Projecting the Final Score of Every BYU Football Game in 2025
The schedule is set, and so are my way-too-early forecasts for this season’s squad.
BYU football is gaining momentum, and another thrilling season in the Big 12 could be on the horizon.
BYU football is gaining momentum, and another thrilling season in the Big 12 could be on the horizon.
With BYU’s 2025 football schedule officially announced, I suddenly find myself in the mood for some nonsense. Some reckless predictions, if you will. Some bold and improbable guesses about how the Cougars’ season will unfold.
Kalani Sitake is coming off a stunning 11-2 season, capped by a dominant Alamo Bowl victory over Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. Jake Retzlaff flourished with a full year of starting experience, the receiving corps was one of the best Provo has seen in years, and Jay Hill’s defense was stellar throughout the season.
Everything clicked, and many key players will return for another run in 2025. Already, the questions linger in my mind: Can the Cougars replicate last year’s magic? Is BYU football built for long-term success? Or was it all just a fleeting dream?
I can’t answer these definitively—I’m just a block of text on the internet—but I do have a brain that I’ll gladly ignore while predicting the future of BYU football. With my heart leading the way, here’s my way-too-early breakdown of the upcoming season.
Early BYU Football 2025 Predictions
Game 1: Portland State | 49-7 W
I still have flashbacks to BYU’s disastrous 2016 opener against the Vikings, where they nearly suffered their first-ever loss to an FCS opponent. The Cougars survived that day, but in this August matchup, they dominate.
Game 2: Stanford | 34-17 W
Stanford may be an ACC team now, but their football program has collapsed. LaVell Edwards Stadium will be rocking, and while BYU shows some flaws, they control the game from start to finish.
Game 3: @ East Carolina | 41-13 W
More bad memories from BYU’s independent era, particularly a tough road loss to East Carolina. But this is a different BYU team. No more slip-ups against the Pirates—Sitake’s squad is locked in and finishes non-conference play strong.
Game 4: @ Colorado | 28-23 W
Colorado will be out for revenge after the Alamo Bowl blowout, coming out aggressive despite missing Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. BYU withstands the early pressure and grinds out a road win.
Game 5: West Virginia | 38-34 W
The first Big 12 matchup at LES will pack the stadium to its limits. West Virginia is tough and capable of causing chaos, pushing BYU in a high-scoring battle. The Cougars hold on to stay undefeated.
Game 6: @ Arizona | 37-16 W
Arizona’s roster is in shambles after losing star receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Quarterback Noah Fifita’s return won’t be enough to fix a fundamentally weak team. BYU cruises in Tucson.
Game 7: Utah | 22-17 W
BYU rarely plays its best against its red-clad rivals, and this will be no different when Whittingham’s squad visits Provo. This game highlights the diverging paths of both programs, but the Cougars survive a Utah upset bid.
Game 8: @ Iowa State | 24-27 L
The Cougars had to stumble somewhere, and a fall afternoon in Ames is as good a place as any. After starting 7-0, BYU suffers its first setback against a disciplined, well-coached Iowa State team.
Game 9: @ Texas Tech | 33-21 W
A tricky game that could go south if BYU isn’t careful. The Red Raiders start fast in Lubbock, but Hill’s defense tightens up, and the offense finds its rhythm to secure the win.
Game 10: TCU | 27-25 W
TCU has historically dominated BYU, and while the Cougars should have the upper hand on paper, this game won’t be easy. It’s a tight contest, but the home team prevails.
Game 11: @ Cincinnati | 38-20 W
Cincinnati is far from the playoff-caliber team it once was. BYU marches in and leaves with a comfortable victory.
Game 12: UCF | 26-14 W
BYU’s final challenge is against a UCF squad still struggling under Gus Malzahn. The Knights should be improved from last season, but BYU controls the game and finishes strong.
Final Record: 11-1
Am I being too optimistic? Probably. But with so much talent returning from an 11-2 team, it’s hard to bet against BYU. I’m certainly not doubting them this early.