The rivalry reshaped
The rivalry between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah has taken on a new dimension since the Cougars left the Mountain West for football independence and later joined the Big 12, while the Utes settled into the Pac‑12. What began as a simple geographic contest evolved into a streak that would define a generation of Utah‑area football.
The turning point arrived in 2021, when BYU finally broke a ten‑year winless stretch against Utah with a 26‑17 victory at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The game featured a quick start, a 10‑0 lead courtesy of a Jaren Hall pass to Neil Pau’u, and a series of big plays that included a touchdown reception by Gunner Romney and a late surge that saw Samson Nacua add to the cushion. The Cougars stormed the field after the final whistle, ending a drought that had lingered since 2011.
A comeback for the ages
Two years later, the 2022 encounter at Rice‑Eccles Stadium tested the Cougars’ resolve. Entering the game unbeaten at 8‑0, BYU fell behind 21‑10 as Utah surged in the second quarter. A kickoff return by Keelan Marrion sparked a comeback, and a clutch field goal by Will Ferrin in the final seconds capped a 22‑21 win that left the crowd in stunned silence.
Most recently, the 2025 showdown at LaVell Edwards Stadium added another chapter. With both teams ranked in the top 25 and battling for Big 12 positioning, freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier opened the scoring with a back‑shoulder strike to Chase Roberts. After a halftime field goal by Will Ferrin put BYU ahead 10‑7, a jet sweep by Parker Kingston shifted momentum, and an interception by Tanner Wall set up the decisive touchdown pass from Bachmeier to seal a 24‑21 victory.