While a lot of their classmates were wrapping up final exams Wednesday morning around campus, BYU football players were working hard in the Indoor Practice Facility as preparations for their appearance in the 36th Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, in 10 days.
Most notably, freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier was out there getting some reps in the 11-on-11 workouts, his sprained left ankle still wrapped in tape. Of course, Bachmeier sustained the injury in the first quarter of BYU's 34-7 loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game 10 days ago.
"Yeah, feeling good, feeling prepared, and the team is looking good," Bachmeier said in a post-practice interview session. "… I have been out here, slowly increasing in the reps (I get), and feeling good."
Asked to put a percentage on his health status, such as 100%, or 90%, Bachmeier repeated that he is "getting there" and left it at that.
The No. 12 Cougars (11-2) take on No. 22 Georgia Tech (9-3) at 1:30 p.m. MST on Dec. 27 at Camping World Stadium, the 25-year home of this bowl game that began in Miami as the Blockbuster Bowl in 1990. It will be BYU's 42nd bowl appearance, which ranks No. 24 all-time among Football Bowl Subdivision teams. Georgia Tech is No. 15 on that list, and will be making its 48th bowl appearance.
Head coach Kalani Sitake confirmed that Bachmeier has been practicing , but has not been "full go" since bowl prep practices began last Thursday.
"We still have a long time to get there, but we'll keep improving," Sitake said. "I like what I've seen from the other quarterbacks, too. So it's a process, but I thought (Bachmeier) had a good practice today."
Bachmeier said looking at these practices as a precursor for spring ball and developmental in nature is good and all, but for the guys who played the most in 2025, they are all about being ready for the Yellow Jackets.
"We're practicing for this game; we just have our minds on this game," he said.
Last week, coordinators Jay Hill and Aaron Roderick said they were not aware of any opt-outs (other than a few backups who had announced plans to enter the transfer portal), and on Wednesday Sitake said the same thing.
"There is still time between now and the game, but they're practicing. I think the biggest issue is, can we get guys healthy and 100% by the time we get to the game? Is there enough practice time to get them ready?" Sitake said. "Right now, I think we're on a good trajectory for that."
Perhaps referring to transfer portal-bound players Dominique McKenzie, LaMason Waller and Jake Griffin , Sitake said the "biggest reason" some BYU players enter the transfer portal is for more playing time elsewhere.
"So we'll just keep working with it, and enjoying the practices and how much progress we've made since our last game," Sitake said.
As junior receiver Parker Kingston , dressed as a Pop-Tart, danced behind him, Sitake said there will be "plenty" of motivation for the Cougars to play well in Orlando, and not just because they want to prove to the College Football Playoff committee that they should have been selected to play in that tournament.
"Like I said before, they love football. It is another opportunity to play," Sitake said. "Obviously, everybody's going for the playoffs, but the truth is, we have an opportunity to play again, and we have an opportunity to practice again. Those bowl practices (last year) were really good in our development for this year, and this year's will be the same thing for next year."
Bachmeier said getting a 12th win is important to the Cougars, who haven't recorded 12 wins in a season since 2001, when Gary Crowton was head coach.
"We just like to have fun and play with our brothers on the field," Bachmeier said of the Cougars' motivation. "I think that's kind of self-explanatory in (and of) itself. We're just motivated to play this game. … We're attacking practice to get that 12th win."
Hired to replace Bronco Mendenhall 10 years ago this week, Sitake reflected Wednesday on his journey to BYU, and how he was mentored by University of Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Whittingham announced last Friday that he was stepping down as the Utes head coach after 21 seasons.
"We can't just keep playing or coaching forever, even though we would like to," Sitake said. "My reaction (to Whittingham's announcement) is just gratitude for everything that he's done. He's helped change the game of football, especially in the state.
"It's amazing, his career, and I just wish him the best in everything," Sitake continued. "And I'm really happy for Morgan (Scalley). Morgan's been head-coach-in-waiting for a while, and this is his opportunity. He'll do great. I've been around him for many years. We worked together for 10 years. It is a really good program, and they're in good hands with Morgan Scalley."
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham talk prior to BYU and Utah playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
