BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier claimed that Notre Dame disrespected him and his family following the Cougars' 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame. According to a USA TODAY report published October 18, 2026, Bachmeier made these comments after the game, which saw No. 8 BYU secure a dramatic win.
Bachmeier stated that he was not going to lose to Notre Dame and noted that his comments might not be favored by coach Kalani Sitake. The quarterback was a key factor in the win, contributing to every BYU score. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown, and had one interception. Additionally, Bachmeier rushed 13 times for 45 yards and two touchdowns, and caught a 15-yard touchdown reception on a trick play. His 7-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with less than two minutes remaining was the decisive play in the game.
The comments regarding disrespect appear linked to Bachmeier's high school recruitment. While Notre Dame reportedly visited the No. 28-ranked quarterback during his recruitment, neither Bachmeier nor Deuce Knight enrolled at the school. Bachmeier committed to Stanford before transferring to BYU.
