BYU Cougars Football

2025: Championship Game Runner-Up

2025 Record: 11-2 (8-1 Big 12) | AP Ranking: #11 | Bowl: Alamo Bowl vs. LSU

BYU is legitimately good. Like, really good. And I say that as someone whose team just beat them by 27 in the championship game. — Jake

They’re the best program in the Big 12 that nobody outside the conference respects. It’s weird. — Mike

Quick Facts

Traditions: No alcohol at home games (honor code), the Cougar fight song, LaVell Edwards Stadium gets genuinely loud, enormous national fan base due to LDS church connection. They travel better than anyone in the conference — and I mean anyone. — Mike

Mike & Jake’s Take

🛋️ Mike’s Take (Oklahoma State Fan)

Here’s the thing about BYU — they’re always better than you think they’re going to be.

I went into this season expecting them to take a step back. Lost some pieces from last year, new quarterback trying to establish himself, tough early schedule. Made sense to be skeptical.

And then they just… kept winning.

The defense is elite. Top three in the Big 12 in every meaningful category. They don’t give up big plays, they tackle well, and they create turnovers at a ridiculous rate. Watching their secondary is a masterclass in fundamentals.

Jake Retzlaff developed into a legitimate quarterback. Not flashy, but efficient. Doesn’t turn it over, makes the throws he needs to make, manages the game well. The offense isn’t going to wow you, but it doesn’t need to — the defense keeps them in every game.

The championship game was rough. Tech’s front seven dominated, and BYU couldn’t adjust. But 11-2 is a great season by any measure. They’ll be in the preseason top 15 next year. Check our current standings to see how they stack up.

Confidence Level: This program is built to sustain success

🍺 Jake’s Take (Texas Tech Fan)

Okay so I should probably be respectful here since we just played them in the biggest game either program has had in years.

BYU is good. Really good. The championship game wasn’t close, but that was more about Tech playing our best game than BYU being bad. On a different day, different conditions, maybe that game is tight.

What I respect about BYU: they play hard every single snap. No quit. Even when we were up 27-7 in the fourth quarter, they were still competing. That’s culture. That’s coaching.

What I don’t respect: nothing. They’re a good team. I just happen to support a better one.

(I’m kidding. Mostly.)

The Alamo Bowl against LSU is going to be fascinating. BYU’s defense versus LSU’s offense. I’d probably take the under, which means you should take the over, because my bowl picks are historically terrible. Check our predictions archive for proof.

Confidence Level: Top 3 Big 12 team going forward

2025 Betting Trends

Mike’s Betting Notes: The under trend is real. BYU’s defense suppresses totals — 4-9 on overs tells you everything. If you’re betting BYU games, default to the under unless there’s a compelling reason not to. The defense is that good. For more trends like this, check our Big 12 Betting Guide.

Jake’s Betting Notes: Home ATS is strong. LaVell Edwards is a tough place to play, and BYU covers at home more often than not. Road games are a coin flip, which is pretty normal for most teams.

Key Players (2025)

Jake Retzlaff — QB

241-of-367 (65.7%) | 2,876 yards | 22 TD | 6 INT | 148.2 rating

The transfer from California developed into one of the best game managers in the conference. Six interceptions all year is excellent. He won’t wow you with his arm, but he won’t lose you games either.

Tyler Batty — DL

58 tackles | 13.5 TFL | 7 sacks | 3 FF

The anchor of that elite defense. Batty commands double teams and still makes plays. First-team All-Big 12 and probably a day two NFL pick.

LJ Martin — RB

198 carries | 1,156 yards | 5.8 YPC | 11 TD

Physical, patient runner who consistently moved the chains. Martin’s ability to grind out yards kept BYU’s offense on schedule all year.

Rivals & Key Matchups

The Holy War (vs. Utah) — One of the most intense rivalries in college football. Unfortunately now a non-conference game since they’re in different leagues. The hatred is real and it’s glorious.

Texas Tech — Championship game opponents. This is a new rivalry whether anyone wants it or not. Tech won 34-7.

Colorado — Pac-12 refugees meeting in the Big 12. Games have been competitive.

More

• Big 12 Betting Guide — Everything you need before placing a bet on any conference game
• The Recliner vs The Barstool — How we rate games (and why we never agree)
• New Fan’s Guide to Big 12 Football — Just getting into the conference? Start here
• Current Standings | This Week’s Schedule
• Our Predictions Archive — Full transparency on every pick we’ve made

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