The release of the first AP Top 25 poll for the 2026 college football season arrives as Utah and BYU prepare for high-stakes campaigns following standout 2025 performances. The Cougars are coming off a No. 11 final ranking in 2025, while the Utes enter the year under head coach Morgan Scalley following a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, 2025.
BYU's Recent Success
BYU enters the 2026 season with significant momentum following a highly successful 2025 campaign. The Cougars finished the previous season ranked No. 11 in the final AP Top 25, marking the program's highest final ranking since 2020. This success was bolstered by a 12-2 record and a 25-21 victory over No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, a game that drew a record 8.7 million viewers.
Offensive Milestones
The Cougars' offensive strength was a primary factor in their 2025 performance, as the team was one of only eight FBS teams to feature a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and two receivers with at least 800 yards each. Running back LJ Martin was a central figure in that success, having rushed for 1,305 yards in 2025 and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Key Personnel
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, a sophomore who previously enrolled at Stanford for 2025 spring football practices, remains a key component of the offense. The Murrieta, California native was a highly touted recruit, ranked as high as No. 11 nationally by ESPN during his high school career. His family has a deep football pedigree, including his brother Hank, who played quarterback at Boise State, Louisiana Tech, and Wake Forest.
Coaching Leadership
Head coach Kalani Sitake enters his 11th season at BYU and his 26th overall season as a coach. Sitake, who was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on Jan. 18, 2025, has led the Cougars to a 57-20 record over his first 10 seasons in Provo. His 2025 squad was noted for its efficiency, ranking No. 10 overall in the ESPN Power Index.
Utah's Defensive Identity
The University of Utah enters 2026 under the leadership of Morgan Scalley, who began his first season as head coach following a 44-21 victory over Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl. Scalley, a former Ute All-America safety, is entering his 19th year on the Utah coaching staff. He has built a reputation for defensive excellence, having served as the program's defensive coordinator for 10 seasons from 2016 to 2025.
Defensive Stats
The Utes' defense has been a national powerhouse, ranking second nationally in 2019 and continuing to produce high-level results. In 2025, Utah's defense ranked among the nation's leaders in passing efficiency defense, interceptions, and scoring defense. The program has also been a prolific producer of NFL talent, including players like Devin Lloyd and Eric Rowe.
Upcoming Schedule and Outlook
As the season approaches, the Utah football program continues to emphasize work and preparation, stating on social media that the bar has been set and the work continues. The team is preparing for a rigorous schedule that includes matchups against Idaho, Arkansas, Utah State, Iowa State, Kansas, Colorado, Houston, Cincinnati, BYU, and Arizona.
