Full Breakdown
BYU Defeats Iowa State 24-10 in Homecoming Clash
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Summary
On October 9, 2026, No. 8 BYU hosted the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for a career-best 109 yards, leading the Cougars to a 24-10 victory. The Cyclones were limited to 200 total yards and ten points, their fewest offensive yards allowed since 2018.
Background & Context
Entering the game, BYU was 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12, starting a third consecutive unbeaten season. The Cougars were without star running back LJ Martin, sidelined with a lower-leg injury. Iowa State, 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play, was seeking its first win against a top-ten opponent under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers. The two programs had met six times previously, with BYU trailing the series 2-5 before this win.
Data & Statistics
- Total offense: BYU 506 yards (329 passing, 177 rushing) vs. Iowa State 200 yards.
- Scoring: BYU 24 points (passing TDs to Kyler Kasper and Legend Glasker, rushing TD by Journee Tonga); Iowa State 10 points (field goal and a 1-yard TD pass from Jaylen Raynor to Christian Greenlaw).
- Defensive highlights: BYU recorded three sacks and ten tackles for loss; Iowa State held BYU to 0.5 yards per play in the second quarter.
- Individual notes: Bachmeier became the first BYU quarterback since Taysom Hill to post 300+ passing yards and 100+ rushing yards in a game; Glasker logged five receptions for 99 yards and a 75-yard TD.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kalani Sitake praised the defense, saying the unit “responded the right way.” Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers called the loss “lopsided,” noting mistakes in running, pass defense and execution, and cited a headset failure that hampered in-game adjustments.
Criticism & Opposition
Rogers criticized BYU’s defensive scheme, asserting “they were doing everything we saw on film, we just weren’t executing what we were trying to do.” The headset malfunction forced coordinators to the sideline, disrupting Iowa State’s adjustments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I like to be aggressive, but I like to see those turn into points,” — Kalani Sitake, BYU coach
- “They never made it feel like something was wrong,” — Bear Bachmeier
- “We just didn’t really have a sense of urgency,” — Jaylen Raynor
- “I’m kind of at a loss of words because I felt like we were going to come into (Provo) and be competitive in so many ways, and we really weren’t in so many ways,” — Jimmy Rogers
Why It Matters
The win kept BYU atop the Big 12 and set up a high-profile home matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame. The performance showed BYU’s ability to adapt without LJ Martin, relying on Bachmeier’s dual-threat skill set and a productive tight-end group. For Iowa State, the loss highlighted deficiencies on both sides of the ball and the need for adjustments before their next game at Arizona.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No major statistical conflicts were identified, and detailed injury reports for Iowa State beyond Aiden Flora’s early-game injury were limited.
What’s Next
BYU will host Notre Dame in a primetime showdown that could impact national playoff considerations. Iowa State’s next contest is an away game at Arizona later this month. Both programs will look to address the issues highlighted in this game as the season progresses.
