The 2025 college football season concluded with a bang for the BYU Cougars, who finished 11‑2 and capped the year with a decisive victory in the Pop‑Tarts Bowl over Georgia Tech. The win not only added a trophy to the case but also reinforced the program’s upward trajectory under head coach Kalani Sitake.
Entering the 2026 campaign, the Cougars will field a familiar core: quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back L.J. Martin are set to return, giving the offense continuity and a proven playmaking duo that fans hope will translate into even greater production.
The schedule features seven home contests, beginning with a September 5 night game against Utah Tech that kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. The team will also host Notre Dame on October 17, a rematch of the 2022 meeting that ended in a 28‑20 loss for BYU, and the annual Holy War against Utah at Rice‑Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on November 7, where the Cougars have won three straight meetings.
Key Matchups to Watch
Beyond the marquee dates, the slate includes road trips to Colorado State, where the cheapest away ticket starts at $76, and a season‑ending showdown at Cincinnati, one of the most affordable home games at $126. These contests provide a mix of competitive balance and opportunities for the Cougars to climb the rankings.
Ranked No. 12 in the ESPN preseason poll, BYU enters the season with a blend of experience and youthful talent. The coaching staff believes the combination of returning starters and a manageable travel load will help the team sustain momentum and contend for a conference title.
Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere as affordable home tickets make it easier to attend multiple games, while the mix of non‑conference opponents and traditional rivals promises plenty of storylines to follow throughout the year.