland, and Isaiah Glasker solidify the defense, and outlines why marquee matchups—especially the highly anticipated clash with Notre Dame—will be pivotal for validating BYU’s playoff credentials. In an exclusive interview, wide receiver Kila Keone pushes back on criticisms aimed at BYU’s receiver corps, emphasizing the underappreciated depth and untapped “dogs” in the room. He shares optimism about the impact of transfer Kyler Kasper—praised as an instant playmaker—and veteran leader Jojo Phillips, as well as breakout potential for Reggie Frischknecht, Tigers Bachmeier, and Tei Nacua. Keone provides firsthand scouting reports on freshmen standouts Legend Glasker (speed and confidence), Jaron Pula (athleticism and ball skills), and Terrance Saryon (electric, playmaking spark). Insights into wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake’s mentorship, the camaraderie developed on and off the field, and competition fo…

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