Injury Update On BYU QB Bear Bachmeier Entering Pop-Tarts Bowl
Dec 11, 2025, 5:00 PM
BYU football quarterback Bear Bachmeier was banged up in the loss to Texas Tech. What's his status for the Pop-Tarts bowl? (Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
(Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
PROVO, Utah – BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier was limping after the first offensive series of the Big 12 Championship Game.
It’s raised questions regarding his availability for the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake noted on Selection Sunday that Bachmeier would be “fine” for the Top 25 clash in Orlando against Georgia Tech on December 27.
Fast-forward to Thursday, with the team back to practice, BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick is confident that Bachmeier, who is dealing with a left ankle injury, will play against the Yellow Jackets.
Bear Bachmeier injury update for Pop-Tarts Bowl
When asked if Bachmeier practiced on Thursday inside the Indoor Practice Facility, Roderick said, “No, not today. But he’ll play in the game, though. He didn’t practice today.”
Roderick quickly stated it was not a “severe” injury when asked about its severity.
What gives Roderick confidence that Bachmeier will play?
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said that QB Bear Bachmeier didn’t practice today, but the freshman signal-caller will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech. pic.twitter.com/ySdIkfp6rF
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) December 11, 2025
“All of the medical people, himself, everybody; he’s good. It’s not anything that anybody’s worried about.”
Roderick later noted, “If we had a game today, he could have gutted it out and played today.”
Bear Bachmeier earned Big 12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year this season. He’s started in all 13 of BYU’s games this year, throwing for 2,708 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
During the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas Tech, Bachmeier was 16-of-27 for 115 yards, zero touchdown passes, and two interceptions. Even more notable was a season-low for rushing yards for the heralded freshman of (-2) yards on nine carries.
Roderick was asked on Thursday whether there had been any consideration of bringing in a backup quarterback for the Big 12 Championship Game because of Bachmeier’s health.
“No, there wasn’t. He was a little banged up, but I think the adrenaline, and everything, he kept saying, ‘I’m good to go.’ So, we never really got to that discussion, no.”
No. 12 BYU vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech
2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
Location: Camping World Stadium
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. (MST)
TV: ABC
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) — Extended pregame begins at 10 a.m.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
