What's Happening?
The BYU Cougars are entering the 2026 college football season as underdogs in two significant matchups, according to early betting lines released by DraftKings sportsbook. The Cougars are set to face Notre Dame and Utah, with the former being a home game
that could feature two top 10 teams. Despite BYU's strong home record of 11-1 over the past two seasons, sportsbooks have set BYU as an 11.5-point underdog against Notre Dame, a line that has slightly shifted to 10.5 points. In their rivalry game against Utah, BYU is a three-point underdog, with the game scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City. Historically, BYU has won the last three games against Utah, and another victory would mark their longest winning streak over Utah since the late 1980s.
Why It's Important?
The underdog status of BYU in these matchups highlights the skepticism from sportsbooks despite BYU's recent successes. The outcomes of these games could significantly impact BYU's standing in the Big 12 and their potential to compete in the championship game. A win against Notre Dame would bolster BYU's national reputation, while a victory over Utah would extend their winning streak and solidify their dominance in the rivalry. These games are crucial for BYU's aspirations to maintain their competitive edge and prove the oddsmakers wrong, as they have in previous seasons.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, BYU will need to leverage their home advantage and past successes to overcome the odds. The team will focus on strategic preparations to counter the strengths of Notre Dame and Utah. The outcomes of these games will likely influence BYU's strategy for the rest of the season and their positioning for postseason opportunities. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if BYU can continue to defy expectations and secure key victories.
