BYU and Utah ranked in preseason AP top 25 for college football
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 4:24 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
BYU and Utah are both ranked in the preseason Associated Press top 25 for college football, with BYU at No. 14 and Utah at No. 21. This marks BYU's highest preseason ranking since 1985, reflecting their success last season where they finished 12-2. Utah, starting the year in the top 25 for the seventh time in eight seasons, ended 2025 ranked No. 14 after an 11-2 campaign. The rankings position both teams as contenders for the Big 12 title and potential College Football Playoff spots, as they begin their seasons amidst high expectations. The top five teams in this year's AP poll are Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas.
- •BYU ranked No. 14 in the AP poll with 839 points.
- •Utah ranked No. 21 with 304 points.
- •BYU finished last season ranked No. 11 after a Big 12 championship appearance.
- •Utah has been ranked in the preseason AP 7 of the last 8 seasons.
- •Texas Tech is the highest-ranked Big 12 team at No. 12.
- 4:24 PMYahoo Sports — Where did BYU and Utah land in the preseason Associated Press top 25 rankings?
"The Cougars and Utes are two of four Big 12 teams who will begin the year ranked.
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