ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) projects the BYU Cougars to be a top-tier contender in the Big 12 for the 2026 season, with simulations showing a 93.1% chance of achieving at least six wins.
BYU Projections and Rankings
According to the latest FPI data, BYU is ranked 10th in the Big 12 conference. The projections, which are based on 20,000 simulations of the remaining season, suggest the Cougars have a 57.9% chance of winning the Big 12 conference title.
Cougar Season Schedule
The Cougars' upcoming regular season schedule includes home games against Arizona on Sept. 12, Iowa State on Oct. 9, and Notre Dame on Oct. 17. Their non-conference slate also features a matchup against Utah Tech on Sept. 5.
BYU is scheduled to face its rival, the Utah Utes, on Nov. 7 in an away game.
Utah Utes Projections
The Utah Utes are projected to finish the season with a higher win total than BYU, with an expected win-loss record of 13 wins and 0 losses according to the FPI projections. However, despite this high win projection, the Utes are ranked 13th in the Big 12 conference power index.
The Utes' projected win-loss margin is listed at -8.7, which sits behind the BYU Cougars' -8.5 ranking.
Utes Season Schedule
Utah's 2026 schedule features a home opener against Idaho on Sept. 3 and a matchup against Arkansas on Sept. 12. The Utes will also host Utah State on Sept. 19.
The Utes are set to travel to face BYU on Nov. 7, as part of a season that includes games at Colorado, Cincinnati, Arizona, and TCU.
About FPI Metrics
The Football Power Index serves as a measure of team strength intended to predict performance for the remainder of the season. These ratings and projections are updated daily based on FPI, results to date, and remaining schedules.
