Brigham Young University’s football program has emerged as a dark horse in the national conversation, riding two straight seasons of double‑digit wins and setting its sights on a College Football Playoff berth by 2026.
Despite the impressive résumé, the Cougars have been pushed to the margins of mainstream coverage, with pundits insisting that a victory over Texas Tech in a hypothetical championship showdown would be the only way to earn serious playoff consideration.
A Make-or-Break Schedule
The 2026 slate, however, offers a clear path to prominence: marquee matchups against Notre Dame and Utah punctuate the schedule, and a potential top‑10 showdown in week seven could reshape the playoff picture if both teams remain unbeaten.
Conference play presents a mixed bag; the Big 12 slate looks modest on paper, yet history shows the league’s capacity to surprise, meaning every game carries amplified weight.
Notably, BYU will not meet Texas Tech during the regular season, a gap that weakens the perceived strength of schedule, making a win over either the Red Raiders or the Utes all the more critical for playoff credibility.
A triumph against Utah, the season‑defining battle in the Big 12, or a victory over Texas Tech could provide the only résumé items that the College Football Playoff committee deems truly respectable.
Coach Morgan Scalley has emphasized discipline and execution, urging his squad to treat each of those pivotal dates as opportunities to prove the team’s mettle on a national stage.