After a season that basically defied every "expert" prediction in the book, BYU football is currently in that weird, quiet lulls of the mid-January offseason. The 2025 campaign was a ride. Honestly, finishing 12-2 with a Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy in the case and a #12 national ranking is something most of us would have laughed at if you suggested it last August.
But college football moves fast.
The celebrations in Orlando are over. Now, the focus shifts to when the Cougars actually take the field again. If you're looking for the BYU next football game, you’re going to have to be patient, but the wait looks like it’ll be worth it.
The Long Wait: When is the BYU Next Football Game?
The Cougars are officially in the "dark period" of the calendar. Since they aren't playing a spring game that counts for the standings, the next time they suit up for real is Saturday, September 5, 2026.
They’ll be opening the season at home in LaVell Edwards Stadium against Utah Tech.
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It’s a "tune-up" game. Every Power Four school schedules them. Some fans hate them because the scores can get ugly, like that 69-0 blowout against Portland State last year. But for Kalani Sitake, it’s the perfect chance to see if the new guys—especially that massive 2026 recruiting class—can actually play at this level.
2026 Early Season Dates to Circle
- September 5: vs. Utah Tech (Provo, UT)
- September 19: at Colorado State (Fort Collins, CO)
- October (Date TBA): vs. Notre Dame (Provo, UT)
That Notre Dame game? That’s the big one. It’s easily the most anticipated non-conference home game in a generation.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Actually Kind of Historical
For the first time since BYU joined the Big 12, they are going to play seven home games. That is a massive deal for season ticket holders and the local economy in Provo. Usually, the grind of a Power Four schedule forces you into more travel, but the way the rotations fell this year is a huge win for the Cougars.
The Notre Dame series is the crown jewel.
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The Irish and the Cougars haven't played in Provo since 2004. There’s been a lot of talk about Notre Dame "dodging" certain schedules, but they finally signed the dotted line to come to high altitude. It’s part of a home-and-home where BYU will go to South Bend in 2027.
Then you have the conference slate. The "Holy War" against Utah is staying as a late-season staple, and this time, the Utes have to come to Provo. After the 24-21 thriller BYU pulled off last October, expect that atmosphere to be borderline toxic—in the best way possible.
Roster Chaos: Who is Actually Coming Back?
The transfer portal is basically a 24/7 circus right now. While the BYU next football game is months away, the team playing in it might look totally different than the one that beat Georgia Tech in December.
- The Quarterback Room: Bear Bachmeier had a stellar freshman run, throwing for over 3,000 yards. He’s the guy. But BYU just signed Ryder Lyons, a five-star recruit who is basically the "chosen one" in the eyes of many scouts. Watching those two compete in spring ball will be the main storyline.
- The Running Back Void: LJ Martin was a workhorse, but there are always rumors about the NFL or the portal when a guy puts up 1,300 yards. If he stays, BYU has a Top-10 backfield. If he leaves? It’s a scramble.
- The Defensive Rebuild: Coach Sitake just shook up the staff. Bringing in Kelly Poppinga as the Defensive Coordinator and Sione Po’uha as Associate Head Coach shows they weren't satisfied with just being "good." They want to be elite.
Dealing With the "Afterglow" of 2025
It’s hard to talk about the next game without acknowledging how we got here. BYU was one of only ten FBS teams to hit 11 wins in the regular season last year. They beat Utah. They beat Kansas State. They almost took the Big 12 title if not for a tough loss to Texas Tech in Arlington.
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The national perception has shifted. People aren't asking if BYU belongs in the Big 12 anymore. They’re asking if BYU is the new favorite to win it.
But there’s a trap here. Success in college football is fleeting. Last year, the Cougars relied on a +12 turnover margin. That’s hard to repeat. Luck usually regresses to the mean, so the 2026 version of this team has to be physically stronger and more disciplined to stay in the Top 15.
What You Should Do While You Wait
Since the BYU next football game isn't until September, you’ve got some time to kill. If you’re a die-hard, here is how you stay in the loop without losing your mind:
- Watch the February Signing Day: Most of the 2026 class is locked in, but Sitake usually keeps one or two surprises in his pocket.
- Monitor the Spring Camp: Typically in March, you’ll start hearing reports about which receivers are clicking with Bachmeier.
- Check the Big 12 Media Days: This happens in July. It’s when we’ll get the official kickoff times and TV slots for the Utah Tech and Colorado State games.
The 2025 season proved that BYU can hit the double-digit win mark consistently under the right conditions. Now, with a loaded home schedule and a blue-blood like Notre Dame coming to town, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
Keep a close eye on the Transfer Portal windows in the coming weeks. BYU has specific needs at offensive line and cornerback that will likely be filled by veteran Power Four transfers rather than freshmen. Once the spring roster is finalized in April, you'll have a much clearer picture of whether this team is a Big 12 contender or a rebuilding project.