Bear Bachmeier threw for a season-high 329 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 8 BYU to a 24-10 victory over Iowa State on Friday night, Oct. 9, 2026. The win at Lavell Edwards Stadium kept the Cougars undefeated at 5-0 and sets up a matchup against Notre Dame on Oct. 17.
Bachmeier's performance marked his fourth career game with more than 300 passing yards and his first career 100-yard game on the ground. The Murrieta, Calif., native also recorded a career-long 39-yard rush late in the fourth quarter. He became the first BYU quarterback since Taysom Hill to record 300-plus passing yards and 100-plus rushing yards in the same game, according to BYU Athletics.
The Cougars' offense utilized several players to compensate for the absence of running back LJ Martin. Seven different players recorded at least one carry, helping the team finish with 177 total rushing yards. True freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker led the receiving corps with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown, including a 75-yard reception in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-3.
BYU's defense stifled the Cyclones, holding them to 200 total yards, the program's fewest since 2018. In the first half, the defense limited Iowa State to just 49 total yards, a mark the program has not matched since 2017. Faletau Satuala led the defensive effort with seven total tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry.
Iowa State head coach Jimmy Rogers said the team did not play well enough to deserve a win, noting the massive disparity in yardage between the two teams. The Cyclones were outgained 506 to 200 in total yards during the contest. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 16 of 29 passes for 98 yards and one touchdown to tight end Christian Greenlaw.
The Cyclones struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game, averaging only 3.6 yards per play. While Aiden Flora contributed 86 rushing yards on 17 carries, the offense was largely neutralized by the BYU defense. Iowa State linebacker Carson Willich attributed the performance to poor communication between defensive units, including the safeties, corners, and linebackers.
Upcoming Matchups
BYU moves to 3-0 in Big 12 play and will host Notre Dame on Oct. 17. Iowa State, now 3-3 and 1-2 in the Big 12, will face Arizona on Oct. 24.
