No. 15 BYU Prevails Over No. 23 Utah In Holy War Classic

Oct 18, 2025, 9:50 PM | Updated: 9:51 pm

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is sacked by Utah defensive tackle Aliki Vimahi (95) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)

(Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)

BY KSL SPORTS

PROVO, Utah – What started as a defensive battle ended in the hands of BYU true freshman QB Bear Bachmeier in a 24-21 Holy War win for the Cougars over Utah.

The Cougars led 10-7 at halftime and overcame an early fourth-quarter deficit to pick up their third consecutive win in the heated rivalry.

RELATED: Bruising Bear Bachmeier Run Gives No. 15 Double-Digit Holy War Lead

Victory formation.

(15) BYU 24, (23) Utah 21

Three in a row for the Cougars. pic.twitter.com/iW54ppVRoM

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Bachmeier completed 13-of-22 passes for 166 yards, a touchdown, and zero turnovers. Counterpart Devon Dampier gave Utah 244 passing yards and two touchdowns, throwing a critical interception while trailing late.

Cougar RB LJ Martin surpasses the 100-yard plateau, finishing with 122 yards on 26 carries. Bachmeier added 64 yards and a touchdown, while Parker Kingston scored the second rushing TD of his BYU career.

Utah freshman RB Daniel Bray picked up 121 yards and a TD on ten carries.

Big Noon Kickoff

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SIGN THREAD: Some of the best from #bignoonkickoff in #Provo for the #holywar 🪧 pic.twitter.com/72iMewiwl1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 18, 2025

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Former BYU football players Jamaal Williams and Kyle Van Noy talk Holy War with the Big Noon Kickoff crew. @BYUfootball https://t.co/EWeWwh0paW

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 18, 2025

come back anytime @BNKonFOX 🤙 pic.twitter.com/VMa6Xw06YG

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 18, 2025

Pregame

Ready for war⚔️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/zwnlcqYWjI

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 18, 2025

Student Section was here in Provo READY TO GO FOR THE HOLY WAR 2 hours before the game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fe9nrIxe5B

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 18, 2025

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is here for BYU vs. Utah. pic.twitter.com/B0imLKLIwp

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 18, 2025

Ready to rock with nearly two hours to kickoff??? pic.twitter.com/A2NkWCagGy

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 18, 2025

Jack Kelly is the first BYU player on the field for pregame warmups. pic.twitter.com/ISuCDPoRPU

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 18, 2025

Utes on the block🚨#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Po0Akm5E9n

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 18, 2025

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Pregame chat between Kalani and Whitt. pic.twitter.com/LwvpAkaEY9

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 18, 2025

UTAH MILI‼️⛽️🔥#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/g1VQnximXU

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 18, 2025

BYU IS HERE AND FIRED UP 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/wbA3oZmwYE

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

KYLE WHITTINGHAM AND UTAH HAVE TAKEN THE FIELD #HolyWar #UtahVsBYU pic.twitter.com/eaZOqjrBnq

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

First Quarter

LISTEN LIVE: The in-state rivalry is renewed as @Utah_Football visits @BYUfootball on @kslnewsradio and:https://t.co/NICailrr3Z pic.twitter.com/WwjWDZvLTL

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

Before Utah's first snap of the game, they are called for a false start.

Utah is backed up near the south endzone, in front of BYU's student section, The ROC.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

BYU IS LOUD 😳‼️ pic.twitter.com/FpR1Nli3T9

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Utah football forces the punt after a John Henry Daley sack on 3rd down! #GoUtes #HolyWar pic.twitter.com/ztbEyJNcKB

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

And Bray is stopped short of the marker on the sweep, BYU makes the stop and Utah leaves the field empty after a really impressive drive.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Big stop from Mory Bamba. Excellent tackle to force Utah into a turnover on downs. pic.twitter.com/Z1B8cquoIX

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

WHAT A STOP BY @BYUfootball ❌❌ pic.twitter.com/KCIwMGkAxe

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Bear to Preston Rex for a gain of 32 yards.

Rex is emerging as a threat in the passing game out of the backfield.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Bachmeier keeps it up the middle and picks up 13…. 4th and 1, BYU going…

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Turnover on downs for BYU.

4th & 1 … LJ Martin comes up short.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

NOW UTAH STOPS BYU ON 4th & 1

The @Utah_Football defense answers right back 😤 pic.twitter.com/7QWp9lGYJf

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Hunter Clegg forces Devon Dampier into an intentional grounding.

The former Utah signee got the start tonight at defensive end for BYU.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Good punt coverage there for Utah, Kingston is stopped for no gain at the 19. https://t.co/sqDCC9dvTQ

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Bear. A hurdle!

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

This Bear can fly 🐻🆙@BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/9lzvrwPXE1

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

That's the end of the 1st quarter… BYU currently on their third possession. Utah had limited the BYU rushing game to 30 yards prior to this drive, but the Cougars have nearly doubled it up here. pic.twitter.com/moFqQaDY5b

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Second Quarter

Bachmeier throws a dart to Roberts for a touchdown. There was a little scuffle after the play.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

BYU STRIKES FIRST IN PROVO 🔥@BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/zbSZ2WNKDh

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

BYU football strikes first in the Holy War
Bachmeier ➡️Robertshttps://t.co/swrSn0SMwi

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

Chase Roberts high points an excellent pass from Bear Bachmeier for a touchdown.

BYU is on the board first.

BYU 7, Utah 0 – 13:37 | 2nd quarter pic.twitter.com/AwbkiLJNe7

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Utah will start this drive at the 25… 1st down is a Dampier keeper for a gain of 4 yards.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Semi Taulanga reception! He makes one miss and then trucks Jack Kelly

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Wayshawn takes the handoff for 9 yards and Utah is out to the 48… Utah line getting push up the middle.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Dampier keeps and picks up 10 yards… Utah sends out the field goal unit. Kalani calls timeout.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Utah going for it now…

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Dampier throws a back shoulder throw to Merriweather and it’s just through his fingertips. BYU takes over.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

This BYU fan section is going INSANE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/72x16ekqki

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

NOPE @BYUFootball shuts down Utah on the 4th & 7 attempt 🔒 pic.twitter.com/XqXAKULdhG

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Utah defense gets the sack on 3rd down… Aliki Vimahi brings him down. BYU to punt.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Carvalho signals fair catch at the 25, there is a flag… Holding on Utah. They’ll start this one at the 15. https://t.co/pewBbpc0in

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Bray takes the sweep handoff, cuts upfield and picks up 12 yards.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Lander Barton with a reception, picks up 17 on 2nd down.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

What a catch by Larry Simmons! The toe tap down the sideline… BIG gain through the air

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Dampier scrambles for another huge gain, Utah will be 1st and goal at the 8

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Ryan Davis touchdown! Wide open!

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Big time drive by Devon Dampier and the Utes, they tie it up after the Ryan Davis touchdown reception. #HolyWar #UtahVsBYU pic.twitter.com/jkIPxk1D4z

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

RYAN DAVIS WIDE OPEN FOR THE TD @Utah_Football ties things up in the Holy War 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Mw3jD0Y2vi

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Dampier ➡ Davis, and Utah ties it at 7-7! https://t.co/q7OZwqH9oR

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 19, 2025

"Lets go Utah!" chants have broken out in LES.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Bachmeier with a wild throw there on 3rd, Utah gets the stop https://t.co/BN0m003WmI

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

MUFFED PUNT AND BYU HAS IT 😱@BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/0JDJGjI4bC

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Huge moment for senior Talan Alfrey. He has made big plays in his BYU career on special teams. pic.twitter.com/g945iKCE1s

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Bachmeier picks up 8, it'll be 3rd and 2, Whittingham calls timeout with 1:08 left in the half.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Martin is stopped just shy of the marker to make it 4th and 1… Utah calls another timeout.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Solid job by the defense to limit BYU to a field goal there given the turnover.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Scenes from the first half in Provo 📸 @BYUfootball leads 10-7 heading into the 3rd quarter #Big12FB | 📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/Oxa8Ae2lAa

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 19, 2025

Halftime thoughts…
– Muffed punt was a killer. Gave away an opportunity to take momentum into locker room and start with the ball this half.
– Utah should run the ball more inside, it's too outside oriented. Let the OL get vertical push.
– Larry Simmons needs more run.…

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

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Third Quarter

Isaiah Glasker is back in the game.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

can't beat that view 😍 pic.twitter.com/xQ3BkH6IBj

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 19, 2025

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Perfect start to the second half for BYU.

They get a three-and-out and then start their first offensive series of the half with good field position from their own 41.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

BYU LB Max Alford comes up with the sack on the second effort.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

WILD PLAY… Dallen Bentley reception for a big gain, then he fumbled it right to Tobias Merriweather, who took it to the BYU 25

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Devon Dampier nearly gets sacked, nearly tosses a pick, and then completes it for what ends up as a 52-yard gain on a wild third down play.

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) October 19, 2025

Just a happy accident results in big time gain for the Utes 🔥#Big12FB | 📺 @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/MO4JiadG7P

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) October 19, 2025

A couple of Bray carries and it's Utah 1st & 10 at the BYU 15 yard line.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Bentley is stopped 3 yards short and Utah is going for it…

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Dampier keeps it up the middle and he looks short of the mark.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

That's now two empty possessions deep in the red zone, two field goals and you're up 13-10

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

4TH DOWN STOP!!!!! pic.twitter.com/546rj7K4jy

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 19, 2025

BYU STOPS UTAH AGAIN ON 4TH DOWN

Down three, Utah decides to go for it rather than kick and fails to convert @BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/nMemxKi3kd

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

It's a Nu day.

Keanu Tanuvasa gets credit for the tackle on Devon Dampier to force another turnover on downs for Utah's offense inside the red zone..

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Utah's Tao Johnson called for a holding on BYU TE Carsen Ryan.

That negates an interception thrown by Bear to Jackson Bennee.

BYU's drive is still alive.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Smith Snowden with a big PBU on a pass to Chase Roberts.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

JJ Buchanan with a reception over the middle picks up 12 yards.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

BYU 10, Utah 7 – End of 3rd Quarter

Another BYU-Utah rivalry game that is coming down to the wire.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Fourth Quarter

Byrd Ficklin picks up 15 yards

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Daniel Bray touchdown!!!! from 49 yards out!!! The speeeed

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

DANIEL BRAY TO THE HOUSE @Utah_Football takes the lead in Provo 🔥🙌 pic.twitter.com/kwbcbMUjFN

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Horrible start to the fourth quarter for BYU.

It started with Byrd Ficklin picking up a first down after some poor tackling by BYU's defense.

Then, Daniel Bray popped off a 49-yard touchdown run to give Utah its first lead of the night.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

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Excellent block from LJ Martin to allow Bear Bachmeier to have enough time to complete a first-down pass to Parker Kingston.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Lander Barton flagged for targeting and it's upheld after review, and he's now out for the game.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Bear Bachmeier took a massive hit on this play 😳

The targeting call was upheld after review. pic.twitter.com/aMSP1P37QN

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Parker Kingston finds the endzone!

What a response from BYU’s offense, led by Bear Bachmeier.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

KINGSTON TAKES IT IN FOR THE TD @BYUFootball takes the lead right back pic.twitter.com/FwSw1yb4H1

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Byrd Ficklin is in at quarterback, he keeps for 3 yards… 2nd and 7, Dampier back there, completes a pass to Bentley over the middle for a gain of 13 yards.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Excellent closing speed from Therrian Alexander III on that TFL on Byrd Ficklin.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

Devon Dampier throws an interception… Tried to hit Bray on a corner type of route and Tanner Wall took it away.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Tanner Wall picks off Devon Dampier! pic.twitter.com/nXcUwgOK3g

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

STADIUM PULSE CHECK ON THAT @BYUfootball INTERCEPTION 🔥🤯 pic.twitter.com/3M4ouvS1Tg

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Bear’s safety blanket.

Moving the chains on third down on a completion from Bear to TE Carsen Ryan.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

BYU-Utah attendance at LES: 64,794

Largest crowd in Provo since the Notre Dame game in 2004.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

BEAR BACHMEIER

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

THERE’S A BEAR ON THE LOOSE IN PROVO 🐻🔥@BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/MnjRfYa2Tr

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

If BYU holds on, that 22-yard touchdown run by Bear Bachmeier is going to be an all-time moment in this rivalry.

What a run.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A HIT TO BREAK UP THE CATCH 😳😳@BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/DHsPalS4Bg

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

JACK KELLY gets the sack! Turnover on downs.

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 19, 2025

JACK KELLY WITH THE SACK ON 4TH DOWN

It’s @BYUFootball ball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/06h6XWrlBy

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 19, 2025

Man, Utah could’ve really used two or three field goals here….

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

Utah’s now to the BYU 30 … Imagine having those two earlier field goals on the board right now. https://t.co/EfcDm7ktAt

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

BYU now flagged for DPI and Utah will be 1st and 10 at the BYU 15 with 1:54 left

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025

BYU flagged again for DPI on Merriweather. Utah now 1st and goal at the 2 with 1:28 left…

Dampier hits Larry Simmons for the touchdown. That makes it a 24-21 game with 1:24 left.

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) October 19, 2025