BYU

No respect for an 11-2 season? BYU's veteran group remembers every slight from 2025, when their only losses came against Texas Tech yet somehow the accolades went elsewhere. This experienced core returns with Bear Bachmeier under center and a defense that gets new leadership from coordinator Kelly Poppinga, replacing Jay Hill. The Cougars grade out as a balanced outfit in the preseason ratings — 24th nationally on both sides of the ball with a +5.5 offensive rating and +5.4 defensive mark — while adding serious talent through the portal. Walker Lyons arrives from USC as the crown jewel addition at tight end, bringing 18.3 PPA to an offense that also welcomed receiver Kyler Kasper from Oregon.

JP+ projects 7.8 wins for BYU in a Big 12 slate that features home dates with Notre Dame and road trips to Utah and TCU among the season's toughest tests. The Cougars' +11.1 overall rating ranks 22nd nationally, suggesting they're positioned for another strong campaign if the veteran leadership can channel last year's frustration into consistent execution. Special teams remain the weakest link at just +0.2, but this roster has the depth and experience to weather conference play. If Bachmeier and the offense can elevate their ceiling beyond that 24th ranking, BYU could push for double-digit wins again — but inconsistency would likely mean settling for that projected win range in a competitive league.