░U░N░D░E░R░D░O░G░ ░S░T░A░T░U░S░ ░F░O░R░ ░T░H░E░ ░C░O░U░G░A░R░S░?░
𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑵’𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑩𝒀𝑼 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑨𝒕 𝑵𝒐. 43 — 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚’𝒓𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑰𝒕.
PROVO, UTAH —
The mountain air may be crisp in Provo, but the mood around LaVell Edwards Stadium is anything but cool.
In ESPN’s latest Preseason College Football Top 100 Rankings, BYU Football landed at No. 43, firmly behind a swath of teams with losing records last season and rosters in full rebuild mode. For Cougar Nation, a fan base known for its passion, tradition, and unwavering loyalty, this felt like more than just a snub — it was a shot across the bow.
Head Coach Kalani Sitake, entering his 9th season at the helm, didn’t mince words when asked about the ranking at Tuesday’s media availability.
> “Let them rank us where they want,” Sitake said with his trademark composure. “They don’t get to write the ending.”
📉 Why the Drop?
Analysts at ESPN cited several factors for BYU’s placement:
A 4–8 record in 2024, their first year navigating the Big 12 gauntlet
Uncertainty at quarterback following the departure of Kedon Slovis
Defensive inconsistencies under new coordinator Kelly Poppinga
Recruiting classes ranked outside the national Top 40 for the past two years
But for many, those reasons don’t justify being slotted behind teams like Arizona State (No. 37) and Northwestern (No. 41) — programs that have dealt with coaching overhauls, scandals, or significant roster turnover.
🧠 Inside the Cougar Camp
While the media sees an unproven team, BYU insiders see something different — a hardened, motivated group of returning veterans and rising stars.
Sophomore QB Ryker Bastian, who dazzled in spring camp, has drawn comparisons to a young Zach Wilson. The offensive line, anchored by future NFL prospect Kingsley Suamataia, could be one of the deepest in the Big 12. And the defense? Rebuilt, refocused, and already flying to the ball in practice.
> “We know what people are saying,” said linebacker Ben Bywater, back from injury and fully healthy. “We’re going to use it.”
🏈 The Schedule Is Brutal… but Built for Statements
BYU’s 2025 schedule is not for the faint of heart. They’ll open against Arkansas, travel to UCF, and host back-to-back clashes with Oklahoma State and Utah — the newly revived Holy War now under the Big 12 spotlight.
There are at least five ranked opponents on the slate.
“We wouldn’t want it any other way,” said offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. “You don’t get respect by asking for it — you take it.”
📈 A Program with Something to Prove
It’s been 40+ years since BYU’s 1984 National Championship, and while that banner still flies proudly in Provo, recent years have been about writing a new legacy — one that doesn’t rely on past glory, but present grit.
The Cougars made waves in 2020 with an 11–1 record and a dominant showing in the Boca Raton Bowl. That team was fearless, fast, and fun. This year’s squad? They’re trying to recapture that magic — with even more to prove.
ESPN’s ranking may have intended to be analytical, but for BYU’s locker room, it’s become bulletin board fuel.
💬 Cougar Nation Reacts
Fans didn’t stay silent. Twitter/X exploded following the rankings:
> 🗣️ “BYU at 43? Somebody at ESPN hasn’t watched a down of Big 12 football.”
— @CougarFaithful23
> 🗣️ “Keep sleeping. Come November, we’ll be in the Top 15.”
— @RiseAndShout81
> 🗣️ “Just like ‘84… they’ll laugh until they’re not.”
— @ProvoLegacy
🔮 Final Thought: Underdogs or Sleeping Giants?
There’s something dangerous about a proud program with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
BYU may have been ranked No. 43, but if history has taught us anything — from the Jim McMahon Hail Marys to Ty Detmer’s Heisman run — it’s that the Cougars have never needed national permission to rise.
November in Provo may just look a whole lot different than August in Bristol.
📌 Stay tuned as the Cougars look to defy the odds, rewrite their narrative, and climb their way back into the national spotlight — one game at a time.
