Nothing is more frequently scrutinized in the world of college football than a team's strength of schedule, and few are more aware of this than teams like BYU, and members of leagues like the Big 12 and ACC.
Despite all postseason evidence suggesting otherwise (just take a look at their horrific 10 losses in this bowl season. Yikes), the SEC often carries itself on its strength of schedule and top-to-bottom superiority on and off the field. It just means more, right? But when BYU football lost just one regular-season game, a road battle with Texas Tech, they were shunned from serious postseason consideration.
The main reason? An SEC schedule carries more weight for the decision-makers at the top of the sport by default. Lowly programs from the ACC and Big 12 were just fortunate to be considered.
So, please allow me to cut my ramblings short by saying this: no one can say the Cougars haven't played anybody when it's crunch time for the playoff selection committee. Not with this schedule. Facing programs like Notre Dame, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State is no walk through the park (though Bear Bachmeier will likely stroll barefoot through the grass before each of these contests).
But all things considered, the Cougars' schedule is incredibly favorable for Kalani Sitake's odds of returning to the Big 12 Championship game, and by extension, competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
BYU Football Schedule: 2026 Season
Sep. 5 - Utah Tech
Sep. 12 - Arizona
Sep. 19 - @ Colorado State
Oct. 3 - @TCU
Oct. 10 - Iowa State
Oct. 17 - Notre Dame
Oct. 24 - @ UCF
Oct. 31 - Arizona State
Nov. 7 - @ Utah
Nov. 14 - Baylor
Nov. 21 - @ Kansas
Nov. 28 - Cincinnati
Notable details about this schedule that plays into the Cougars' favor:
First, at no point in the season will BYU play road games in back-to-back weeks (there will be a bye week between road contests with Colorado State and TCU). That, paired with seven home games, gives BYU a significant scheduling advantage.
Second, BYU will leave the state of Utah just once after their October 24th matchup with UCF, as they'll play ASU, Utah, and Baylor, all in the Beehive State. Unfortunately, Salt Lake City is the toughest road environment in the nation in which BYU could find themselves.
Third, and this is most important, the Cougars will not face Texas Tech in the regular season. This is a blessing from on high for a program that just can't seem to find answers for the Red Raiders. The only way these two could square off in 2026 is in the Big 12 Championship game. Each of the standout challenges of the season come with a caveat, meaning that certain marquee games may not carry the same level of challenge as they may have last season.
Namely, Utah and Iowa State are both fielding fresh faces at the head-coaching position, and will likely take a step back after strong 2025 campaigns. Arizona will be fierce competition, returning redshirt senior Noah Fifita and coming off a nine-win 2025 in the Cougars' Big 12 opener. Fortunately, this game will be set in Provo after last year's meeting in Tucson. Notre Dame will almost certainly be the best team BYU faces in the regular season, but that result will be a win-win for the Cougars. Win, and BYU's playoff resume gains structure. Lose, and it has no effect on the Cougars' Big 12 standing.
Reaching the Big 12 Championship is never a guarantee, but when a team's schedule features home contests against the league's fierces competitors, BYU football has the momentum to carry itself to Arlington.