As the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars prepare to launch their 2026 football season, they will face off against the Utah Tech Trailblazers in an early matchup that promises to be intriguing. Scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM MT and broadcast on ESPN+, this game marks the second meeting between the two teams, following BYU's convincing 52-26 victory in 2022. In that previous encounter, quarterback Jaren Hall showcased his skills with a remarkable 456 passing yards and five touchdowns, while running back Chris Brooks contributed a solid 102 rushing yards.
Heading into this season opener, several questions loom large over the Cougars as they look to establish their identity amidst significant roster changes. One of the primary concerns is how well new quarterback Bear Bachmeier will connect with his revamped receiving corps. The departure of key players such as Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan, who collectively accounted for 166 receptions last season, has left a noticeable gap. Jojo Phillips, returning from last season, is expected to step up as a leading target. Additionally, BYU has bolstered its receiving options with transfers Kyler Kasper from Oregon and Walker Lyons from USC, as well as promising freshman Legend Glasker, who has made a strong impression during training camp.
Another focal point for the Cougars will be the performance of running back LJ Martin. Last season, in a blowout win against Portland State, Martin had limited opportunities with just eight carries for 131 yards. As he approaches the milestone of needing just over 1,300 rushing yards to become BYU's all-time leading rusher, fans are eager to see how much he will play against Utah Tech. The coaching staff must balance the desire to let Martin accumulate yards with the need to keep him healthy for the long season ahead.
On the other side of the field, Utah Tech enters this matchup under head coach Lance Anderson, who is in his third year with a challenging record of 3-22. The Trailblazers are coming off a tough loss, having been shut out 54-0 by Montana State, a team expected to contend for the FCS national title. In that game, Utah Tech struggled defensively, allowing 307 passing yards and 140 rushing yards. Their starting quarterback, Bronson Barben, faced difficulties, completing only nine passes for 78 yards and throwing two interceptions. He also led the team in rushing with a mere 21 yards, highlighting the offensive struggles the Trailblazers will need to address.
As BYU prepares for this game, another question arises: how much of their playbook will they reveal against an FCS opponent? With a significant matchup against Arizona looming the following week, it is likely that the coaching staff will opt for a conservative approach, keeping their strategies under wraps to avoid giving away too much ahead of a crucial conference game. Fans can expect a simplified game plan as the Cougars look to establish a rhythm without exposing their full capabilities.
Additionally, if the game unfolds similarly to last year’s contest against Portland State, where the Cougars led comfortably, there will be ample opportunity for backups to showcase their talents. Backup quarterback Treyson Bourguet may see significant playing time, along with true freshman Jaron Pula, who is expected to make an impact. The running back position will also see contributions from Sione Moa and Preston Rex once Martin exits the game.
Finally, the question of what constitutes an acceptable margin of victory looms large. Under head coach Kalani Sitake, BYU typically avoids running up the score against opponents. Historically, the average score against FCS schools in the 2020s has been around 55-14. However, given the high expectations for this season, fans will be looking for a performance that exceeds even Montana State's dominant win over Utah Tech.
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