It feels like eons since we last saw the Cougs lace up their cleats, toss on their shoulder pads, scream into each other's facemasks, and take to the field of picture-esque LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU played their last snap at the end of December, 2025. It is now September, nine months later.
So please forgive me if I seem like an addict desperate for another hit of that sweet, sweet football -- because that's exactly what I am.
There is so much to get excited over for BYU fans when it comes to the upcoming year of BYU football. Returning the majority of last year's team, and a head coach who flirted with Penn State at the end of the season. the Cougars are intent on building off a season that saw them sail to a 12-2 final record. And to sweeten the deal, they won't have to cross paths with the only team that defeated them a season ago, Texas Tech, during the regular season.
It's the Cougars and the Red Raiders once again on a collision course in Arlington, according to most analysts, and with both programs poised to arrive this season stronger than ever, there's great reason for optimism in Provo.
BYU football is built to dominate in 2026
Bear Bachmeier returns at quarterback, having optimized his frame by losing some extra weight over the offseason. Following up on a true freshman season riddled with broken records, Bachmeier now has the benefit of a full offseason to learn the offense and operate a titan of the Big 12 Conference.
At his hip is LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, at tailback, who could break the all-time program record if he expands upon last year's excellent rushing numbers.
The offensive line is pulsing with bulk, experience, and power, led by preseason All-American Bruce Mitchell at center.
The defensive side of the ball likewise returns a plethora of game-breaking talent that tormented their opponents all season long, with stars like Evan Johnson, Faletau Satuala, Isaiah Glasker, Keanu Tanuvasa, and many, many more back for another season. The Cougars also added Cade Uluave, the top linebacker in the transfer portal and an All-Conference honoree while at Cal.
The biggest questions facing this team? Wide receiver depth and the defensive coordinator position.
The Cougars lost Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Cody Hagen over the offseason, but added potential breakout stars in freshman Legend Glasker and Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper with returning wide-out Jojo Phillips.
Optimism in this group is well-founded, if not unproven in Provo.
At defensive coordinator, Kalani Sitake lost his ace in Jay Hill when he joined Kyle Whittingham in Ann Arbor. In his place, Sitake hired from within by promoting Kelly Poppinga with an unwavering vote of confidence. His players seem similarly confident, with no major producers leaving for the Big Ten and Michigan.
Success is never guaranteed, but the best way to build a winner is through sustained, proven production and continuity. Few have done that as well as Sitake and BYU this offseason.
They face Utah Tech this Saturday, September 6, in the season-opener, and couldn't have picked a more favorable opponent for a tune-up game to shake the rust off of their personnel.
The Cougars have never lost against an FCS foe, and that trend certainly continues in 2026 after the Trailblazers' harrowing result against reigning FCS champions, Montana State, in which Tech was manhandled to the tune of 54-0.
BYU, a team aspiring to reach the FBS College Football Playoffs, should fare as well or better against a Utah Tech team clearly floundering out of the gate. Though a shutout is on the table, don't expect BYU to run out their first unit after halftime, assuming the first unit handles business in the first half.
BYU football is ranked 14th in the first edition of the AP top 25 rankings. And while this ranking ultimately doesn't matter, it's noteworthy that this is the team's highest preseason spot since 1985, when the team was ranked 10th following their '84 championship season.
Welcome back to another season of BYU football. But this year feels different: there's reason to believe.
Heaven help us.
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