We are one week away from Week 1 of the 2026 college football season, and the BYU Cougars are gearing up for what could be a playoff-bound team.
BYU heads into the season at No. 14 in the AP preseason poll, the highest preseason ranking since the 1985 season, coming off their 1984 national championship.
These past three weeks, the Cougars have been putting in the work during fall camp, with several players proving their worth on the field.
Running back LJ Martin led the Big 12 in rushing yards last season and was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. After an incredible year statistically for Martin, he said he’s just focused on winning.
“We’re not really worried about stats or anything, we’re just really worried about wins,” Martin said. “Every time I touch the ball, the goal is a touchdown, so if I’m doing my part, we should win. I’ll [give] whatever I need.”
After losing Jay Hill to Michigan, defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga entered the mix as a former linebacker, which excited linebacker Isaiah Glasker.
“I definitely say he’s an intense guy, but I feel like you learn something new every day from him,” Glasker said. “And I feel like, especially as a linebacker, he was a linebacker, and I’m just excited for the season to come.”
But the one guy people can’t seem to stop talking about is Bear Bachmeier. The sophomore quarterback is returning for his second season as a Cougar, and he’s improved a lot during the offseason.
“He looks confident back there,” said offensive lineman Bodie Schoonover. “Last year he was good, but this year, like you said, he’s made strides; he’s improved a lot. It’s been really cool to watch him just feel so comfortable and command the offense the way he does.”
Last year, Bachmeier played very well in the mid-range, but ranked 107th in yards per attempt on deep throws. Both losses to Texas Tech last year showed weaknesses in the Cougars’ deep game.
But Bear’s decision-making and comfort in the pocket looked exponentially better this fall camp. He is stepping into his throws and throwing the long ball comfortably and accurately.
With a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth in sight, the BYU Cougars have a lot to prove this season.
“We have 12 guaranteed opportunities, and we can’t squander any of them,” said Head Coach Kalani Sitake. “That means we have to be ready to be at our best in game one.”
The Cougars kick off their season at home against Utah Tech on Sept. 5.