The Road to the Playoff
College football analyst Joel Klatt has placed BYU second on his list of teams most likely to make their first appearance in the College Football Playoff, citing the Cougars’ steady rise and a schedule that aligns with their strengths.
The projection comes after BYU posted the most wins among teams yet to qualify for the 12‑team bracket, a feat that underscores the program’s consistency under head coach Kalani Sitake.
Klatt praised quarterback Bear Bachmeier’s development, noting that the sophomore’s growth could be the catalyst for a more potent offense, especially after a season that saw just ten turnovers, five of which occurred in the two matchups against Texas Tech.
While Texas Tech’s defense, once the most efficient in the nation, lost key linemen to the NFL and is rebuilding through the transfer portal, Klatt believes BYU’s defense will remain formidable despite the departure of coordinator Jay Hill.
The analyst also pointed to the broader Big 12 landscape, where Utah, Arizona and Houston occupy the sixth, seventh and eighth spots on his list, making the conference a hotbed of playoff contenders.
LJ Martin, a veteran presence on the Cougars’ roster, adds depth that Klatt says will help the team navigate a demanding schedule and stay competitive in the championship hunt.
Overall, Klatt’s outlook reflects a shift in his perception of BYU, moving from last year’s recommendation to sell stock in the program to a confident forecast that the Cougars will contend for both the Big 12 title and a playoff berth.