If you’re a Cougar fan, your internal clock is basically set to "Saturdays in Provo." Whether it's the smell of Cougar Tails at LaVell Edwards Stadium or the stress of a late-night Big 12 kickoff, the question of when does BYU football play is the heartbeat of the fan base.
Coming off a wild 2025 season where the Cougars finished 12-2, grabbed a Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy, and almost stole the Big 12 title from Texas Tech, the bar is high. Like, really high.
Football seasons are short. Blink and you've missed the non-conference warmups. Blink again and it's the Holy War.
The 2026 Schedule Outlook: Who and When?
Honestly, the 2026 slate looks like a gauntlet. While the exact kickoff times for the latter half of the season won't be set until the "12-day window" or "6-day window" by networks like FOX and ESPN, we already know the dates and the venues.
BYU starts the 2026 campaign at home.
On September 5, 2026, the Cougars host Utah Tech in Provo. It’s a classic "tune-up" game, but you can’t overlook anyone in the modern era of the portal. After that, things get real. BYU travels to Fort Collins to face Colorado State on September 19. If you remember the old Mountain West days, you know that stadium can get rowdy when a blue-blood like BYU rolls into town.
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The Big 12 Grind
Once conference play starts, the schedule usually follows a predictable but brutal rhythm. In 2026, BYU's Big 12 opponents include a home-and-home rotation that brings heavy hitters back to LES.
- Road Trips: Fans should prepare for flights to Manhattan (Kansas State), Orlando (UCF), and Ames (Iowa State).
- Provo Showdowns: Expect to see Arizona, Kansas, and Baylor under the lights in Utah.
The Big 12 typically releases the specific conference dates in late January or early February. However, if you're trying to figure out when does BYU football play during the heart of the season, the answer is almost always Saturday. Occasionally, the Big 12 will slot a "special date" game on a Thursday or Friday night to satisfy TV contracts.
That Massive Notre Dame Series
You've probably heard the rumors, but it’s official: BYU and Notre Dame have a home-and-home.
This isn't a neutral site "Shamrock Series" game in Vegas or Chicago. This is the real deal. In 2026, the Fighting Irish are scheduled to come to Provo. Let that sink in. One of the most iconic brands in sports history playing at the base of the Wasatch Mountains.
The return trip to South Bend happens in 2027. If you are planning a bucket-list road trip, that's the one. But for 2026, the home game against Notre Dame is easily the most anticipated date on the calendar. It’s the kind of game that moves the needle for recruiting and national relevance.
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Navigating the Big 12 TV Windows
Why is it so hard to find out exactly what time the game starts three weeks in advance?
Television. That’s why.
The Big 12’s media deal with ESPN and FOX means they want the best matchups in the best time slots. Usually, we don't know the exact kickoff time for a game until about 12 days before it happens. For example, if BYU is playing Oklahoma State on a Saturday, the network might wait until the prior Monday to decide if it's a 1:30 PM MT kickoff on ABC or an 8:15 PM MT "After Dark" special on ESPN.
It’s annoying for travel planning. We get it.
If BYU is having a winning season, expect more night games. The atmosphere in Provo at night is legendary—the "ROC" student section gets louder, and the mountain backdrop looks better on TV. Conversely, if it’s a matchup against an East Coast team like West Virginia or UCF, don’t be surprised if there’s an early 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM MT kick to accommodate the 10:30 PM ET viewers.
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Essential Tips for Attending BYU Games
If you're actually going to the games, "when" they play is only half the battle. You need to know the logistics.
- Arrive Early: Traffic on University Avenue is a nightmare. If the game is at 8:00 PM, try to be in the vicinity by 5:00 PM.
- Download the App: BYU has moved almost entirely to digital ticketing. Don't be the person at the gate trying to find a signal to download your QR code. Save it to your Apple or Google Wallet beforehand.
- The Weather Factor: September games are scorching. You’ll bake in the East stands. November games? It’s a different world. Bring hand warmers and layers. I’ve seen fans show up in shorts for a night game in late October and look like they were developing hypothermia by the third quarter.
Why the 2026 Season is Different
This isn't the independent era anymore. Every single game has massive implications for the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Last year, BYU proved they belong in the conversation. With Retzlaff or whoever takes the reigns at QB in 2026, the expectation is no longer just "making a bowl." It’s about winning the Big 12.
When you look at when does BYU football play, you aren't just looking for a time—you're looking for the next step in the program's evolution. The matchups against schools like Arizona and Utah are now conference games. They aren't just for bragging rights; they are for a seat at the playoff table.
Actionable Steps for Cougar Fans
To stay ahead of the curve and never miss a snap, follow these specific steps:
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official BYU Cougars website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. This will automatically update your phone with kickoff times as they are announced by the Big 12.
- Monitor the 12-Day Window: Check Twitter (X) or sports news sites on the Monday two weeks prior to a game. That is when the networks typically announce the "six-day hold" or the finalized time slot.
- Secure Travel Early: If you're heading to the Notre Dame game or a road trip to Colorado State, book your hotels now. Prices in Provo and Fort Collins triple the moment the schedule is finalized.
- Check the Big 12 App: The conference often posts tie-breaker scenarios and updated standings that affect bowl eligibility and championship game seeding long before the season ends.
The 2026 season is going to be a rollercoaster. Between the Notre Dame visit and the grind of the Big 12, the Cougars have every opportunity to make another national splash. Keep your Saturdays clear.