The BYU Cougars make headlines as Ryan Wooten Jr., a highly-rated 6'2", 175-pound defensive back from Jersey City, New Jersey, committed to bringing his talents to Provo. Could this major recruiting win signal the start of a new era for Kalani Sitake’s program as they chase national relevance in the Big 12 Conference? With proven versatility and size perfectly suited to combat today’s bigger, stronger wide receivers, Wooten’s arrival may elevate BYU’s secondary—and recruiting profile—to unprecedented heights. Jake Hatch spotlights the seamless blend of skills that sets Wooten apart: the ability to lock down receivers in man coverage, read plays instinctively, and shift to safety if needed. Drawing parallels to Tre Alexander, another out-of-state standout, the conversation emphasizes that BYU’s staff, led by Lewis Walker’s East Coast connections and Kalani Sitake’s vision, is casting a wider and more potent net than ever before. The episode explores how Wooten’s commitment is about more than just individual talent—it’s a signpost of BYU’s rapidly expanding recruiting territory. For the first time this century, the Cougars nab a top-rated prospect from New Jersey, highlighting their national reach and ability to attract players who might never have considered Utah as a college football destination. Key talking points include the Big 12 effect on BYU’s recruiting power, the strategic importance of versatility at the cornerback position, and how Wooten’s rating—on the cusp of four-star status—sets a new standard for what BYU can achieve. Ryan Wooten Jr. also considers the program’s ongoing challenge: can they convert elite talent into consistent contenders against Big 12 rivals like Texas Tech, Utah, and Houston? As BYU’s recruiting floor rises with additions like Tytan DeJong and Ezra Sanelivi, the conversation turns to the big question: Will continued out-of-state signings help the Cougars realize long-held ambitions of contending for conference titles and college football playoff berths? Don’t miss this comprehensive analysis of BYU football’s evolving identity, as Ryan Wooten Jr. examines how one commitment could ripple through recruiting strategy, on-field performance, and the Cougars’ pursuit of sustained greatness. 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 FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game 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 Rugiet - Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl. Rugiet - Performance medicine for men 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 LockedOnBYU@gmail.com. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network – Your Team. Every Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
