It’s the day after the National Championship, which means “way-too-early” top 25 preseason rankings are out. The rankings at this point are mostly meaningless, but it’s some fun early fodder to look ahead
to the 2026 season.
BYU is well represented by the major outlets. Below is where they rank BYU and their excerpts about the Cougars.
ESPN: BYU #11
“The Cougars won 11 games or more for the second straight season, and their biggest victory might have been locking up coach Kalani Sitake, who turned down Penn State to remain at his alma mater. The Cougars have a good core of star players — quarterback Bear Bachmeier and tailback LJ Martin lead the way on offense. BYU signed a trio of experienced transfers to shore up its offensive line, and they’ll help open holes for Martin, who led the Big 12 with 1,305 rushing yards in 2025. Two of the top three receivers must be replaced. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill and cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford left to join Kyle Whittingham’s staff at Michigan. Sitake promoted special teams coordinator/defensive ends coach Kelly Poppinga to lead the defense; Boise State’s Demario Warren was hired as cornerbacks coach.”
The Athletic: BYU #8
“BYU, 23-4 the past two seasons, will be loaded with returning production. Martin was Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and Bachmeier was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. The defense must replace two first team all-conference standouts, sack leader Jack Kelly and S Tanner Wall, but it got a huge addition in Uluave, who led Cal with 100 tackles. And Kalani Sitake just signed a top-25 recruiting class.”
CBS Sports: BYU #12
“The Cougars should be Texas Tech’s primary challengers (again) in the Big 12. The roster is among the most seasoned in the country, and with QB Bear Bachmeier and RB LJ Martin returning, the offense — and the ability to rally from late-game deficits last season — will certainly help next season on the road.”
Yahoo Sports: BYU #15
“The Cougars lost defensive coordinator Jay Hill after Whittingham hired him at Michigan and replaced Hill with longtime assistant Kelly Poppinga. QB Bear Bachmeier should be even better in 2026 and getting leading rusher LJ Martin back for his senior year is a big boost.”
FOX Sports: BYU #10
“After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2025 with true freshman Bear Bachmeier at quarterback, the Cougars should feel they are only a few plays away from making their first playoff appearance.”
Pro Football Focus: BYU #10
“BYU is coming off its best two-year stretch in 40 years, finishing with a 23-4 record since 2024. The Cougars have a chance to crash the College Football Playoff for the first time next season.
Bear Bachmeier is back at quarterback following an impressive 78.5 PFF grade as a true freshman. LJ Martin is one of the best returning running backs in America after running for 1,299 yards this past season (sixth in the Power Four). The defense returns plenty of key pieces like cornerback Evan Johnson and safety Faletau Satuala.”
On3: BYU #13
“Quarterback Bear Bachmeier had the Cougars at 12-2 as a true freshman, and it’s hard not be optimistic about his development heading into 2026. Despite multiple overtures from Penn State, head coach Kalani Sitake is back in Provo, locked into a new deal. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill has left, however, joining Kyle Whittingham at Michigan. He’ll be replaced by Kelly Poppinga, a promotion from defensive ends coach. With Sitake returning his star quarterback and leading rusher, the Cougars will contend for a Big 12 title.”
Sports Illustrated: BYU #9
“Kalani Sitake’s team has come close to the CFP two years in a row. Can they break through the top 12 with a group of veterans in 2026? QB Bear Bachmeier has a chance to significantly improve as a passer going into his sophomore season, and the return of tailback LJ Martin is a huge boost to the continuity of a group that loses only a handful of starters. The schedule sees Arizona State and Notre Dame come to Utah and could point them back toward another Big 12 championship game appearance.”
