A Bold Forecast for the Cougars
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the BYU Cougars are being painted as one of the most formidable teams in the Big 12. Early predictions place them at 12‑1, a record that would not only secure a conference championship but also lock in a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.
The foundation of this optimism lies in a roster that surpasses the talent levels of the 2024 and 2025 squads, which finished 11‑2 and 12‑2 respectively. Coach Kalani Sitake, who enters the Utah Tech game with a perfect 10‑0 record against FCS opponents, is poised to extend that streak to 11‑0, setting a confident tone for the campaign.
The schedule reads like a carefully curated path to success. The Cougars open against Utah Tech, a matchup that historically favors Provo, and then travel to face Arizona, Colorado State, TCU, Iowa State, Notre Dame, UCF, Arizona State, Utah, Baylor, Kansas and Cincinnati. Each of these opponents carries a distinct narrative: a five‑game winning streak against Arizona, a 44‑13 victory over TCU last year, and a renewed challenge from Baylor that could test BYU’s depth.
Beyond the wins, the season offers storylines that extend beyond the field. Running back LJ Martin is expected to cement his legacy as one of the program’s all‑time greats, while the defense aims to build on recent successes against power‑conference rivals. If the Cougars navigate the slate as projected, the final stretch could see them hoisting the Big 12 Championship trophy and securing a playoff invitation.