BYU Caps Breakout Season with Gritty Comeback, Eyes Even Bigger Things in 2026
The BYU Cougars didn’t just win a bowl game on Saturday - they made a statement. Down 11 points entering the fourth quarter against a tough Georgia Tech squad, BYU dug in, rallied, and closed out a 25-21 victory that not only capped a 12-win season but also signaled that this program is officially on the rise.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a clean, easy win. The Cougars had every reason to fold.
Two promising drives died inside the Georgia Tech 5-yard line - one on downs, another on an interception. Add in a muffed kick that handed the Yellow Jackets a six-yard field to work with, and it looked like BYU’s season might end with frustration instead of celebration.
But then came the fourth quarter. And then came Bear Bachmeier.
The true freshman quarterback showed poise beyond his years, going 9-of-13 for 96 yards in the final frame and leading BYU to 15 unanswered points. His final stat line - 27-of-38 for 325 yards, one touchdown and one pick - only tells part of the story. It was the way he operated under pressure, the way he kept his eyes downfield, the way he delivered in the clutch - that’s what should have Cougar fans fired up about the future.
This was more than just a comeback win. It was a coming-of-age moment for a quarterback and a program.
And make no mistake, BYU is building something serious in Provo.
This 12-win campaign marks just the fifth time in program history the Cougars have hit that number - and the first since 2001. And they didn’t get there by beating up on cupcakes.
Their only two losses came at the hands of Big 12 champion Texas Tech - a team that finished the season ranked No. 4 in the country. Everyone else?
BYU took care of business.
Now, with head coach Kalani Sitake locked in on a new long-term extension, the foundation looks stable. Sitake’s presence not only provides continuity but also increases the odds that BYU’s young core sticks around instead of testing the waters in the transfer portal.
And there’s more help on the way.
According to 247Sports, BYU currently boasts the second-best 2026 recruiting class in the Big 12, trailing only Texas Tech. That’s a major step forward for a program that’s still relatively new to the Power Five scene. It’s not just about talent acquisition - it’s about sending a message: BYU belongs here, and they’re not going anywhere.
The Cougars were knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff this season. They didn’t get in, but they came close enough to taste it. With Bachmeier leading the charge and Sitake steering the ship, there’s every reason to believe that door could swing wide open in 2026.
BYU isn’t just a feel-good story anymore. They’re a legitimate threat in the Big 12 - and maybe beyond.