BYU’s Bear Bachmeier Earns Freshman All-American Honors After Breakout Season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In a year loaded with standout true freshmen across college football, BYU’s Bear Bachmeier didn’t just hold his own-he led from the front. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound quarterback out of Murrieta, California, has been named to the 247Sports True Freshman All-American Team, a well-earned recognition after a season that saw him elevate BYU into College Football Playoff discussions deep into championship weekend.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a case of a young player flashing potential. Bachmeier produced, week after week, and did it while shouldering the pressure of being a co-captain and the face of a BYU team that finished 11-2 and earned a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. That’s not just impressive-it’s rare.
Numbers That Tell the Story
Statistically, Bachmeier stacked up with the best of the freshman class. He finished third among true freshmen in passing yards, completing 224 of 349 passes-good for a 64.2% completion rate-for 2,708 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He kept mistakes to a minimum, throwing just six interceptions on the year, and posted a quarterback efficiency rating of 139.2. That kind of poise and production would be solid for a veteran quarterback, let alone a first-year starter.
But it wasn’t just his arm that made him dangerous. Bachmeier brought real dual-threat ability to the Cougars’ offense, finishing second on the team in rushing with 146 carries for 527 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to extend plays, pick up key first downs, and finish drives with his legs gave BYU a dynamic edge in tight games.
Weekly Honors and Season Accolades
Bachmeier didn’t just put up numbers-he collected hardware along the way. He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week an eye-popping seven times over the course of the 12-week regular season.
That kind of consistency is hard to ignore, and the conference took notice, awarding him Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. He also earned Big 12 Honorable Mention, a nod to the impact he made not just among freshmen, but across the entire league.
Nationally, his name began circulating in some of college football’s most prestigious conversations. In mid-November, the Davey O’Brien Foundation named him one of 20 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien Award, which honors the nation’s top quarterback. He also landed on the Foundation’s “Great 8” list twice during the season, a weekly recognition reserved for the country’s top QB performances.
What’s Next: Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Georgia Tech
Bachmeier’s season isn’t done just yet. BYU accepted an invitation to face No.
22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, set for Saturday, Dec. 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
ET on ABC.
It’s another big stage for Bachmeier to showcase what’s made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country. And if his freshman campaign is any indication, BYU fans-and college football at large-should be paying close attention. This might just be the beginning.