BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and a Davey O’Brien Great 8 selection on Oct. 19, 2026, according to a report from BYU Cougars. These honors follow his performance in the Cougars’ 28-24 victory over then-No. 2 ranked Notre Dame on Saturday.
During the win against Notre Dame, Bachmeier completed 23 of 36 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded 45 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, while catching a pass for a fourth score. He is the first BYU quarterback to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in a single game since Steve Young achieved that feat in the 1983 Holiday Bowl.
The sophomore from Murrieta, California, helped the offense accumulate 360 yards against a defense ranked No. 1 in the nation that was holding opponents to an average of 214 yards per game. Through six games, Bachmeier has completed 100 of 152 passes for 1,257 yards and nine touchdowns. He also serves as the team's second-leading rusher with 284 yards and six touchdowns on 49 attempts.
Bachmeier has earned both the Big 12 and Davey O'Brien awards in the same week three times in 2026, following wins over Arizona, Iowa State, and Notre Dame. In 2025, he was a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, and a candidate for the Manning Award. During that season, the offensive co-captain helped lead No. 12 BYU to an 11-2 record, a Big 12 Championship appearance, and a Pop-Tarts Bowl invitation.
The Davey O’Brien Quarterback Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership in both academics and athletics, while embodying the character of O’Brien.
