Full Breakdown
BYU Cougars and Baylor Bears: Big 12 Programs Eyeing Championship Breakthroughs
4/8/2026, 4:13:40 PM
BYU Cougars: Aiming for Conference Glory
The BYU Cougars, under head coach Kalani Sitake, have demonstrated strong performance in recent seasons, achieving a record of 23-4 over the past two years. Despite this success, the Cougars have struggled to secure a Big 12 championship and advance deep into the College Football Playoff. In the 2024 season, BYU faced setbacks, losing to the Kansas Jayhawks and the Arizona State Sun Devils, which eliminated them from championship contention. The 2025 season saw them reach the Big 12 championship game but suffer decisive defeats to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in both the regular season and the title match.
Looking ahead, BYU is focused on overcoming these challenges and is considered a strong contender for the upcoming season. Sports analyst Josh Pate highlighted the Cougars as a team capable of winning the conference, emphasizing the importance of Sitake's decision to remain with the program amid rumors linking him to the Penn State coaching vacancy. This stability is seen as crucial for championship-level teams.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who stepped into the starting role as a freshman, is also a focal point for the Cougars. In his debut season, he threw for 3,033 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, showcasing his dual-threat capability. However, his performance in critical games against Texas Tech raised concerns, as he struggled to exceed 200 passing yards in those matchups. If Bachmeier can further develop his skills, the Cougars may finally end their nearly 20-year conference title drought.
Baylor Bears: A Potential Resurgence
The Baylor Bears, once a dominant force in the Big 12, have experienced a decline in performance since their 2021 championship season under head coach Dave Aranda. With a record of 22-28 over the past four seasons, the Bears have only managed one winning season. However, the recent acquisition of former Florida quarterback DJ Lagway from the transfer portal has sparked optimism for the program's future.
Josh Pate noted that Lagway, a five-star recruit and the top quarterback in the 2024 class, could be a game-changer for Baylor. His previous experience at Florida, where he threw for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, suggests potential for growth. Pate speculated on Lagway's ability to thrive under Aranda's leadership, which could elevate Baylor back into contention within the Big 12.
The decision of Lagway to join Baylor, his father's alma mater, could significantly impact both his career and the program's trajectory. In a conference that lacks a clear dominant team, Lagway's development could provide Baylor with a competitive edge as they aim for a resurgence in the coming seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Josh Pate expressed confidence in BYU's potential, stating, "I think Brigham Young would be the one that won it," highlighting the team's readiness to compete for the championship. Regarding Baylor, he remarked on Lagway's potential impact, questioning, "What if DJ Lagway somehow becomes the player that certain people thought that he would be a year ago?"
Criticism & Opposition
While both programs show promise, critics point to the inconsistency in performance, particularly for Baylor, which has struggled to replicate past successes. The pressure on Aranda to deliver results amid declining records raises questions about the program's direction.
What's Next
As the 2026 season approaches, both BYU and Baylor are positioned to make significant strides in the Big 12, with expectations for championship contention and potential playoff appearances. The development of key players like Bachmeier and Lagway will be critical in determining their success.
