BYU Cougars is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +16.0. BYU Cougars enters the season with a power rating of +16.0, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The BYU Cougars host Utah Tech next in Week 1. In 2025, BYU Cougars went 11-2 overall, 9-4 against the spread, and 6-7 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the BYU Cougars Power Rating of +16.0 is 15.8 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. BYU Cougars have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 8,228 miles, ranking 54th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Utah Tech | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Arizona | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 3 | Colorado State | 347 mi | 694 mi |
| Week 4 | — | Bye | |
| Week 5 | TCU | 949 mi | 2,591 mi |
| Week 6 | Iowa State | Home | 2,591 mi |
| Week 7 | Notre Dame | Home | 2,591 mi |
| Week 8 | UCF | 1,903 mi | 6,398 mi |
| Week 9 | Arizona State | Home | 6,398 mi |
| Week 10 | Utah | 36 mi | 6,470 mi |
| Week 11 | Baylor | Home | 6,470 mi |
| Week 12 | Kansas | 879 mi | 8,228 mi |
| Week 13 | Cincinnati | Home | 8,228 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
BYU enters 2026 with sky-high expectations after back-to-back 11-plus win seasons and a Big 12 Championship Game appearance in 2025. The Cougars return the core of that success: quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who started all 14 games as a freshman and completed 65% of his passes for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns, and running back LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year who rushed for 1,305 yards. This experienced offensive duo gives BYU one of the most potent backfields in the conference.
The departure of defensive coordinator Jay Hill to Michigan creates a significant challenge. Kelly Poppinga, previously the special teams coordinator, takes over a unit that allowed just 332.4 yards and 19.1 points per game in 2025. Key returnees like Utah transfer defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave, and safety Faletau Satuala provide a strong foundation, but the secondary faces question marks after the loss of defensive passing game coach Jernaro Gilford. How quickly Poppinga's defense gels will be critical.
BYU must replace its entire kicking battery from 2025. Senior kicker Matthias Dunn steps into the starting role after years in the program, while freshman Fuller Shurtz takes over punting duties after a positive spring camp. The Cougars also lost long-snapper Garrison Grimes. Special teams consistency will be a key factor in close games, especially given the high stakes of the season.
An opposing Big 12 assistant coach described BYU as the most physical team in the conference, noting they look totally different at the line of scrimmage than any other Big 12 team. This physicality, driven by a veteran offensive line and disruptive defensive front led by Tanuvasa, is the foundation of BYU's identity. It allows the Cougars to control the tempo on offense and pressure opposing quarterbacks on defense.
With a proven quarterback, a star running back, and a physical defense, BYU has the ingredients to compete for another Big 12 Championship. The Cougars will no longer surprise anyone, but their experience and talent make them a legitimate contender. The key will be how quickly the new defensive coordinator and special teams units settle in, and whether the team can handle the weight of heightened expectations throughout a grueling conference schedule.
BYU Cougars is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
BYU Cougars holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +16.0, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
BYU Cougars's home field advantage rating is 2.8 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
BYU Cougars travels 8,228 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 54th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
BYU Cougars: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +16.0.
