The Preseason AP Poll was released Monday and BYU opened the season #14. BYU is one of four Big 12 teams ranked along with Texas Tech (12), Utah (21), and Houston (23). Notre Dame, who BYU plays in Provo October 17, is ranked #4. This is BYU’s highest preseason ranking since 1985, the year after BYU won the national title, when the Cougars started the season ranked #10. It’s also BYU’s first preseason ranking since 2022 when the Cougars opened that season ranked #25. It’s only second time in the Kalani Sitake era that BYU has started the season ranked in the AP Poll.
BYU finished last season 12-2 and ranked #11. BYU has among the highest returning production in college football, headlined by Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin, QB Bear Bachmeier, and several key defenders.
BYU opens the regular season September 5 vs Utah Tech before hosting Big 12 foe Arizona the week after. Arizona received 32 votes in the AP Poll, 29th overall.
