CONTENDERS: BYU Football & Bear Bachmeier DOMINATE Big 12 Future Power Rankings & in Recruiting Buzz | Big 12 AD's Arrayed Against Texas Tech | Idaho Hates BYU?!

The BYU Cougars are rising fast, entering the Big 12 conversation as not just favorites for the coming season, but as a program built for sustained success. Anchored by Bear Bachmeier at quarterback—coming off an eye-popping freshman campaign with over 3,000 passing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns—BYU’s future looks brighter than ever. Recruiting momentum is surging, with the Cougars notching the conference’s second-most blue-chip prospects and landing top talents like Ryder Lyons and Brock Harris, fueling expectations for consistent national competitiveness. Is this the beginning of a new era where BYU becomes a perennial College Football Playoff contender? The conversation focused on ESPN’s updated Power 4 Future Power Rankings, where BYU secured the No. 15 spot and ranked second among Big 12 teams. One concept discussed was how BYU’s recent recruiting success, featuring seven blue-chip prospects in the 2026 class, could reshape the ceiling for Cougar football. The discussion explored the importance of seasoned players like Keanu Tanuvasa and L.J. Martin, along with standout offensive linemen Bruce Mitchell and Andrew Gentry, reinforcing BYU’s reputation for physical trench play. A key theme that emerged was staff continuity—highlighting Kalani Sitake’s retention despite a Penn State pursuit and navigating the impact of defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s move to Michigan, with Kelly Poppinga stepping into the new defensive coordinator role. Several points were raised, including the athletic director’s meeting with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark about the controversy surrounding Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, suspended for betting violations. The 15-1 opposition from Big 12 athletic directors against Sorsby’s eligibility spotlights mounting frustration over NCAA policy, the injunction granted to Sorsby, and Texas Tech’s determination to play him regardless of broader conference disapproval. How the Big 12 chooses to act—possibly through postseason bans or financial penalties—remains uncertain and could set a precedent for athlete conduct and league governance. The discussion also took a lighter turn, exploring why BYU is now considered Idaho’s most hated team—a badge earned through a fierce, recent rivalry with Boise State and the school’s regional influence. The possibility of rekindling rivalry games with both Boise State and Utah State was considered, highlighting how regional showdowns can add intensity and tradition to BYU’s growing national profile. With a loaded roster, rising recruiting classes, and feisty regional rivalries, will the Cougars seize the moment to join the elite ranks of college football, or is there more work to be done?