They don’t get any respect.

It could be argued that lack of respect was justified after the Cougars stumbled to a 5-7 record in 2023, including a number of ugly blowout losses.

But BYU flipped the script in 2024, winning nine straight to start the year and tying for the Big 12 title. If not for a pair of mediocre performance in November, the Cougars may have been headed to the College Football Playoff.

So everyone is now buzzing about how BYU is poised to become a power again, right?

Well, not so much.

The Cougars got a lukewarm recognition in the US LBM Coaches Poll, coming in ranked No. 23. The Associated Press voters weren’t as optimistic, putting BYU with the 26th most votes.

The argument generally is that the Cougars lost too many starters on defense, got gutted by the investigation and subsequent transfer of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, and are also likely to regress to mean after forcing a lot of takeaways in 2024 (22 interceptions to lead the nation) and going 4-2 in one-score games.

But these are the same folks who said BYU would be lucky to make a bowl game in last fall and they ended up wildly off-target.

So who knows?

I probably don’t … but I’m going to go through every game and make my best guess anyway.

It’s time once again to peer into my crystal ball — hazy though the images may be (last year I was 6-6 with my picks) — and the Daily Herald sports team will predict what the scores will be in each of the 12 Cougar regular-season games in 2025:

PORTLAND STATE

Aug. 30, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

6 p.m. MT, ESPN+

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Bruce Barnum (11th year)

2023: 3-8 overall (FCS)

Players to Watch: Brandon Alvarez (Sr. WR), Tanner Beaman (Jr. TE), Delon Thompson (So. RB), Jaylen Lynch (Jr. WR), Slade Shufelt (Sr. DE), Pedro Timoteo (Sr. OL), Davin Beason (Jr. LB), Isaiah Green (So. DB)

Outlook: The Vikings endured another tough year in 2024, dropping their first five games before closing the year by playing .500 ball (three wins, three losses). The big problem was on the defensive side of the ball, where Portland State allowed 40 points per game. The Vikings hope they’ve addressed those issues and can take a step in the right direction.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars overwhelm the overmatched visitors, turning a first quarter turnover into a touchdown as part of an early blitz. By the fourth quarter, the lead is so big that BYU clears the bench.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougar quarterback situation doesn’t inspire much confidence as miscues in timing and execution from the signal-callers result in repeated stalled drives. The BYU defense keeps the home team in front but it is too ugly for Cougar fans to enjoy.

What will actually happen: Physicality in the trenches will be the difference maker on both sides of the ball. BYU’s defensive front seven will be too much for Portland State to handle and its offense will sputter, while the Cougar offensive line will wear down the Vikings. Look for big numbers in the run game as BYU wins comfortably.

Jared says: 44-7 BYU

Darnell says: 38-10 BYU

Brandon says: 34-6 BYU

STANFORD

Sept. 6, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

8:15 p.m. MT, ESPN

Opponent breakdown

Head coach:  Frank Reich (interim)

2024: 3-9 overall

Players to Watch: Kahlil House (So. OT), CJ Williams (Sr. WR), Collin Wright (Jr. S), Tevarua Tafiti (Sr. LB), Sam Roush (Sr. TE), Scotty Edwards (Jr. S), Micah Ford (Fr. RB), Elijah Brown (So. QB), Emmet Kenney (Sr. PK)

Outlook: The days of Stanford putting together phenomenal seasons seem like a distant memory, as the Cardinal have struggled to find their footing in most of the last decade. Compounding the problem in 2025 was the firing of head coach Troy Taylor amid allegations of staff mistreatment. Stanford still has a lot of things to figure out in Year 2 in the ACC.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars don’t give the visiting Cardinal any chance to dream of the upset, seizing control from the opening kickoff and never looking back. BYU is aggressive on defense and forces some costly Stanford mistakes.

If BYU takes a step backwards: Big plays prove to be disastrous for the home team as the Cardinal come in with no pressure and stun the Cougars, scoring on a pair of long passes to build a lead. BYU fights back but fails to make up for the early mistakes..

What will actually happen: Stanford may eventually return to prominence in college football but it’s not happening this year, and a trip to Provo won’t help. BYU will win the field position battle and turn it into enough points to win comfortably.

Jared says: 32-14 BYU

Darnell says: 27-14 BYU

Brandon says: 28-10 BYU

EAST CAROLINA

Sept. 20, Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, N.C.

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach:  Blake Harrell (6th year)

2024: 8-5 overall

Players to Watch: JD Lampley (Sr. DE), Katin Houser (Jr. QB), TyMir Brown (Jr. WR), Rhyeem Craig (Sr. LB), Ja’Marley Riddle, (So. DB), Anthony Smith (Sr. WR), Jordy Lowery (Jr. CB)

Outlook: The Pirates endured a tough start to 2024, then bounced back to get bowl-eligible and win a bowl game. East Carolina has aspirations of being a force to be reckoned with in the American Athletic Conference and could get there, but will need to take a big step forward to do so.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: Despite traveling across the country, the Cougars don’t let their first road trip slow them in any way. The BYU special teams makes its mark with a punt return touchdown to set the tone. The Cougars keep the Pirates from getting anything going.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The combination of travel, coming off a bye week and inexperience at quarterback are too much to overcome as East Carolina seizes the momentum. BYU falters often, making uncharacteristic mental mistakes the turn out to be devastating.

What will actually happen: This will turn into a sneaky-good game that will make Cougar fans uncomfortable but could be beneficial for both teams down the road. BYU will have some successes, but won’t be able to completely put the Pirates away. Look for a late Cougar field goal from Will Ferrin to secure the win for the visitors.

Jared says: 29-18 BYU

Darnell says: 41-30 BYU

Brandon says: 27-20 BYU

COLORADO

Sept. 27, Folson Field, Boulder, Colo.

8:15 p.m. MT, ESPN

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Deion Sanders (3rd year)

2024: 9-4 overall

Players to Watch: DJ McKinney (Jr. CB), Arden Walker (Sr. LB), Amari McNeill (Sr. DT), Preston Hodge (Sr. DB), Jehiem Oatis (Jr. DT), Kaidon Salter (Sr. QB), Tawfiq Byard (So. DB)

Outlook: After relying heavily on the impressive talents of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, everyone is now trying to figure out what the Buffaloes will do now that that dynamic duo are in the NFL. On paper, Colorado should have a good defense and head coach Deion Sanders has surprised his doubters plenty of times before.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars cross the Rocky Mountains and make a triumphant return to Boulder, Colo., bringing back memories of their last trip in 1981. That year Jim McMahon led BYU to a 41-20 win and BYU echoes that performance by dominating the Buffaloes yet again.

If BYU takes a step backwards: Colorado avenges last year’s blowout loss in the Alamo Bowl by shutting down the Cougar offense and forcing a couple of costly turnovers. The Buffaloes win for the seventh time in eight home games in the series.

What will actually happen: The Colorado players who were embarrassed in the 2024 loss to BYU in San Antonio will be fired up and that will keep things close for much of the game. The Cougars will trail in the fourth quarter but a big run by LJ Martin will set up the go-ahead score as the Buffaloes can’t find any late-game magic.

Jared says: 26-21 BYU

Darnell says: 28-24 Colorado

Brandon says: 24-20 Colorado

WEST VIRGINIA

Oct. 3, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

8:30 p.m. MT, ESPN

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Rich Rodriguez (1st year)

2024: 6-7 overall

Players to Watch: Jimmori Robinson (Sr. DE), Fred Perry (Sr. DB), Jamiem White (Jr. RB), Nicco Marchiol (Jr. QB), Carson Lee (Sr. OG), Eddie Kelly (Jr. DE), Michael Coats (Sr. DB)

Outlook: The Mountaineers are going all-in on recapturing the magic of yesteryear by getting head coach Rich Rodriguez to return 18 years after his departure from Morgantown. Rodriguez will bring his fast-paced offense back to West Virginia and has pieces to work with on defense, but how long it will take to click is something of a question mark.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars takes advantage of the Mountaineers having to travel across the country and play late at night, forcing an early turnover to move in front. BYU’s defense keeps West Virginia from getting on track, giving the Cougar offense plenty of chances to score.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars look flat after some disappointing early performances and the Mountaineers get things clicking. BYU gets gashed for multiple big plays and ends up with no response.

What will actually happen: LaVell Edwards Stadium is not an easy place to play, something West Virginia will discover as the Mountaineers make their first-ever trip to Provo. The visitors will have some nice moments but it won’t be enough as BYU will get its first win in the series.

Jared says: 39-25 BYU

Darnell says: 34-27 West Virginia

Brandon says: 21-17 BYU

ARIZONA

Oct. 11, Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz.

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Brett Brennan (2nd year)

2024: 4-8 overall

Players to Watch: Noah Fifita (Jr. QB), Genesis Smith (Jr. DB), Taye Brown (Jr. LB), Dalton Johnson (Sr. DB), Treydan Stukes (Sr. DB), Tre Smith (Sr. DE), Ismail Mahdi (Sr. RB)

Outlook: Everyone should expect the Wildcats to be hungry after enjoying success in 2023 but getting beat down in 2024. But whether Arizona has both the talent and cohesion to be a force in the Big 12 is still very much a question mark heading into 2025.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougar defensive front has a field day against a banged up and underperforming Arizona offensive line, stuffing holes in the run game and forcing Wildcat quarterback Noah Fifita to constantly be running for his life.

If BYU takes a step backwards: Arizona takes a page from their rivals, surging to big things like Arizona State did in 2024. This is just a blip on the radar for the resurgent Wildcats, who look comfortable and confident at home against a disappointing Cougar team.

What will actually happen: Arizona will be more consistent than it was in 2024, but depth will be an issue. The Wildcat crowd will be a factor and help its team stay close. In the end, though, BYU will make more plays down the stretch an win to keep the Cougars undefeated.

Jared says: 32-20 BYU

Darnell says: 38-21 BYU

Brandon says: 27-24 BYU

UTAH

Oct. 18, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Kyle Whittingham (21st year)

2024: 5-7 overall

Players to Watch:

Spencer Fano (Jr. OL), Smith Snowden (Jr. DB), Levani Damuni (Sr. LB), Lander Barton (Sr. LB), Devon Dampier (Jr. QB), Caleb Lomu (So. OL), Logan Fano (Jr. DE), Tanoa Togiai, (Sr. OL)

Outlook: Just who Utah is going to be in 2025 is something of a mystery. Many still see the team that won the Pac-12 in 2021 and 2022, not the team that is just 13-12 in the last two seasons. The Utes are expected to have a good offensive line and an excellent defense, but starting over with a new offensive coordinator adds a level of uncertainty.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars don’t need any last-minute heroics to win the rivalry game this time as BYU out-physicals a Utah team that is known for being physical. The LaVell Edwards Stadium crowd gets to savor a masterclass on both sides of the ball as the Cougars are just too good in the trenches.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars fail to do the things that have earned them wins over the Utes in the last two meetings, including not matching Utah’s intensity and failing to make big plays late.

What will actually happen: Both teams will have to rely on their depth by this point in the season, meaning the players on the field will look quite different than what was expected at the beginning of the year. Utah will have the necessary depth on defense to keep the game close, but the first-year Ute offense won’t quite be proficient enough.

Jared says: 20-16 BYU

Darnell says: 24-21 BYU

Brandon says: 24-20 Utah

IOWA STATE

Oct. 25, Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Matt Campbell (10th year)

2024: 11-3 overall

Players to Watch: Rocco Becht (Jr. QB), Jeremiah Cooper (Sr. DB), Domonique Orange (Sr. DL), Chase Sowell (Jr. WR), Jontez Williams (Jr. DB), Benjamin Brahmer (Jr. TE), Carson Hansen (Jr. RB)

Outlook: The Cyclones return 12 starters from a team that made the Big 12 Championship game last year, so there is a reason many see ISU as the team to beat in the conference this fall. Is this the year the Cyclones win their first outright league title?

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars rise to the occasion and put together one of their best games of the season on what may turn out to be the biggest stage. BYU’s special-teams success makes a big difference as the visitors take down the Cyclones.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars appear worn down and things get away from them early. The Cyclone offense is clicking and BYU is barely able to put up much resistance in a big loss.

What will actually happen: The timing of this contest will be the undoing of the Cougars and benefit Iowa State as the Cyclones will take advantage of BYU coming off an emotional high by beating Utah. Just as Kansas did in 2024, Iowa State will cause problems for the Cougar offense and make enough plays to get the victory.

Jared says: 27-20 Iowa State

Darnell says: 34-24 Iowa State

Brandon says: 27-17 Iowa State

TEXAS TECH

Nov. 8, Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach:  Joey McGuire (4th year)

2024: 8-5 overall

Players to Watch:

Behren Morton (Sr. QB), Jacob Rodriguez (Sr. LB), Howard Sampson (Jr. OT), Ben Roberts (Jr. LB), David Bailey (Sr. DE), Lee Hunter (Sr. DL), Will Jados (Sr. OT)

Outlook: Many pro teams over the years have attempted to “buy” championships by spending a lot of money, teams like the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Texas Tech heads into 2025 as arguably the premier college football equivalent, having had supporters spend bring to upgrade the program … but will it work?

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars come in riding high, playing elite team football. Texas Tech, on the other hand, has never gotten their collection of newcomers to gel. The results on the field make it clear which course was more effective this year as BYU cruises to an efficient win, despite being on the road.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars are too injured and struggle to put up much of a fight against a Red Raider squad loaded with talent. The home team puts BYU on its heels in the first half and pulls away late.

What will actually happen: The gauntlet of games against rivals and conference contenders takes its toll on the Cougars. BYU fights valiantly and gives the Red Raiders all they can handle, but Texas Tech surges down the stretch to get the victory.

Jared says: 33-27 Texas Tech

Darnell says: 38-34 BYU

Brandon says: 31-21 Texas Tech

TCU

Nov. 15, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Sonny Dykes (4th year)

2024: 9-4 overall

Players to Watch: Josh Hoover (Jr. QB), Namdi Obiazor (Sr. LB), Eric McAlister (Sr. WR), Bud Clark (Sr. S), Devean Deal (Sr. DE), Jamel Johnson (Jr. DB), Jordan Dwyer (Jr. WR)

Outlook: After an up-and-down start to the season in 2024, the Horned Frogs put things together down the stretch to end on the longest winning streak in the Big 12 (four games). Now TCU has to show that was a sign of things to come.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars welcome their old WAC and Mountain West foe to Provo by playing punishing, hard-nosed football. TCU has excellent talent and makes some big plays, but BYU controls the clock with its ground game to grind out a win.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars once again can’t figure out how to slow down the Horned Frogs (TCU has won the last five meetings by a combined 127 points, scoring at least 31 points in each game). BYU wilts under the pressure from the visitors.

What will actually happen: It’s tough to know for sure in such a crazy conference but don’t be surprised if this November matchup has implications for the Big 12 title game. Both teams will be fired up, led by solid defensive performances. The home crowd forces a critical Horned Frog penalty late as the Cougars hold on.

Jared says: 24-17 BYU

Darnell says: 28-21 BYU

Brandon says: 24-20 TCU

CINCINNATI

Nov. 22, Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Scott Satterfield (3rd year)

2024: 5-7 overall

Players to Watch: Dontay Corleone (Sr. DT), Brendan Sorsby (Jr. QB), Jake Golday (Sr. LB), Matthew McDoom (Sr. CB), Joe Royer (Sr. TE), Jonathan Thompson (Jr. LB), Tawee Walker (Sr. RB)

Outlook: The road to competing at the Power 4 level has had plenty of potholes for the Bearcats, although they can look to their big home win over Arizona State last year as an indication that anything is possible. Maybe this will be their turn to surprise everyone.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars have no trouble with a demoralized Cincinnati squad that can’t seem to get the breaks it needs to compete regularly with the top teams in the league. BYU’s veteran squad handles the trip to Ohio without any real problems.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars and Bearcats come in around .500 with their destinies already basically sealed. Cincinnati takes advantage of it being Senior Day to have one of its best showings of the season and BYU fails to meet the challenge.

What will actually happen: The Cougars will be in a better position than the Bearcats and make the most of their opportunities. BYU will go in front and although Cincinnati will make some good plays, the Cougars will be too much.

Jared says: 36-19 BYU

Darnell says: 38-10 BYU

Brandon says: 34-20 BYU

UCF

Nov. 29, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo

TBA

Opponent breakdown

Head coach: Scott Frost (1st year)

2024: 4-8 overall

Players to Watch: Carter Miller (Jr. C), Nyjalik Kelly (Sr. DE), Myles Montgomery (Sr. RB), Phillip Dunnam (Jr. DB), Chris Domercant (Sr. WR), Keli Lawson (Sr. LB), Isaiah Reed (Sr. DB)

Outlook: The Knights are another team looking to recapture historic success, turning the keys back over to Scott Frost in the hopes he can do what he did before. UCF has talented athletes but the travel and attrition has taken its toll, which is what Frost has to overcome.

Crystal Ball

If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars send their senior off in the right way, finishing with a balanced effort of running and passing against UCF. The defense also forces a couple of turnovers as BYU closes out the season with a good home win.

If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars have no answers for what happened during a tough year and the final game showcases the missteps, with poor execution and too many penalties. UCF isn’t perfect but the Knights are able to capitalize when BYU gives them chances.

What will actually happen: UCF won’t be able to overcome having to make a cross-country trip to play in the altitude and cold weather of Provo in late November. The Knights won’t be terrible in the first half but won’t be able to keep up with the Cougars for 60 minutes.

Jared says: 38-14 BYU

Darnell says: 41-21 BYU

Brandon says: 31-17 BYU