
Ole Miss Upsets LSU, BYU Breaks into AP Top 10
BYU cracks the AP Top 10 while Ole Miss issues a statement with a 32–24 win over LSU, a move that could shake the rankings, as noted by KSL sports director Josh Furlong, who is an AP Top 25 voter.
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BYU cracks the AP Top 10 while Ole Miss issues a statement with a 32–24 win over LSU, a move that could shake the rankings, as noted by KSL sports director Josh Furlong, who is an AP Top 25 voter.

BYU is ranked No. 1 in Eye on the Y's Big 12 power rankings after a win over Arizona, but starting linebacker Siale Esera is likely out against Colorado State amid other injuries (Raider Damuni out for a month, Sione Moa out for the season). The ranking lists Utah, Texas Tech, and Houston behind BYU, with the rest of the conference following; BYU sits at No. 11 in the AP Top 25 as context.

BYU opens the 2026 season at home against FCS Utah Tech (6:00 p.m. MT, ESPN+) and the preview centers on six questions: can Bear Bachmeier connect with a revamped receiving corps (Kasper, Phillips, Lyons, Glasker) and replace those targets; how much LJ Martin will play as he chases BYU’s all-time rushing record; what Utah Tech looks like under Lance Anderson after a 54–0 loss to Montana State; how much of BYU’s playbook will stay vanilla vs an FCS foe; and which backups (Bourguet, Pula, Nacua) could shine. Prediction: BYU 59, Utah Tech 30.

ESPN released its top 100 NFL players for the 2026 season, featuring BYU alums Puka Nacua and Fred Warner among the league's best: Warner sits at No. 20 as the top linebacker, and Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions last season; the two will meet in Melbourne during the 2026 NFL International Series.

Sports columnist argues the Big 12’s path to strength in 2026 hinges on aligning with either BYU or Utah — but not both — highlighting implications for competitive balance and market appeal amid conference realignment.

BYU’s Week 3 Fall Camp stressed Bear Bachmeier’s growing ability to extend plays, a rising BYU pass rush led by Tausili Akana, and a developing wide receiver rotation anchored by Jojo Phillips, Kyler Kasper, Legend Glasker, and Reggie Frischknecht. True freshmen Glasker, Braxton Lindsey and Kennan Pula are already making impact inklings, with Cannon DeVries at nickel, Po’uha and Purcell steering the D-line, Matthias Dunn winning kicking duties, and Preston Rex emerging as a versatile, productive back. This suggests BYU could be more explosive on offense and disruptive on defense in 2026.

Day 15 of BYU fall camp featured a defense-led two-minute drill with Tausili Akana’s sack and Raider Damuni’s interception, while true freshman Terrance Saryon stood out at receiver, catching a deep ball and finishing practice with a TD from Bourguet. The WR rotation appears set with Phillips, Kasper, Glasker, and Frischknecht leading the way. Freshmen Braxton Lindsey and Kennan Pula continued earning defensive reps; Faletau Satuala returned to practice on the sidelines; backups Kevin Doe and Matthias Leach flashed in coverage, and BYU wore royal helmets during the session as they prep for the season opener.

Day 11 at BYU Fall Camp featured Bear Bachmeier leading methodical drives, connecting with Kyler Kasper and Reggie Frischknecht for a score, while true freshmen like Legend Glasker and Asher Young contributed. Journee Tonga flashed on a screen play, Cannon DeVries intercepted Bachmeier and drew first-team reps, and linebackers like Jake Clifton continued to impress. OL rotations included Zak Yamauchi at right guard and Trevor Pay at center. Special teams showed promise with Matthias Dunn drilling a long field goal and DeVries handling punt returns, signaling BYU is building depth and playmaking ahead of scrimmages.

Cosmo the Cougar from BYU was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in the 2026 class, becoming only the second Utah mascot to join the Hall (Jazz Bear was the first in 2006). The selection, determined by a combination of public votes and executive ballots, honors Cosmo’s gravity-defying acrobatics and viral halftime routines, including a 2017 dance with the Cougarettes that has millions of views. He joins Cocky (South Carolina), Gold Gopher (Minnesota), Miles (Denver Broncos), and Mrs. Met (New York Mets) in the 2026 class, underscoring the Hall’s claim that mascots are global ambassadors of happiness.

BYU opened 2026 Fall Camp with Kalani Sitake highlighting a faster, more advanced team than last year, with Bear Bachmeier back at quarterback and LJ Martin ready to lead the offense. Sitake said roster spots are limited despite new players, while defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga earns praise for his work ethic. The program is counting on young receivers like Legend Glasker to contribute early as depth at wideout remains a focus.

BYU’s bid to add center Jaxon Kohler is off after a judge clarified that the new five-in-five rule grants an extra year of eligibility but does not automatically widen transfer rights, meaning Kohler cannot join the Cougars for a fifth year; the ruling could still allow a return by BYU graduate center Keba Keita, while Richie Saunders remains unlikely to rejoin BYU due to his NBA path and injury status, leaving BYU to pursue other, potentially unconventional center options.

BYU researchers are aiding NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan by studying Earth's dune landscapes—Namibia and Alaska—as analogs to Titan's terrain, helping NASA interpret landing areas and surface data while giving BYU students hands-on experience on a 2028-launched mission.

Wizards No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa will miss the rest of the 2026 NBA Summer League after two strong showings (27 points in his debut vs Utah and 23 points vs Sacramento, plus seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals with two blocks). Will Riley and Tre Johnson were also shut down for the final games. Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points per game for BYU, drew attention from spectators including Trae Young; Washington will finish Summer League vs the Bulls and Clippers before a fall rotation featuring Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, and veterans Young and Anthony Davis aims to push the team toward the playoffs.

ESPN FPI’s preseason projections place BYU at No. 20 with an 8.5-3.5 expected record, predicting the Cougars will be favored in 11 of 12 games and only underdog against Notre Dame. BYU sits second in the Big 12 title odds behind Texas Tech (16.5%), with a playoff shot of about 25.7%, and a path to a potential College Football Playoff contingent on a strong season.

Big 12 coaches select BYU to win the conference in On3's preseason poll, with Kalani Sitake addressing media during Big 12 Football Media Days.