If you're frantically refreshing your feed to find out what's the score of the byu football game, here is the quick reality check: the pads are packed away. Since we are sitting in mid-January, the 2025 season has officially crossed the finish line.
The last time the Cougars took the field was for the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 27, 2025. It was a wild one. BYU managed a gritty 25-21 comeback win over Georgia Tech, which basically put a bow on one of the most successful seasons in recent Provo history.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird time for fans. You’ve got the basketball team tearing it up in the Big 12—shoutout to AJ Dybantsa and the crew—but the football withdrawal is real. If you were looking for a live score today, January 17, 2026, you won’t find one on the gridiron. But the "score" in the transfer portal? That’s where the real game is being played right now.
What’s the Score of the BYU Football Game: Looking Back at the 2025 Finale
BYU finished the 2025 season with a massive 12-2 record. That is no small feat. They fought through a grueling Big 12 schedule, only stumbling against a tough Texas Tech squad twice—once in the regular season and again in the Big 12 Championship game in Arlington.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl win wasn't just another trophy. It was a statement. Coming back from behind to beat an ACC opponent like Georgia Tech showed the kind of resilience Kalani Sitake has baked into this roster.
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- Final Score: BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21
- Total Wins: 12 (Fifth time in program history hitting this mark)
- Final Rank: Firmly in the Top 15 heading into the offseason
Most people focus on the scoreboard, but the nuance of that 2025 season was in the defense. Even after losing defensive coordinator Jay Hill to Michigan recently, the foundation they built last year is why expectations for 2026 are hitting a fever pitch.
The Offseason Scoreboard: Who’s Staying and Who’s Going?
While the physical scoreboard at LaVell Edwards Stadium is dark, the "personnel scoreboard" is lit up. The transfer portal officially closed its winter window on January 16, 2026.
If you're asking about the score in terms of talent retention, BYU is winning. Big time.
Unlike many programs that get raided the second the season ends, the Cougars kept most of their core. Only a few players like Max Alford and Marcus McKenzie decided to head for the exits. Meanwhile, the additions coming in are sort of incredible.
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Landing Walker Lyons, the former 4-star tight end from USC, is a massive get. He’s the brother of Ryder Lyons, the 5-star QB recruit for 2026. Keeping it in the family is a classic BYU move, and it’s paying off. They also snagged Harrison Uluave from Cal, who was widely considered one of the top linebackers in the portal.
Why the BYU Schedule Matters Right Now
You can’t talk about the score without looking at what’s next. The 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape, and it’s a doozy.
The Cougars open up against Utah Tech on September 5, 2026. That’ll be the next time you can actually ask about a live football score. But the real date everyone has circled is the home-and-home series with Notre Dame that was recently announced.
The Big 12 is only getting tougher. With teams like Utah and Arizona now fully integrated, every Saturday is a fistfight. The 2025 season proved BYU belongs at the top of the pack, but maintaining that "score" requires a lot of heavy lifting in January and February.
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Key Dates for the 2026 Season
- Spring Game: Usually late March or early April. This is your first look at the new portal additions in a Cougar uniform.
- Fall Camp: Starts in August. This is where the depth chart battles for the offensive line—especially that open left tackle spot—get settled.
- Season Opener: September 5 vs. Utah Tech.
What Most People Get Wrong About BYU's Success
There’s this misconception that BYU’s 12-win season was a fluke or a product of an "easy" schedule. It wasn't. They beat ranked Utah. They took down Arizona in double overtime. They handled Iowa State on the road.
The "score" of BYU's season wasn't just about the points on the board; it was about the depth. Running back LJ Martin deciding to return for another year instead of jumping to the NFL is a perfect example. He knows this team has a legitimate shot at the expanded College Football Playoff in 2026.
When you look at the landscape of the Big 12, BYU has positioned itself as a perennial contender. They aren't just "happy to be here" anymore. They are the team others are circling on their calendars.
Practical Next Steps for BYU Fans
Since there isn't a game today, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Track the 2026 Recruiting Class: Keep an eye on the Polynesian Bowl results. Several BYU signees are participating this week.
- Follow the Basketball Team: If you need a live score, No. 11 BYU is playing No. 15 Texas Tech in Lubbock tonight. It’s going to be a high-scoring affair.
- Check the Spring Practice Schedule: Once March rolls around, the focus shifts back to the grass.
The 2025 season was a hell of a ride. The 25-21 bowl win was the perfect exit. Now, the real work is happening behind the scenes to make sure the next time you ask what's the score of the byu football game, the answer is another W.