BYU football has absolutely blown up over the past two seasons, clocking a ridiculous 23-4 record. That's their best back-to-back stretch since 1984-85, when the Cougars grabbed a national championship! The big difference now? Kalani Sitake's crew is doing it in the Big 12, consistently on national TV with a wild 16-4 conference record. BYU is already projected to be right there contending for the Big 12 title again this fall.
Early Dominance and Clutch Moments in 2024
Let's start with the September 21, 2024, beatdown of No. 13 Kansas State. BYU went off, hitting the Wildcats with a 31-point unanswered explosion during the late second and early third quarters. They stunned K-State 38-9 in Provo and immediately jumped into the AP Top 25 at No. 22. That's how you make a statement! Then came the absolute thriller on November 9, 2024, against Utah. Will Ferrin kicked a clutch 44-yard field goal with just three seconds left to give No. 9 BYU a wild 22-21 win in Salt Lake City. That game-winning drive was an 11-play, 65-yard march, extended by a defensive holding call on Utah. And who can forget the Alamo Bowl on December 26, 2024? LJ Martin went for 93 yards and two scores, and BYU's defense just shut down Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and Heisman winner Travis Hunter. The hype meant a record 8 million people watched No. 17 BYU roll 36-14 on ABC. Not a Big 12 game, but a huge moment to show the country what was up.The Unbeaten Streak and Pure Grit in 2025
The 2025 season brought the heat. The October 11, 2025, game against Arizona was pure drama: BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier ran for a two-yard touchdown with only 19 seconds left to force overtime in Tucson. Then, in the second OT, Bachmeier was at it again with a seven-yard TD run that sealed the 33-27 win after No. 18 BYU's defense clamped down, keeping them undefeated at 6-0. Just a week later, on October 18, No. 15 BYU took down No. 23 Utah again, 24-21 in Provo. Martin piled up 122 rushing yards, and Bachmeier bulldozed 22 yards for a late touchdown in the fourth that sealed their third straight win against the Utes. Then came the comeback against Iowa State on October 25, 2025. Down 24-10, No. 11 BYU rallied back to stun the Cyclones 41-27. Junior receiver Parker Kingston went off for seven catches, 133 yards, and two touchdowns. Sophomore safety Faletau Satuala iced it with a 40-yard Pick-Six in the fourth quarter, pushing the 8-0 Cougars into the top 10. Even when Bachmeier was slowed by an ankle and Martin was out after shoulder surgery, No. 12 BYU showed up against No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, winning 25-21. It wasn't a Big 12 game, but it showed the nation that even undermanned, these Cougars were legit against top-25 ACC talent. This team has clearly built something special, and with that kind of momentum, it's no wonder BYU is expected to be right in the thick of the Big 12 title hunt this fall.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.