The Crystal Ball: How will BYU football’s season play out in 2026?
-
- BYU football players sing the fight song with the fans following their 33-27 win at Arizona on Oct. 11, 2025.
-
- BYU sophomore wide receiver Keanu Hill catches a touchdown pass during the game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
-
- BYU’s Bear Bachmeier struggled passing, but ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s 33-27 win over Arizona
-
- Colorado State’s Chris Nwoke catches a pass as BYU’s Brian Logan defends during NCAA college football action in Fort Collins, Colo., Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010. BYU defeated Colorado State 49-10. (AP Photo, The Fort Collins Coloradoan)
-
- BYU safety Tanner Wall (28) moves in on TCU running back Jon Denman in a college football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025.
-
- BYU’s Anisi Purcell, right, sacks Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht in a Big 12 football at Ames, Iowa, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
-
- BYU defenders make a tackle during the game against Notre Dame at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
-
- BYU running back LJ Martin carries the ball against UCF in a Big 12 football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
-
- BYU junior Chase Roberts gets upended during the Big 12 game against Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
-
- BYU’s Bear Bachmeier leaps over Utah’s Jackson Bennee in a Big 12 football game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
-
- BYU defenders make a tackle during the Big 12 game against Baylor at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
-
- A BYU ball carrier gets tackled during the Big 12 game against Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
-
- BYU wide receiver Chase Roberts recovers an onside kick during the Big 12 game against Cincinnati at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Friday, Sept. 30, 2023.
Before the 2025 season, I noted that the BYU football team could feel a kinship with the comedian Rodney Dangerfield — since neither one got any respect.
The Cougars weren’t expected to do much in 2024 after struggling in the first year of Big 12 competition, then proceeded to tie for the Big 12 regular season title before finishing with an 11-2 record and ending up No. 13 in the final AP poll.
But the loss of key players and the transfer of quarterback Jake Retzlaff late in the process had many national prognosticators doubting BYU once again in 2025 — only to have the Cougars end up 12-2 and ranked No. 11 in the final AP poll.
As BYU now gears up for the 2026 season, the tables have turned quite a bit.
Now the Cougars are in a tie for the No. 14 spot in the AP preseason poll and selected by many as a Big 12 frontrunner. ESPN’s preseason Power Poll slots BYU at No. 6.
The Cougars face some questions coming into the season, like will they have enough receivers step up to be effective in the passing game and how will the defense handle not having former BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill calling the shots.
But perhaps the biggest question is simply this: How well will the Cougars handle have the target on their back?
In a very small way, I suppose I feel a little similar pressure as I prepare to make my predictions for the upcoming season.
After all, I ended up going 11-1 on my regular season picks in 2025, including having five games where my score prediction was within 10 total points and twice where I missed by only two total points.
While my Daily Herald colleagues Darnell Dickson and Brandon Gurney had solid showings with their scores as both went 8-4 (with Darnell nailing the exact BYU-UCF score), I was proud of doing so well.
But can I do it again?
I probably can’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 — with Darnell and Brandon joining me to predict what the scores will be in each of the 12 BYU regular-season games in 2026:
UTAH TECH
Sept. 5, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
6 p.m. MT, ESPN+
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Lance Anderson (3rd year)
2025: 2-10 overall (FCS)
Players to Watch: Bronson Barbon (Jr. QB), Deacon Hill (Sr. QB), Matthew Snarr (So. OL), Cade Draper (So. OL), Ace Chapman (Jr. RB), Daylen Love (So. LB), Will Alovao (Sr. LB), Fasitootai Sagapolu (Sr. DL), Brevin Czosnyka (Sr. DB)
Outlook: The Trailblazers have added 55 new transfers to the roster, looking for a bounce-back year. Utah Tech was closer to .500 than the final standings looked, going 1-3 in one-score games. The Trailblazer offense struggled down the stretch, only scoring more than 20 points twice it its final eight games. Utah Tech hope they’ve addressed those issues and can take a step in the right direction this fall.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The experienced Cougars again overwhelm a overmatched visiting team, ironing out a few early issues but never having any significant concerns. By the fourth quarter, the lead is so big that BYU clears the bench.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars look flat and sloppy, resulting in penalties, blown coverages and turnovers. 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 Utah Tech 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: 55-7 BYU
Darnell says: 52-15 BYU
Brandon says: 63-6 BYU
ARIZONA
Sept. 12, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
1:30 p.m. MT, FOX
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Brent Brennan (3rd year)
2025: 9-4 overall
Players to Watch: Noah Fifita (Sr. QB), Kedrick Reescano (Sr. RB), Matthew Lado (So. OL), Taye Brown (Sr. LB), Tre Spivey (Jr. WR), Chris Hunter III (Sr., WR), Cole Rusk (Sr. TE), Leroy Palu (Sr. DL), Chase Kennedy (Sr. LB)
Outlook: Arizona has had some phenomenal football seasons and some very difficult years as well, but this is a team that appears to be on the rise. 2025 was a very good year that could’ve been even better with a couple more bounces, and there is hope in Tucson that 2026 will be even better. Everyone knows this is a dangerous Wildcat squad.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars take to heart the lesson learned on the road at Arizona last year and don’t start slowly. BYU takes advantage of the Wildcat secondary that is still figuring things out, torching it for some big plays and in doing so opening up the run game. The Cougars are just too good at home for Arizona to get the upset.
If BYU takes a step backwards: Arizona QB Noah Fifita puts his experience and ability on display, slicing up the Cougar defense both on the ground and through the air. This time when the Wildcats get the lead, they silence the crowd in Provo and don’t allow BYU to make a rally.
What will actually happen: Both teams come in with a lot of veterans at key positions, so don’t expect a ton of mistakes. That will magnify the value of the ones that do occur and it will be a big takeaway in the fourth quarter that will make the difference. The Cougars will have a slim lead for much of the contest and close out the key victory down the stretch.
Jared says: 33-23 BYU
Darnell says: 31-21 BYU
Brandon says: 28-24 BYU
COLORADO STATE
Sept. 19, Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, Colo.
5:30 p.m. MT, CBS
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Jim Mora (1st year)
2025: 2-10 overall
Players to Watch: Hauss Hejny (So. QB), Juice Vereen (Jr. TE), Durell Robinson (Jr, RB), Mukendi Wa-Kalonji (Gr. DL), Oumar Diomande (Jr. LB), Kali Nguma (Jr. K), Philip Ocon (So. OL), Quinton Harris (Sr. OL), Tommy Maher (Jr. WR), Jace Bellah (Sr. DB)
Outlook: The Rams had some good things going heading into 2025, but things fell apart and the result was a lot of changes. Jim Mora comes in after having success at UConn, so its no surprise that there are a lot of former Huskies on the CSU roster. It’s a new era in a new league (the re-formed Pac-12) with a lot of new faces in Fort Collins.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars are too disciplined and execute too well for the Rams to keep pace, churning out first downs and long scoring drives. BYU wears down the home team and capitalizes on any miscues as the Cougars get a blowout win.
If BYU takes a step backwards: Colorado State boasts a big, tough defensive line and that proves to be difficult for the Cougars to overcome. LJ Martin finds little running room and BYU’s lack of dynamic production on the outside proves to be costly.
What will actually happen: The Rams would love to send a message that the Pac-12 will be a force to be reckoned with by knocking off one of the Big 12 favorites and will come out fired up — but it won’t be enough. The Cougar defense will put the clamps down on the CSU offense and BYU will get enough offense to get the comfortable win.
Jared says: 27-6 BYU
Darnell says: 38-17 BYU
Brandon says: 31-14 BYU
TCU
Oct. 3, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Sonny Dykes (5th year)
2025: 9-4 overall
Players to Watch: Jaden Craig (Sr. QB), Jordan Dwyer (Sr. WR), Ben Tayler-Whitfield (Sr. OL), Vernon Glover Jr. (Sr. DB), Gil Jackson Jr. (So. DB), Jeremy Payne (Jr. RB), Jamel Johnson (Sr. DB), Ansel Din-Mbuh (Sr. DL), Max Carroll (Sr. LB)
Outlook: TCU continues to be one of the top teams in the Big 12, winning nine games in back-to-back seasons. Still, there is a sense that the Horned Frogs are capable of more. Losses in 2025 came from too many turnovers and allowing too many rushing yards, so TCU looks like it will go to more of a ground attack to respond. Now the question is whether it will work.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars show that their big win in 2025 (arguably BYU’s most impressive overall performance) was no fluke. The visitors control the line of scrimmage despite the Horned Frog size and speed, and Cougar RB LJ Martin has a big day.
If BYU takes a step backwards: It’s another rough day in Texas for the Cougars, who have only defeated TCU once in Texas in six tries this century. The Horned Frog defense smothers the BYU attack and the Cougars again have costly miscues in a road loss.
What will actually happen: This game should be a battle between a pair of dangerous teams. Both sides will look to grind out first downs and then strike when big plays open up. Each side will have success at times and neither will build a big lead. It will come down to which team can make the key plays down the stretch and the will be where Cougar QB Bear Bachmaier will be the difference.
Jared says: 22-19 BYU
Darnell says: 28-24 TCU
Brandon says: 35-31 BYU
IOWA STATE
Oct. 9, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
8:15 p.m. MT, ESPN
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Jimmy Rogers (1st year)
2025: 8-4 overall
Players to Watch: Isaac Terrell (Sr. DL), Micah Harper (Sr. DB), Max Baloun (Sr. DL), Jaylen Raynor (Sr. QB), Cody Jackson (Sr. WR), Jake Taylor (Jr. OL), Caden Maas (Jr. OL), Carson Willich (Sr. LB)
Outlook: It’s a new era in Ames, Iowa, as head coach Matt Campbell headed off to Penn State and took many of the best Cyclone players from 2025 with him. Now Jimmy Rogers, who was successful at South Dakota State, will look to get things going with his own style and personnel. With so many unknowns, ISU could be a wildcard in the Big 12 that could surprise just about anyone.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars take advantage of the Cyclones having to travel across the country and play late at night, forcing an early turnover to move in front. BYU’s defense keeps Iowa State 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 Cyclones get things clicking. BYU gets gashed for multiple big plays and ends up with no response.
What will actually happen: Iowa State will be getting some things going in the right direction by early October, but it won’t be enough to upset the Cougars in Provo. BYU will keep the Cyclone offense bottled up and get some negative plays, allowing the home team to cruise to victory down the stretch.
Jared says: 37-15 BYU
Darnell says: 41-17 BYU
Brandon says: 42-10 BYU
NOTRE DAME
Oct. 17, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Marcus Freeman (6th year)
2025: 10-2 overall
Players to Watch: Jordan Faison (Sr. WR), Boubacar Traore (Sr. DL), CJ Carr (Jr. QB), Aneyas Williams (Jr. RB), Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (Jr. LB), Drayk Bowen (Sr. LB), Jaylen Sneed (Sr. LB), Leonard Moore (Jr. DB), Anthonie Knapp (Jr. OL), Guerby Lambert (Jr. OL), Cooper Flanagan (Sr. TE)
Outlook: Just about everyone has Notre Dame as a national title contender in 2026 and for good reason. The Fighting Irish suffered two early losses and then didn’t face any elite foes the rest of the way, putting them on the outside looking in. This year Notre Dame has made it clear that it plans to leave no doubt that it deserves to be in the College Football Playoffs.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars are ready for one of the biggest showdowns in Provo in years, matching the Fighting Irish talent with high-level energy and execution. BYU proves to be the better team in the trenches and that paves the way for the Cougars to get the season-defining win.
If BYU takes a step backwards: Notre Dame comes in riding high and doesn’t slow down, despite all the Cougars can do. The Fighting Irish force BYU turnovers and miscues, silencing the crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium as the visitors roll to a big win.
What will actually happen: This will be a clash of Top 10-ranked titans that will live up to the hype. Both defenses will make things difficult on the offenses to make a lot of plays, keeping the scoring low and the excitement at a fever pitch. Notre Dame will lead by one score in the final minutes, but the Cougars will rally and give themselves a chance. In the end, though, the Fighting Irish will make the final big play.
Jared says: 24-20 Notre Dame
Darnell says: 24-17 BYU
Brandon says: 27-21 Notre Dame
UCF
Oct. 24, Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando, Florida
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Scott Frost (2nd year)
2025: 5-7 overall
Players to Watch: Preston Cushman (Sr. OL), Alonza Barnett III (Sr. QB), Duane Thomas Jr. (Sr. WR), Waden Charles (So. WR), Demari Henderson (Sr, DB), Jayden Bellamy (Sr. DB), Antoine Jackson (Sr, DB), RJ Jackson Jr. (Sr, DL), Lewis Carter (Sr. LB)
Outlook: Everyone keeps waiting to see if UCF can make the leap from being potentially a threat in the Big 12 to actually being a threat in the Big 12. The Knights have talent and benefit from being in the hotbed recruiting area of Florida, but haven’t been able to generate consistent success. Scott Frost is looking to change that in Year No. 2.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars ride the wave of momentum from a few big early season wins and come in confident and prepared. The BYU offensive line is just too good, despite UCF’s athleticism, and the Cougar run game gashes the Knights for long drives and lots of points.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars face a resurgent Knights squad and simply aren’t able to keep up with the home team. BYU has too many penalties and a special teams miscue is costly as UCF makes all the key plays.
What will actually happen: This is going to be a very dangerous game for the Cougars, who have to make the long trip after the intensity of the Notre Dame game the week before. It won’t always be pretty for BYU, who will allow UCF to keep things close for much of the contest. But the veteran leadership for the Cougars steps up in the fourth quarter and closes out the victory.
Jared says: 33-24 BYU
Darnell says: 34-20 BYU
Brandon says: 27-24 BYU
ARIZONA STATE
Oct. 31, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Kenny Dillingham (4th year)
2025: 8-5 overall
Players to Watch: Cutter Boley (So. QB), Reed Harris (Sr. WR), Omarion Miller (Sr, WR), David Avitt (Jr. RB), CJ Fite (Sr. DL), Zac Swanson (Sr. DL), Jalen Thompson (Sr. DL), Ashton Stamps (Sr. DB), Owen Long (Jr. LB)
Outlook: Injuries and departures took their toll on the Sun Devils after their monster campaign in 2024, resulting in a good-but-not-great year in 2025. ASU fans are hoping last season was the blip on the radar, not the Big 12 title run, but its difficult to know for sure until the Sun Devils show who they are on the field.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars welcome Arizona State to Provo but don’t treat them very nicely on the field. BYU’s pass rush is relentless, forcing whoever is playing QB for the Sun Devils to run for his life and make bad passes. One of them turns into a Cougar pick-6 as part of a BYU blitz.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars are banged up and having a tough time finding answers. Arizona State has gelled together and BYU simply fails to match the Sun Devil energy. It’s another disappointing showing for the home team.
What will actually happen: A Halloween battle in Provo should be a great atmosphere, but it will be the home team that does most of the partying. Arizona State will fall behind but be just close enough to be dangerous. It just won’t have the firepower, though, to rally and BYU gets another solid victory.
Jared says: 29-17 BYU
Darnell says: 40-28 BYU
Brandon says: 35-20 BYU
UTAH
Nov. 7, Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Morgan Scalley (1st year)
2025: 11-2 overall
Players to Watch: Devon Dampier (Sr. QB), Wayshawn Parker (Jr. RB), Nate Ritchie (Sr. DB), Hunter Andrews (Jr. TE), Byrd Ficklin (So. QB), Zereoue Williams (Sr. OL), Kelvin Obot (Fr. OL), Johnathan Hall (Sr. LB), Karson Kaufusi (So. DL)
Outlook: It’s been a long time since there was a new head coach in Salt Lake City but that’s the case heading into the 2026 season. Morgan Scalley may have been tabbed to take the job for awhile, but he comes in having lost a significant amount of talent who left with Kyle Whittingham to go to Michigan. Now the Utes will get their first glimpse of the future.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars continue their recent string of successes against their rivals, overcoming the hostile crowd and a good opponent along the way. The BYU fans who show up at Rice-Eccles Stadium get to have the most to cheer about as the Ute faithful are disappointed again.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars run out of answers as Utah quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin carve up the over-pursuing BYU defense, resulting in big chunks of yardage and points.
What will actually happen: Despite the changes in coaches and coordinators at both schools, this game will follow the same pattern that has become so familiar over the last three decades. Both teams will make good plays and have mistakes, with the defenses setting the tone. It will again be close down the stretch, but BYU will be deeper and more seasoned which will turn the outcome in favor of the Cougars.
Jared says: 25-22 BYU
Darnell says: 24-20 Utah
Brandon says: 31-17 BYU
BAYLOR
Nov. 14, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Dave Aranda (7th year)
2025: 5-7 overall
Players to Watch: DJ Lagway (Jr. QB), Gavin Freeman (Sr. WR), Hosea Wheeler (Sr. DL), Taz Williams Jr. (So. WR), Dawson Pendergrass (Sr. RB), Kyland Reed (Jr. LB), Bo Onu (So. DB), Tony Livingston (Sr. TE)
Outlook: The Bears just can’t seem to get things working consistently in recent years, always having dangerous teams but enduing three losing seasons in the last four. Head coach Dave Aranda has what many see as being one more chance to get things on track in Waco, but it will come down to whether the players gel together and pile up wins.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars are steamrolling through the season and Baylor is just another bump in the road. The BYU offense starts with a couple of big plays to set the tone and the Bears never threaten.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars find themselves struggling to get their bearings after some poor showings, with mistakes on both sides of the ball taking a toll. Baylor brings enough athleticism and success to Provo to keep BYU down.
What will actually happen: Baylor will be a better team than it was in 2025 and will pull off an upset or two — but this won’t be one of them. BYU won’t be overlooking the Bears and will play solid, consistent football. That will be enough to get the job done at home with a workmanlike victory.
Jared says: 30-16 BYU
Darnell says: 41-18 BYU
Brandon says: 34-17 BYU
KANSAS
Nov. 21, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Lance Leipold (6th year)
2025: 5-7 overall
Players to Watch: Trey Lathan (Sr. LB), Cole Ballard (Jr. QB), Dylan Edwards (Jr. RB), Cam Pickett (Sr. WR), Calvin Clements (Jr. OL), Amir Herring (Jr. OL), Leroy Harris III (Jr. DL), Bam Crouch (Sr. LB), Taylor Davis (Jr. DB)
Outlook: Will Kansas once again be a surprise force in college football … or will it be the Kansas that has been a punching bag for so many years? While history isn’t on the side of the Jayhawks, there is enough talent in Lawrence to make fans forget basketball for a little while if things click for 2026.
Crystal Ball
If BYU is an elite team: The Cougars don’t forget that their last two games against Kansas didn’t go as planned, including the loss that kept BYU out of the College Football Playoff in 2024. The Cougars come out fired up and show that this time BYU will get the job done.
If BYU takes a step backwards: As crazy as it sounds, the Cougars have never defeated Kansas, going 0-3 all time. That trend continues when a injury-riddled BYU team sleepwalks through a poor road performance.
What will actually happen: Most people are overlooking the Jayhawks heading into 2026 but there is always a Big 12 that comes on strong. Kansas will be a tough challenge for the Cougars as weather plays a factor in the November battle on the plains, but BYU will find an answer when it needs one.
Jared says: 33-26 BYU
Darnell says: 34-14 BYU
Brandon says: 41-17 BYU
CINCINNATI
Nov. 28, LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo
TBA
Opponent breakdown
Head coach: Scott Satterfield (4th year)
2025: 7-6 overall
Players to Watch: JC French IV (Sr. QB), Taran Tyo (Sr. OL), JV Gibson (Sr. WR), Simeon Coleman (Jr. LB), Antwan Peek Jr. (Sr. LB), Kenny Worthy (Jr. CB), Cole Tabb (Jr. RB), Cade Wolford (Jr. WR)
Outlook: Cincinnati played well against weaker competition in 2026, then struggled against its better opponents. To be able to challenge in the Big 12, the Bearcats have to be able to elevate their game when facing top competition — but that is easier said than done.
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 closes out the season with a big home victory to send off its seniors in style.
If BYU takes a step backwards: The Cougars just go through the motions to end a disappointing season and the Bearcats come in with something to play for, resulting in a game that could easily get away from BYU.
What will actually happen: The Cougars may have the Big 12 championship and another shot at the College Football Playoff on their mind, but Kalani Sitake and the BYU seniors won’t let them lose focus. LJ Martin has a big day and the Cougars end the season with one more win at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Jared says: 42-22 BYU
Darnell says: 37-24 BYU
Brandon says: 38-20 BYU
