The Cougars opened the 2026 season with a decisive victory over Utah Tech, a statement win that has ignited optimism for a double‑digit win campaign and a realistic shot at the Big 12 championship.
Big 12 Title Chase
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives BYU a 76.8% probability of defeating Arizona in the conference opener, while DraftKings lists the Wildcats as seven‑point favorites; the Cougars also needed double overtime to overcome Arizona in last season’s encounter.
Arizona’s early statement came with a 35‑7 rout of NAU, an FCS opponent, highlighting the Wildcats’ offensive firepower and setting a high bar for the upcoming showdown.
Although BYU’s projected win total has slipped slightly from 8.9 to 8.8 after the first week, the softened schedule and strong performances from opponents on the Cougars’ slate have kept the double‑digit target within reach.
The FPI has nudged BYU up one spot to No. 19, while Texas Tech fell from tenth to twelfth, a movement that has improved the Cougars’ conference title odds and, by extension, their College Football Playoff prospects.
With a 98.9% chance of securing at least six wins and a 31.2% likelihood of reaching ten victories, the statistical outlook paints a picture of a team poised for significant success.
The BYU‑Arizona matchup stands out as one of the most consequential games of the season, capable of shaping both teams’ trajectories toward conference dominance and playoff contention.