KEY TAKEAWAYS
BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier is competing for a starting position.
Bachmeier, originally set to learn behind Jake Retzlaff, now faces competition due to Retzlaff’s legal issues.
Bachmeier’s strong credentials and early high school graduation make him a standout candidate.
PROVO — BYU is engaged in a race against time that, if successful, could lead to the rare situation of starting a freshman quarterback.
Bear Bachmeier has a world of potential, the kind of talent that led to college recruiters salivating to get him. In a strange twist symptomatic of today’s college football, he graduated high school early to attend Stanford in January before transferring to BYU last month.
The original plan called for Bachmeier to learn behind returning starter Jake Retzlaff for one season and then likely start in 2026. But those plans changed following the news of the civil lawsuit against Retzlaff for alleged sexual assault.
As it stands, Retzlaff faces an uphill battle to play for BYU in the upcoming season. In addition to his legal situation, he could face Honor Code issues.
With the quarterback position open, Bachmeier will compete with holdovers McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet, along with incoming freshman Emerson Gielman. Bachmeier, who was expected to start for Stanford, has summer workouts and three weeks of practice in August to win the job.
For what it’s worth, Bachmeier came out of high school with the best credentials compared to any of the quarterbacks on BYU’s roster. He chose Stanford over Oregon, Arkansas and Michigan State, and his offer sheet included Alabama, Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Michigan.
Playing at Murrieta Valley High in California, his profile on 247Sports listed him “as an exciting dual-threat quarterback who can beat a defense with his arm or his legs. At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he’s built like a tank and can take off and run for big yards and does a nice job extending plays.
“He can also beat you from the pocket and is a very competent thrower,” the profile added. “He has a strong arm, quick release and can throw from different arm angles.”
His Stanford decision boiled down to the opportunity to play with his brother, wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier, and head coach Troy Taylor. But the former Utah offensive coordinator was fired on March 25 after consecutive 3-9 seasons and an investigation into alleged bullying of athletic department employees.
Former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who was the No. 1 pick of the 2012 NFL draft, became the program’s general manager in November 2024 and was responsible for firing Taylor. He then hired his former coach with the Indianapolis Colts, Frank Reich, who will coach only for the 2025 season.
After participating in spring practice, Bachmeier and his brother transferred to BYU. Tiger adds depth to the receiver group, which lost Keelan Marion to Miami after BYU’s spring practice.
Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick faces the task of getting Bachmeier ready to play earlier than anticipated.
His overall intelligence could aid Bachmeier in pursuit of the job — an outstanding student in high school who reportedly accumulated 20 credits with an A average during his one semester in college. His brother also comes to BYU having graduated in 2.5 years.
Coach Kalani Sitake and Roderick could decide to extend Bachmeier’s training into the season and wait until playing him. As a freshman, current Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson did not start until the seventh game of the 2018 season.
At the same time, for all his accomplishments, Bachmeier has yet to take a snap in a college game. Hillstead and Bourguet have each played in FBS games before transferring to BYU.
Hillstead, who prepped at Skyridge High in Lehi, started four times for Utah State and appeared in eight games during the 2022 season. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 1,062 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bourget, who played at Salpointe Catholic in Tucson, Arizona, started eight games over two years at Western Michigan. His career statistics include competing 111 of 212 passes for 1,314 yards and six touchdowns.
