Brigham Young University Poised for Historic College Football Playoff Berth
The Brigham Young Cougars have been a force in college football, especially out west. With a national title from 1980 and a Heisman winner in Ty Detmer, they’ve built quite a reputation.
Still, the College Football Playoff (CFP) has slipped through their fingers. Looking at 2026, there’s a growing sense that BYU might finally snag a CFP spot.
Let’s get into what could swing their season, from standout players to those nerve-wracking matchups.
The Legacy of Brigham Young Football
Brigham Young University’s football history is packed with highlights. Head coach Kalani Sitake has been steering the ship, racking up 57 wins in the last six years.
He’s now one of the Big 12’s most seasoned coaches. Despite that, the Cougars haven’t cracked the College Football Playoff yet.
They were close in 2020, 2024, and 2025, but key losses held them back.
Key Players to Watch
The 2026 roster has plenty to get excited about. Bear Bachmeier, a sophomore quarterback, just wrapped up a strong 2025 season.
How he plays will matter a ton. There’s also LJ Martin, last year’s Big 12 Player of the Year.
The Cougars are known for being fast, tough, and adaptable, and these two really show that off.
Challenges and Opportunities
BYU’s got a solid team, but this season won’t be easy. Five games on their schedule could decide everything.
One is a non-conference clash with Notre Dame. Sure, it doesn’t count for the Big 12, but it’s a major test.
The other four? Arizona State, Arizona, TCU, and Utah. Arizona State and Utah, in particular, have given BYU headaches before.
Crucial Matchups
Arizona State knocked BYU out of the conference title hunt in 2024 with a 28-23 win in Tempe. This time, BYU gets to host ASU, who look even sharper on offense.
Then there’s the rematch with Utah. BYU beat them in the 2025 Holy War, but now they’ll head to Salt Lake City.
That’s always a tough place to play, and with someone like Devon Dampier on the other side, it won’t be simple.
Off-Field Challenges
Off the field, BYU’s dealing with the loss of wide receiver Parker Kingston. He was dismissed and expelled after a serious incident.
Kingston put up over 900 yards last year, so that’s a big gap. How the team handles this is a huge question mark.
They’ve got some tall, skilled receivers waiting in the wings, but honestly, none have proven themselves yet.
Potential Breakout Players
This could be the moment for 6’5″ Jojo Phillips to shine. But there’s no guarantee he’ll step right in and replace Kingston’s production.
If they can’t find someone reliable for Bachmeier, the offense might sputter. The development of these receivers is something to keep an eye on all year.
The Path to the College Football Playoff
Even with all the hurdles, BYU’s in a pretty good spot. David Kenyon at Bleacher Report has them as one of six teams with a real shot at their first CFP in 2026.
Texas Tech is still the Big 12 favorite, and people expect the league to get just one playoff bid. But there’s a chance for BYU.
They’ll probably need to hit the Big 12 title game at 11-1 if they want to make the playoff. It’s a tall order, but with this roster and schedule? You never know.
Conclusion
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a wild ride for the Brigham Young Cougars. There’s a lot of buzz about their strong roster and the experience stacked on their coaching staff.
They’ve also lucked out with a pretty favorable schedule. Some fans are even whispering about the College Football Playoff—could this finally be their year?
Of course, it’s not all sunshine. A few critical matchups loom large, and off-field distractions might pop up when you least expect them.
Honestly, it’s tough to predict how the Cougars will handle everything coming their way. If you’re hungry for more details or want to keep tabs on updates, check out the original article here.
