BYU’s Defining Win Over Utah Crowned Its Big 12 Rise

Introduction

The Cougars posted a 23‑4 mark over the last two seasons, their best back‑to‑back record since the championship‑winning 1984‑85 squad. Kalani Sitake’s clubs now thrive in the Big 12 and consistently draw national television audiences. As BYU gears up for another title run, the question lingers: which single victory truly legitimized the program as a conference powerhouse?

Defining Victories In The Big 12

• BYU 38, No. 13 Kansas State 9 (Sept. 21, 2024) – The Cougars erupted for 31 unanswered points in a span of roughly six minutes, sending BYU (4‑0) rocketing into the AP Top 25 at No. 22. This blowout marked an early statement that the Big 12 would have to contend with BYU’s offensive firepower.

• BYU 22, Utah 21 (Nov. 9, 2024) – Will Ferrin nailed a 44‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, giving the No. 9 Cougars a dramatic road win in Salt Lake City. The victory capped an 11‑play, 65‑yard drive that featured a crucial defensive holding call, and it left Utah with only two losses on the season.

• BYU 36, No. 23 Colorado 14 (Dec. 26, 2024) – L.J. Martin ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns while the defense shut down Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. The primetime bowl performance attracted an Alamo Bowl record 8 million viewers on ABC, reinforcing BYU’s national profile.

• BYU 33, Arizona 27, 2 OT (Oct. 11, 2025) – Bear Bachmeier provided the overtime heroics, scoring the decisive touchdown in the second extra period to preserve an unbeaten regular season. The gritty finish showcased BYU’s mental toughness against a ranked opponent.

• BYU 24, No. 23 Utah 21 (Oct. 18, 2025) – Martin’s 122‑yard rushing effort complemented Bachmeier’s late scoring run, delivering a third straight victory over the Utes in Provo. This win propelled the Cougars to No. 15 and reinforced their dominance in the rivalry.

• BYU 41, Iowa State 27 (Oct. 25, 2025) – Parker Kingston amassed seven receptions for 133 yards and two scores as BYU overturned a 24‑10 deficit. Faletau Satuala’s fourth‑quarter pick‑six sealed the upset in Ames, propelling BYU to 8‑0 and the top ten.

• BYU 25, No. 22 Georgia Tech 21 (Dec. 27, 2025) – Despite missing key contributors, the Cougars rallied behind Bachmeier’s poise and Evan Johnson’s game‑ending interception in the end zone. The Pop‑Tarts Bowl triumph highlighted BYU’s ability to win without its star back and quarterback.

Expert Perspectives

Deseret News columnist Jay Drew singled out the 2024 clash with Utah as the defining moment. “That game turned out to be huge,” Drew noted on the ‘Y’s Guys’ livestream, adding that Utah lost only to BYU and Texas Tech that season. The primetime victory over Colorado, he said, also mattered because of the national spotlight Deion Sanders’ presence brought to the Buffaloes.

The coach also highlighted the road win at Iowa State as a hallmark of BYU’s identity. “I don’t know if you have ever been to Ames and how difficult it is to win in that stadium,” Drew observed, praising the Cougars’ resilience against a rabid fan base.

Looking Ahead

In the preseason Big 12 poll, BYU sits at No. 2 behind Texas Tech, a reminder that the Cougars must still prove they can beat the Red Raiders. The preseason rankings underscore the conference’s tight race, with Texas Tech’s previous dominance and BYU’s recent surge both influencing the outlook.

1. BYU: “Texas Tech beat them handily both times last year. You can make a case that Bear got hurt in that second game. But until BYU proves — and they won’t get a chance this year unless it’s in the conference championship game — until BYU proves they can beat Texas Tech I have to put them at No. 2.”

2. Utah: “I like (Devon) Dampier. I think he’s a good quarterback. You listen to Morgan Scalley talk, that guy is a motivator. I don’t think there is going to be much of a drop-off at all. I know they have questions with the new offensive coordinator, and they are replacing some key linemen. I really like Wayshawn Parker at running back.”

3. Arizona: “Brent Brennan is a good coach. They have a good quarterback (Noah Fifita) coming back. I think they have some weapons around Fifita.”

4. Houston: “They are on the rise. They have a ton of weapons. I think Willie Fritz is a really good coach.”

Combined, the 16 Big 12 victories over the past two seasons have propelled BYU into the top tier of the conference, challenging Texas Tech for the brand supremacy title. As the Cougars prepare for the upcoming schedule, the legacy of those key wins will guide their pursuit of another championship. The quest for legitimacy continues, and every game from here on out will be measured against the benchmarks set by those historic victories.