BYU football just wrapped up one of the most chaotic and rewarding seasons in the program’s modern history. Honestly, if you blinked during the fourth quarter of their last outing, you missed the entire story. The score of the BYU football game ended in a 25-21 victory for the Cougars over Georgia Tech, but those digits on the scoreboard barely scratch the surface of the drama that unfolded at Camping World Stadium.
It was December 27, 2025. The Pop-Tarts Bowl. Yeah, the one with the edible mascot.
For a while, it looked like the Cougars were going to head back to Provo with a sour taste in their mouths. They trailed by 11 points. The offense looked stagnant. Then, Bear Bachmeier—the true freshman who has basically become a folk hero in Utah County—decided he wasn't done yet.
The Score of the BYU Football Game and the 12-Win Milestone
That 25-21 result wasn't just another bowl win. It was history. It secured BYU’s 12th win of the 2025 season, a feat the program hasn't hit since the days of LaVell Edwards. You've got to appreciate the irony of a season that started with zero national expectations ending with a Top 15 ranking and a trophy.
The game itself was a tale of two halves. Georgia Tech, led by Haynes King, came out swinging. They put up 14 points in the second quarter alone, leaving BYU looking a step slow. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Cougars were down 21-10.
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Most teams fold there. BYU didn't.
They pitched a shutout in the second half. Zero points allowed. That’s how you win championships—or at least prestigious bowl games. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill, whose name is currently being tossed around for every major coaching vacancy in the country, dialed up a masterclass in the fourth quarter.
Key Stats from the Pop-Tarts Bowl
- Final Score: BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21
- BYU QB Bear Bachmeier: 325 passing yards, 1 TD (Game MVP)
- Receiving Leader: Carsen Ryan (8 catches, 120 yards)
- The Deciding Play: Evan Johnson's late-fourth-quarter interception
Bachmeier’s connection with tight end Carsen Ryan was the engine. Ryan was everywhere. Over the middle, on the sidelines, it didn't matter. He finished with 120 yards on eight catches, basically serving as the safety valve for a freshman quarterback playing on the biggest stage of his life.
Why the 2025 Season Felt Different
People kept waiting for the bubble to burst. After BYU started 8-0, the skeptics pointed to a tough road loss against Texas Tech as proof that the Cougars weren't "real." Even when they dropped the Big 12 Championship game in a rematch with the Red Raiders (a painful 34-7 loss in Arlington), the narrative was that BYU had overachieved.
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But the score of the BYU football game in Orlando proved otherwise. Winning a bowl game against a Power 4 opponent after a demoralizing conference title loss takes grit. It takes a specific kind of locker room culture that Kalani Sitake has spent years building.
Keba Keita and the defense deserves a massive shoutout too. In the final minutes, with Georgia Tech driving to potentially win it, the pressure was suffocating. Evan Johnson’s interception wasn't just luck; it was the result of a secondary that refused to break despite being on the field for nearly 30 minutes.
The Bachmeier Era has officially arrived
Bear Bachmeier ended the night with 325 passing yards. He's a "True Freshman All-American" for a reason. Watching him navigate the pocket, you sort of forget he should be at a prom or something. He plays with the poise of a fifth-year senior.
Is he the best QB since Zach Wilson? Maybe. He certainly has the arm talent. More importantly, he has the "clutch" factor that you can't really coach. When the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, he didn't check down. He pushed the ball.
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What’s Next for the Cougars?
While the football team is enjoying the off-season, the buzz hasn't died down. BYU just announced a massive home-and-home series with Notre Dame for 2026 and 2027. The Irish are coming to Provo. That’s huge.
If you're looking for the current score of the BYU football game right now, you won't find one—spring ball is still a few months away. However, the momentum from that 25-21 win is fueling a massive recruiting surge.
The Cougars are no longer the "scrappy underdog" in the Big 12. They are a legitimate contender. With a 12-2 record in the books, the 2026 season is already looking like it could be even bigger.
Actionable Insights for Cougar Fans:
- Secure 2026 Season Tickets Early: With Notre Dame visiting LaVell Edwards Stadium next year, demand is going to be at an all-time high. Don't wait until August.
- Follow the Transfer Portal: Jay Hill is likely looking for secondary depth to replace departing seniors. Keep an eye on the defensive backfield additions over the next month.
- Watch the Basketball Team: If you're craving live BYU sports, the #11 ranked basketball team is currently 16-1 and just beat TCU 76-70 behind AJ Dybantsa’s 25 points. They are the hottest ticket in the state right now.