After a 12-2 season that ended with a Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Georgia Tech, BYU finished #11 int the final AP Poll released Monday. This ties the highest final AP ranking in the Kalani Sitate era, matching the #11 ranking in the 2020 COVID season. BYU finished last season ranked #13 after the blowout win over Colorado.
BYU is one of five Big 12 teams ranked along with Texas Tech (7), Utah (14), Houston (22), and TCU (25). BYU beat both Utah and TCU to finish with two Top 25 wins. Georgia Tech fell out of the polls after their bowl loss to BYU.
The finish and BYU’s returning production should set themselves up for a top 15 ranking in next season’s Preseason AP Poll. BYU was poised for a stellar preseason ranking before 2025, but Jake Retzlaff’s sudden departure left BYU unranked before the season. The return of Big 12 Freshman of the Year Bear Bachmeier, Big 12 Offensive POY LJ Martin, and a host of other returnees as BYU right around the top 10 in most early top 25 rankings for next season.
BYU opens the 2026 season Saturday, September 5 versus Utah Tech.
