Provo, Utah — Bear Bachmeier’s move from Stanford to BYU was driven by the school’s strong reputation in developing quarterbacks. This decision has mutually benefitted both Bachmeier and the Cougars, now ranked No. 8. Heading into Saturday’s confrontation with Notre Dame, who is ranked No. 2, Bachmeier boasts an impressive record. He threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns while running for 109 yards against Iowa State, leading BYU to a 24-10 victory. Bachmeier joined an exclusive group as one of only four quarterbacks from the Big 12 to pass for at least 325 yards and rush for over 100 yards in one game without being sacked.
In his 19 games with the Cougars, Bachmeier has topped 200 passing yards on nine occasions, with four games surpassing the 300-yard mark. So far this season, he has accumulated 1,033 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception. BYU coach Kalani Sitake praised Bachmeier’s work ethic and rapid growth within the team’s scheme. “Bear has a great work ethic,” Sitake said. “I haven’t met anyone else that grows that quickly and matures that quickly, even within the scheme.”
Bachmeier reflects the success lineage of quarterbacks under offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. Previous quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall, and Jake Retzlaff, have contributed significantly to BYU’s standing as a Top 25 program. Roderick has a talent for enhancing each quarterback’s strengths. He quickly integrated Bachmeier into the playbook, adapting the offense to showcase the quarterback’s skills.
Bachmeier appreciates Roderick’s contribution: “He gives me so much confidence and allows me to go out and play free and play my game.” Roderick recognized Bachmeier’s ability from the outset, allowing him to implement plays more complex than usually expected from a true freshman. “We were doing things last year that I normally would have done with a third-year starter. Now this year we’re doing stuff with him that I’ve never done with any quarterback before,” Roderick said.
Bachmeier’s achievements echo the foundation laid by former head coach LaVell Edwards, who established BYU’s reputation as a quarterback powerhouse. Notable names from this lineage include College Football Hall of Famers like Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young, along with Ty Detmer and current Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.
Bachmeier speaks of this legacy with respect: “A big quarterback lineage. Just honored to be a part of that.” BYU dominated the Western Athletic Conference in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s with an impressive passing game under Edwards, even securing a national championship in 1984. This heritage aids Sitake and Roderick in recruiting elite quarterbacks.
“BYU has always been a destination spot for quarterbacks,” Roderick stated. “Quarterbacks want to play here and that’s part of it. Our coaching staff has done a good job of putting together an offense that allows quarterbacks to thrive.”
As Bachmeier prepares to face Notre Dame, he brings both size and skill to the field. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Bachmeier’s approach combines running and passing. DJ McKinney, a cornerback for Notre Dame, previously faced Bachmeier while at Colorado. He recognizes the challenges Bachmeier presents. “He’s a big dude,” McKinney said. “This will be my second time playing him. The first time, I got a feel of how his playing style is. He really likes to run the ball and then take shots.”
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier runs for a first down as Iowa State safety Brody Miller (24) attempts a tackle during the second half on October 9, 2026, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate).
AP’s Mike Marot contributed to this article.
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