4 things to watch: BYU football during the 2026 season

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The BYU Cougars have hit the first game week of the 2026 football season. They face a September 5 matchup against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium to open the most anticipated season in recent memory.

Here are four things to watch for BYU going into the 2026 college football season.

Bear Bachmeier's encore in Provo

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier had an impressive freshman season. There were no days off during the offseason, which included being a camp counselor at the Manning Passing Academy. He has spent most of the fall camp looking crisp and has much improved after the team to a win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. He set fire to BYU's record books with 3,033 yards and 26 total touchdowns during a 12-2 season. What's on the horizon for Bachmeier?

LJ Martin is chasing Jamaal Williams for BYU history

BYU running back LJ Martin returns as a key part of the Cougars offense. His first 1,000-yard season was proof of what he's capable of putting together. Martin earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors with 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. If he adds another 1,361 rushing yards to his total in 2026, he'll pass Jamaal Williams as BYU’s all-time leading rusher. Martin is the insurance policy for Bachmeier, who are one of the strongest rushing duos in the nation. If he has a breakout year, Martin could be on track for several postseason awards.

BYU in the College Football Playoff for the first time?

The hype over the midst of the offseason has been sky-high. Could BYU be on the verge of a first-ever College Football Playoff appearance? After falling short each of the past two seasons, Kalani Sitake and his staff are looking to take a step forward in the postseason race. The Cougars are overdue to be back on the national scene. If everything plays out how many are projecting, this could be one of the best seasons in BYU history. A win over Notre Dame would put the Cougars on the map nationally as well.

Kelly Poppinga as new defensive coordinator

BYU had to replace Jay Hill at defensive coordinator and brought in Poppinga as the next man up. Hill joined Kyle Whittingham’s staff at Michigan, which could either make or break his coaching career. For Poppinga, he takes over at the right time with the Cougars' defense looking to make a statement. He previously had been the team’s special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach. We'll see what his scheme looks like in 2026.