BYU sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier will have his work cut out against a Notre Dame defense that ranks at the top as a total unit.
The Irish currently rank third in scoring (11.0 a game) and rushing defense (58.3 per game), and 12th in passing defense (155.8 yards a game).
Bachmeier, the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, has managed to guide the US LBM Coaches Poll No. 8 Cougars to a 5-0 record so far. However, most of that has been done without reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year running back LJ Martin, who is out for a month with a lower-body injury.
In last Friday’s 24-10 win over Iowa State, Bachmeier was 22-of-30 on completions for 329 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, he ran for 109 yards on nine carries.
Through
five games, the sophomore has completed 66.4% of his passes for 1,033 yards, eight TDs and an interception with a 162.1 QB rating. He also has 239 yards rushing and four scores on 36 attempts.
Last year, Bachmeier had 3,033 passing yards, 15 TDs and seven picks. On the ground, he had 147 carries for 527 yards and 11 scores.
Bachmeier will start against Notre Dame for the first time in his career on Saturday.
BIG GAME BEAR pic.twitter.com/jjfnrQD9XQ
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 12, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame set to go up against BYU's Big 12 Freshman of the Year QB
