When I saw the big "47" of BYU football's young gun under center, Bear Bachmeier, on the cover of an ESPN college football article, I knew there was plenty to get excited about for the 2026 college football season.
Over the next two years, who will be the best overall CFB team? 🤔@ESPNRittenberg dives into future power rankings 👀
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) June 9, 2026
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It's easy for people like myself to rave about the potential of a BYU football team when I have watched every single game intently over the past two seasons, where the team pushed a 23-4 record and is still gatekept from the College Football Playoff. Those kinds of slights stick with a man, and only galvanize my resolve to preach the gospel of BYU football to the ends of the earth.
"They deserve to be in the playoff!" I cried from the rooftop.
"How could you possibly keep them out another year?" I plead with my television.
"ESPN is deliberately keeping BYU off the resume comparison graphics!" I shouted, red-faced, from the couch of my therapist.
Look, despite the immense success BYU football has enjoyed in the Big 12 Conference, the nation continues to disrespect this team that I believe could make a splash if only given the chance. Yes, they got stomped by Texas Tech last season. Twice. But with another year of experience and the majority of the team's producers returning from 2025 -- not to mention some exceptional replacements for the players who did take off -- Kalani Sitake has built something that appears as if it will last for years to come.
So I was vindicated when I saw ESPN list BYU 15th on their list of future power rankings; I know exactly what this team really is, narrative of the nation aside.
"After a turbulent 2025 offseason at quarterback, BYU is seemingly in great shape with Bear Bachmeier, who has three years of eligibility remaining. Despite arriving in the late spring, Bachmeier, as a true freshman, helped the team to 12 wins, a Big 12 runner-up finish and a No. 11 final AP ranking. He completed nearly 65% of his passes for 3,033 yards, and provided a rushing threat with 11 touchdowns on the ground. Bachmeier projects as a multiyear answer for BYU"
Bear is a massive reason to believe in what BYU is building. A player who surpassed nearly every expectation in his first season, he's the type of player that an offense can thrive behind -- equally potent through the air or on the ground. A manager of the game in every aspect, and a steady hand behind the wheel of Aaron Roderick's offense.
Will BYU repeat or surpass the success of last season? Who knows? But is BYU equipped to run it back in 2026? Absolutely.
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