The expectations for both BYU and Utah football teams will be high this season, thanks to the talent they've assembled following a top-15 season, as well as the reshaped coaching staffs they have assembled.
That is reflected in way-too-early top 25 college football rankings that have come out recently from a trio of national media outlets.
Both the Cougars and Utes finished the 2025 season ranked in the top 15 of the final Associated Press Top 25 rankings.
BYU, which went 12-2 and advanced to the Big 12 championship game for the first time, finished the 2025 season ranked No. 11, while Utah, which went 11-2 and won the Las Vegas Bowl, ended the year at No. 15.
The Cougars were able to retain Kalani Sitake as head coach, and while there's been some offseason movement, including a couple coaches heading to Michigan with now-Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham, BYU is projected to be battling for Big 12 supremacy again.
The Utes, meanwhile, have seen greater turnover this offseason, with Whittingham resigning, then accepting the job at Michigan and taking several assistant coaches and players with him.
First-year head coach Morgan Scalley has been able to retain plenty of talent, none more important than keeping both Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin at quarterback, while building the foundation for his program.
Where do BYU and Utah rank in post-spring top-25 rankings from CBS Sports, USA Today and ESPN?
BYU ranked No. 17
What Brandon Marcello said about the Cougars:"Veteran rosters will always do well in this new era, but the loss of the three top receivers from last season could lead to some growing pains. QB Bear Bachmeier returns after a breakout season. Let's see the Cougars lean more on the tight ends and 12 personnel. The defense saw few changes to the scheme, with Kelly Poppinga now leading the unit."
Utah ranked No. 24
What Brandon Marcello said about the Utes:"The offense will be a work in progress with QB Devon Dampier returning under a new OC. In fact, it's a transition year for the entire program after longtime coach Kyle Whittingham's surprising departure for Michigan. DC Morgan Scalley steps in after serving as the "coach in waiting" and has made some changes, particularly in how the Utes practice. Can he maintain the physical edge in the trenches that defined the Utes under Whittingham?"
Other Big 12 teams ranked: Texas Tech , No. 11
Of note: Marcello dropped the Red Raiders out of his top 10 in light of the news this week that quarterback Brendan Sorsby , a transfer from Cincinnati, will enter rehab for a gambling addiction . That puts his final year of eligibility in serious jeopardy.
That could have an impact on the Big 12 race, though Texas Tech has a favorable early-season schedule and again has a top-10 class coming in from the transfer portal.
BYU ranked No. 14
What Erick Smith and Paul Myerberg said about the Cougars:"The Cougars' biggest offseason move was one that never happened at all: Kalani Sitake rebuffed Penn State 's interest and recommitted to BYU with a long-term contract. BYU also misses Texas Tech and gets both Arizona schools at home, though there are road trips to Utah and TCU along with a non-conference matchup with Notre Dame.
"Look for the Cougars to bully teams on offense behind Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin . Defensively, there's a new coordinator but plenty of returning experience along with plug-and-play additions such as former California linebacker Cade Uluave."
Utah ranked No. 19
What Erick Smith and Paul Myerberg said about the Utes:"There's enough of a foundation still in place after Whittingham's departure to keep Utah in the mix in the Big 12 and for a playoff berth under new coach Morgan Scalley. The Utes will lean on offensive holdovers such as quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker while adjusting the scheme under new coordinator Kevin McGiven.
"The offense also looks very good at wide receiver after a strong showing this spring from transfers such as former San Jose State starter Kyri Shoels. The program has an extended track record of success on defense but is in the process of another overhaul of its front four after losing a huge chunk of last season's rotation. Keep tabs on sophomore linemen Karson Kaufusi and Pupu Sepulona."
Other Big 12 teams ranked:Texas Tech, No. 15; Houston, No. 23
Of note: While Smith and Myerberg acknowledge Texas Tech is likely still the Big 12 favorite, the Sorsby news dropped it eight spots in the latest version of USA Today's way-too-early top 25 and one spot behind BYU.
Houston also slides into the top 25 in this ranking — the Cougars are coming off a 10-3 season and are a program with an upward trajectory under third-year head coach Willie Fritz.
BYU ranked No. 12
What Mark Schlabach said about the Cougars:"The Cougars won 11 games or more for the second straight season. Their biggest victory might have been locking up coach Kalani Sitake, who turned down Penn State to remain at his alma mater. The Cougars have a good core of star players — quarterback Bear Bachmeier and tailback LJ Martin lead the way on offense.
"(Walker) Lyons and former Oregon tight end Roger Saleapaga looked ready to help in the spring, along with speedy freshman receiver Legend Glasker. Parker Kingston , the team's leading receiver in 2025, is no longer with the team after he was arrested in February on felony rape charges. Kelly Poppinga was promoted to defensive coordinator after Jay Hill left for Michigan."
Utah ranked No. 18
What Mark Schlabach said about the Utes:"New Utah coach Morgan Scalley was able to persuade quarterback Devon Dampier to run it back after he had 3,325 yards of offense and 34 touchdowns in 2025. Leading rusher Wayshawn Parker also will return. Now, the bad news: Along with losing bookend offensive tackles Fano and Lomu, the Utes lost a boatload of assistants and players who followed former coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan.
"(John Henry) Daley, who had 11.5 sacks in 2025, is a big loss on defense, as are (Smith) Snowden and (Jonah) Lea'ea. Scalley hired Utah State's Kevin McGiven as offensive coordinator, and linebackers coach Colton Swan was promoted to take charge of the defense."
Other Big 12 teams ranked:Texas Tech, No. 8; TCU, No. 23; Houston, No. 24
Of note: Unlike the CBS Sports and USA Today top rankings, which both came out Wednesday, ESPN's rankings were released mid-month and don't reflect the Sorsby news.
ESPN, though, does have the most Big 12 teams in the top 25, with TCU and Houston taking two of the final three spots in the poll.
Like so many other teams, there have been big changes for the Horned Frogs this offseason, but after a 9-4 campaign last season, they could be in the mix for the Big 12 crown as well.
BYU running back LJ Martin (4) splits Utah safety Tao Johnson (5) and Utah safety Jackson Bennee (23) during a run as BYU and Utah play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
