BYU Football Rises Up AP Top 25 Poll Following Holy War Win

SALT LAKE CITY — Following a decisive rivalry victory and their first back-to-back 7-0 starts in program history, BYU football rose in this week’s AP Top 25 poll.

They jumped up four spots from No. 15 to No. 11.

 

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The 2025 iteration of the Holy War wasn’t without its hiccups for the Cougars.

The Utes actually finished with more passing yards and rushing yards, but BYU won in moments, paving the way for the 24-21 win. Utah had 12 penalties and two turnovers. From kickoff to the final possession, the Cougars seemingly took advantage of each mistake.

Utah also had no answer for running back LJ Martin, who finished with 26 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier played a solid game, but his first rivalry win will be remembered for the highlights.

No matter what is said by anyone regarding the result, there is only one stat that matters now: 7-0.

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

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

The Rest of The Big 12 Rankings

For the first time in over a month, Texas Tech is no longer the top dog in the Big 12 Conference. The Red Raiders’ loss to Arizona State resulted in a fall to No. 14.

Now, the BYU Cougars lead the pack at No. 11. Third is Cincinnati at No. 21, and the Sun Devils re-entered the Top 25 at No. 24.

Despite the rivalry loss, the Utes still have some believers, as they received 40 votes and are unofficially at No. 27. The only other Big 12 team to receive votes was TCU.

Week Nine AP Poll Top 25

1. Ohio State
2. Indiana
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
6. Oregon
7. Georgia Tech
8. Ole Miss
9. Miami
10. Venderbilt
11. BYU
12. Notre Dame
13. Oklahoma
14. Texas Tech
15. Missouri
16. Virginia
17. Tennessee
18. South Florida
19. Louisville
20. LSU
21. Cincinnati
22. Texas
23. Illinois
24. Arizona State
25. Michigan

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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