BYU Football 2026 Preview: Can Bear Bachmeier Take the Cougars to the Next Level?

BYU football is coming off a 12-win season and enters 2026 as one of the clear favorites in the Big 12. Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin give the Cougars one of the best backfields in the conference, the offensive line should once again be a strength, and Kalani Sitake brings back a roster loaded with returning production. The big question is whether Bachmeier can take the next step as a passer and whether a bigger, reworked group of pass catchers can give BYU more explosiveness through the air.

We also break down a defense that returns plenty of proven talent but must adjust after Jay Hill's departure, plus a schedule that avoids Texas Tech and Kansas State but still includes major tests against Notre Dame, TCU, Arizona State and Utah. Is this finally the BYU team that can close the gap on Texas Tech, win the Big 12 and break through to the College Football Playoff?

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0:00 Analyzing the BYU Football Landscape
1:42 The Evolution of the BYU Offense
3:53 Defensive Strength and Tactical Shifts
6:16 Navigating a Challenging Schedule

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