Can Bear Bachmeier Lead BYU To Big 12 Glory?
Aug 30, 2025, 12:29 AM
PROVO, Utah – Can the addition of true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier increase BYU football’s chances of making it to the Big 12 Championship Game?
Bear Bachmeier arrived in Provo in May after spending spring practices at Stanford.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal-caller stepped into a quarterback room where he was one of the youngest, least experienced, and brand new to the program. He was mainly competing against two players who had been around BYU’s playbook, personnel, and system for a year longer. But in just a few months, he became the first true freshman to start in the season opener in BYU history.
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has explained that Bachmeier came in and what separated him from the other quarterbacks was his consistency, having a high completion percentage, accuracy, and the ability to make smart, quick decisions. This is truly unique for a true freshman.
But Bachmeier’s arm might not be the only possible reason he could carry the Cougars deep into Arlington, Texas.
Bear Bachmeier is a physical quarterback
When fans see a quarterback on the field wearing No. 47, they may have to look twice. Bachmeier wears it not just as a statement, but maybe almost as a warning.
Growing up, he played running back and middle linebacker, and that background shows in his style. He’s not afraid to lower his shoulder, fight for extra yards, and bring a physical edge to the position. That style of play opens the door for BYU to run a more ground-heavy and bruising offense.
Big 12 defenses are used to spread-option offenses and high-tempo attacks. They often struggle against quarterbacks who can beat them both through the air and on the ground. Bachmeier could be exactly that. Pair him with BYU’s talented running backs, LJ Martin and Sione Moa, and there could be a dangerous rushing attack. And add in tight end Carsen Ryan, who has shown chemistry in camp with Bachmeier and can match his physicality. BYU has the makings of a versatile and aggressive offense.
A strong, reliable defense is the backbone of any championship team. BYU’s defense is expected to keep the Cougars competitive in every game, which means Bachmeier won’t have to do it all himself.
Bear’s job will ultimately be to keep the chains moving, and if and when it feels right, lean into a power running offense that the Big 12 has seen work before.
Proof of concept in the Big 12 Conference
As seen last year, Arizona State shocked the Big 12 in its first year in the league, led by Cam Skattebo and a ground-first approach. It got the Sun Devils all the way to the Big 12 Championship.
A power-running offense spearheaded by Skattebo was all about plowing through defenses, breaking through contact, and tiring out opponents as the game wore on. Paired with a dependable defense, it proved to be a recipe for a championship win.
BYU could replicate that same model. With Martin, Moa, and Bachmeier working together to mimic a powerful and physical running offensive attack, the Cougars could establish a power-driven offense that tires out defenses and allows for opportunities elsewhere on the offensive side of the ball to open up.
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If BYU’s defense holds strong, they were the No. 1 defense in the Big 12 last year, Bachmeier will have even more room to grow into his role and potentially push the Cougars into the Big 12 Championship.
Of course, he’s just a freshman.
He has impressed throughout fall camp, earning strong praise from both coaches and teammates. His high school film only adds to the excitement, but even with all that promise, he alone can’t guarantee BYU a Big 12 title.
It will truly be unknown how effective he will be until Saturday, when the Cougars are live against Portland State and Bachmeier is under real college football pressure and tackling for the first time.
Defenders are going to look to take him to the ground instead of tagging off, as has been the case throughout training camp against his own team. Saturday will be the first real chance to see if this freshman is really able to increase the odds further to make BYU’s championship hopes a reality.
BYU vs. Portland State
Kickoff: 6 p.m. (MDT)
TV/Stream: ESPN+
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) — Coverage begins at Noon with Cougar Sports Saturday
Jasmine Poppinga is a BYU Football Intern during the 2025 season for KSL NewsRadio and KSL Sports. Poppinga contributes to ESPN+ broadcasts for BYU women’s sports. Follow her on Instagram: @jasminepoppinga.
