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BYU Football 2026: What to Watch After a 12-2 Year

Coming off a 12-2 season, BYU opens 2026 with a loaded roster and a Big 12 grind. The storylines, the schedule, and the players who'll decide it.

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BYU football is coming off a 12-2 season — one of the best in program history — and the bar for 2026 is high. Here’s how the Cougars set up as fall camp approaches.

The schedule

The 2026 slate mixes a manageable non-conference open with the full Big 12 grind. Win the early games, stay healthy, and the conference race is wide open. (Full dates and venues on our schedule page.)

Players to watch

The Cougars return real production. A few names fans should know — dig into the numbers on each player’s page:

  • Running back depth anchors the offense — see the full roster by position.
  • The defense brings back tackle-machine linebackers and ball-hawking defensive backs who fueled the turnover margin in 2025.

We track career stats and game logs on every player page — the best way to settle a “who’s actually been better” argument.

The bottom line

After 12-2, the expectation has shifted from “nice story” to “contender.” The schedule gives BYU a path. We’ll be covering every snap — and the recruiting and portal moves between now and kickoff.

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