BYU, the University of Utah, and Utah State University enter the 2026 college football season with distinct profiles shaped by their conferences and roster situations. All three programs open play in August or September with no conference games yet decided, per official standings from the Big 12 and Mountain West conferences.
BYU's High National Rankings
BYU stands out nationally in preseason evaluations. The Cougars appear in multiple top-25 lists, including No. 25 in The Athletic’s June 2 rankings and as high as No. 11 in ESPN analyst Mark Schlabach’s preview. CBS Sports post-spring Big 12 power rankings place BYU at No. 1, citing strong returning production led by running back LJ Martin, safety Faletau Satuala, and linebacker Isaiah Glasker, along with transfers including wide receiver Kyler Kasper and linebacker Cade Uluave. Head coach Kalani Sitake’s team comes off back-to-back 11-win seasons and a Big 12 title game appearance, positioning it as a leading candidate for the conference crown and potential College Football Playoff berth.
Utah Faces Coaching Transition
The University of Utah Utes also compete in the Big 12 but face a leadership transition after longtime coach Kyle Whittingham’s departure. Morgan Scalley, a longtime program assistant, takes over as head coach. Preseason analyses project the Utes for 8–10 wins, with expectations of competing for a conference title game berth. Key factors include a favorable early schedule featuring matchups against Kansas and Colorado, plus significant NFL departures that the program addressed through the transfer portal and a targeted 2026 recruiting class focused on the trenches. Power rankings from CBS Sports and Deseret News place Utah in the middle-to-upper tier of the Big 12 behind BYU and others.
Utah State's Mountain West Outlook
Utah State Aggies play in the Mountain West Conference, which expands to 10 teams in 2026 with additions including North Dakota State. The Aggies are not nationally ranked in major preseason polls and sit around No. 97 in initial SP+ metrics. Outlook pieces highlight a competitive but challenging slate in the reconfigured league, with potential for bowl eligibility under the current staff. The program’s focus remains on building consistency amid the conference’s broader footprint across multiple time zones.
Comparing Postseason Potential
Comparative postseason viability favors BYU for the strongest shot at a Big 12 title or CFP appearance, followed by Utah’s push for double-digit wins and a strong bowl showing. Utah State’s path centers on solidifying its standing in the expanded Mountain West. All three teams continue roster development through the summer ahead of fall camp.
