BYU Cougars' Defense Gets a Massive Boost! Isaiah Glasker Returns | Cade Uluave is the Next Jack Kelly? | BYU Cougars Draw Eyeballs!

The foundation of the 2026 BYU defense is taking shape. On today’s episode of Locked On Cougars, host Jake Hatch breaks down a massive recruiting and retention win for Kalani Sitake as star linebacker Isaiah Glasker officially announces his return to Provo for another season. The Return of the Playmaker: Isaiah Glasker We start with the headline news: Isaiah Glasker is coming back. In a college football era dominated by the transfer portal and NIL uncertainty, keeping a home-grown talent like Glasker is a statement. Building the Core: Glasker’s length, versatility, and closing speed made him one of the most disruptive forces on the field last season. By staying, he ensures that whoever Kalani Sitake hires as the new Defensive Coordinator will walk into a room stocked with elite weapons. The "Weapon" Factor: We discuss how Glasker’s ability to drop into coverage or blitz off the edge provides a schematic "chess piece" that is invaluable for a new staff. He is the anchor of a returning core that aims to keep the BYU defense among the elite in the Big 12. Transfer Portal Watch: Cade Uluave and the "Jack Kelly" Comp The Cougars aren't just retaining talent; they are hunting for more. We dive deep into the news surrounding Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave. The Comparison: Is Uluave the second coming of Jack Kelly? We analyze the film and the "flashes" that suggest Uluave has that same high-motor, sideline-to-sideline capability that made Kelly a star in Provo. The Local Connection: Bringing a player of Uluave's caliber back to the state would be a major coup for Kalani Sitake. We break down how his skill set fits into the aggressive defensive identity BYU is building and why he is the top priority for the Cougars in the portal right now. BYU: The Kings of the West (Almost) Finally, we look at the numbers that prove BYU is a national brand. The final TV ratings for the season are in, and the results are staggering. Viewership Powerhouse: BYU football finished the year with the second-highest TV ratings in the Western U.S., trailing only the Oregon Ducks. National Relevance: We discuss what this means for BYU's leverage in the Big 12 and future TV contract negotiations. The Cougars are outdrawing historic brands and proving that the "Blue Wave" is one of the most bankable audiences in all of college sports. Whether it's late-night kicks or mid-afternoon showdowns, people are watching the Cougars.