Brigham Young Cougars aim for first College Football Playoff berth
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:24 AM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026

The Brigham Young Cougars are positioned as one of the leading contenders for their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2026. After narrowly missing qualifying in 2020, 2024, and 2025, BYU has a strong roster, including standout sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and Big 12 Player of the Year running back LJ Martin. Their schedule includes significant matchups against Arizona State and Utah that could impact their playoff hopes. The Cougars are expected to need an 11-1 record to secure a bid in the playoff system.
- •BYU is a prominent football program with a national championship in 1980.
- •Head coach Kalani Sitake has 57 wins in the last six seasons.
- •The Cougars were close to playoff qualification in previous years.
- •Key games against Arizona State and Utah will shape their season.
- •The loss of wide receiver Parker Kingston may challenge their offense.
- 2:24 AMYahoo Sports — Brigham Young Floated as Top Contender to Reach First College Football Playoff
"The Brigham Young Cougars are one of the more prominent college football programs in the western half of the U.S.Brigham Young is in ownership of a national championship (1980), as well as boasting a Heisman Trophy victor in Ty Detmer.The Cougars have consistently been one of the better teams in college football in recent years. […] The post Brigham Young Floated as Top Contender to Reach First College Football Playoff appeared first on HEAVY.
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