This time last year, we were just learning about incoming freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. He had transferred from Stanford after spring ball in 2025, having only been with the program for two months leading into fall camp. Over the coming weeks of practice leading up to their opening game against Portland State, more and more buzz generated regarding No. 47.
As we know, Bear Bachmeier eventually (and rather emphatically) won the starting job out of camp. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick almost
seemed to have to restrain himself from praising the true freshman too much. He was giddy. The biggest compliment Roderick gave him was his grasp of the playbook, even while only starting on it a few months before. Certainly, he started at a massive disadvantage from his competitors McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet, who both had significant time in BYU’s system before Bachmeier’s arrival.
Still, Bachmeier won the job. And played marvelously in 2025, not even just for a freshman, but in general. He was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference. He guided BYU to its fifth ever 12-win season. He earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. Finishing fourth in passing yards in the Big 12, he added 11 rushing touchdowns, which were more than all but two players in the entire Big 12, regardless of position. Along with putting up admirable stats, Bachmeier showed wisdom, leadership, and maturity beyond his years, winning teammates and fans over with his demeanor and even musical hobbies off the field.
As the great play-by-play voice Jason Benetti put it last year against Utah, “there is a Bear on the loose in Provo” once again in 2026. Even still, there are a few things Bachmeier can do to take his game to an even greater level in year two.
Deep Passing
On passing attempts of at least 20 yards, Bachmeier completed 30.2% of of them last year. Among 76 qualified power conference quarterbacks last year, that ranked 61st. Plus, he had the third-most turnover-worthy throws when targeting at least 20 yards downfield of any of those signal callers. While Bachmeier was excellent in the short and intermediate passing depths, at times he lacked in getting the ball downfield. He completed 13 such attempts last year, which was tied for 11th in the Big 12. For context, the leader was Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson, with 30.
Part of that was scheme, of course. Roderick did not want to fully expose his true freshman quarterback to possible turnovers or big hits from pass rushers when waiting for receivers to get downfield. That part can evolve this year, as Bachmeier has earned more trust. This can naturally progress as Bachmeier grows and becomes more comfortable. Clearly, Bachmeier has a cannon arm for it. Look for the Cougars to be more aggressive downfield, especially with a huge receiver in the 6-foot-6 Kyler Kasper in the fold now.
Protecting Himself When Running
Among all Power Four conference quarterbacks, only five had more rushing attempts than Bachmeier. He had the seventh-most missed tackles forced among quarterbacks when running as well. That can take a toll. We saw it down the stretch last season when he played the Pop-Tarts Bowl hobbled after getting injured in the Big 12 Championship Game. Even with Bachmeier’s stout frame, that will wear him down over time.
Bachmeier is an excellent runner. His physicality as a runner sets him apart from many other high-level quarterbacks. That’s an advantage BYU can use against opposing defenses. However, Roderick and company need to be smarter about how they deploy Bachmeier in the run game. Perhaps he gets out of bounds or slides more often this season to protect himself. He can still pick certain spots where he needs to be physical and lower his shoulder pads. BYU needs Bachmeier to be healthy, plain and simple. There needs to be a bit more of a balance and moderation to his run game in 2026.
