BYU sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier and Utah's Dampier have both been named to the Davey O'Brien Award Watch List, an annual honor recognizing the top quarterback in major college football. The announcement, released Thursday, highlights the high-level play occurring within the Big 12 rivalry between the Cougars and the Utes.
Quarterback Watch List Honors
According to Mid-Utah Radio, Bachmeier's inclusion on the watch list follows a strong performance last season at BYU, where he completed 64.9 percent of his passes. The Davey O'Brien Award is presented annually to the most outstanding quarterback in major college football, and the inclusion of both a BYU and a Utah representative underscores the competitive landscape of the conference.
Managing Rivalry Intensity
The recognition of these quarterbacks comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the intensity of the Utah-BYU rivalry. During Big 12 media days held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, Utah head coach Morgan Scalley and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake discussed efforts to manage the rivalry's culture. Scalley, who previously served on the BYU coaching staff from 2006 to 2014, emphasized a desire to lead by example to reduce the rivalry's temperature.
Coaches Address Rivalry Culture
Scalley noted that while the rivalry is one of the best in the country, it often experiences extremes in behavior that can be problematic. He expressed respect for Sitake and his staff, stating that the mutual respect between the programs should serve as a model for fans. Scalley also addressed the specific challenges of preparing for the upcoming matchups, noting that BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin are particularly difficult to defend. He specifically highlighted Bachmeier's dual-threat capability, noting the player can both run and throw the ball effectively.
Historical Series Discrepancies
The historical tension between the two schools is often marked by differing accounts of their head-to-head matchups. Utah maintains that it leads the series 62-37-4, a figure that accounts for the rivalry dating back to when BYU competed as Brigham Young Academy. Conversely, BYU maintains that the rivals have played a total of 97 games. This historical disagreement is a long-standing feature of the matchup between the two institutions, which are separated by only 48 miles.
Incidents and Behavioral Standards
The physical and behavioral intensity of the rivalry has occasionally resulted in legal issues. As Deseret News reported during the July 2026 media days, a Utah fan was arrested in 2024 after throwing a water bottle that struck a BYU cheer coach in the head. Additionally, a man was arrested last year for threatening to shoot Utah fans during a BYU-Utah game. These incidents have prompted coaches to focus on behavioral standards within their programs.
Looking Ahead to November
Kalani Sitake expressed a desire to focus on the positive aspects of the annual duel rather than the negative attention often given to fan behavior. Sitake noted that the rivalry is deeply personal for many, as families often have members who have graduated from both Utah and BYU. He emphasized that the respect and love shared between the fanbases and the programs is what makes the matchup intense and meaningful. The two teams are scheduled to meet on Nov. 7 at Rice-Eccles Stadium for their annual rivalry clash, with BYU currently holding a three-game winning streak in the series.
Impact on Conference Standings
As the season progresses, the performance of key players like Bachmeier will be central to the outcome of the rivalry. Scalley noted that while scheme is important, addressing behavior and discipline—such as mistackles observed in previous matchups—is essential for success in high-stakes games. The upcoming season could see the rivalry play a pivotal role in the Big 12 title race, depending on the performance of both programs.
