BYU Football Ranked Ahead of Utah in Season-Opening Poll Despite Uncertainty at Quarterback
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, BYU fans have reason to celebrate: the Cougars have been ranked ahead of in-state rival Utah in at least one major preseason poll. The early nod comes as a surprise to many, especially considering BYU enters the season with lingering questions at the quarterback position.
Despite uncertainty under center, the Cougars appear to be earning national respect based on the strength of their returning roster, offseason development, and potential on both sides of the ball. Head coach Kalani Sitake’s squad boasts experience on the offensive line and a defense that showed flashes of toughness late last season. With new talent infused into the program and a more favorable early schedule, BYU is seen by some analysts as a dark horse to make noise in the Big 12.
Meanwhile, Utah, typically a model of consistency under Kyle Whittingham, finds itself slightly behind BYU in this particular ranking—a rarity in recent years. The Utes return a solid core, including playmakers on defense and a strong running game, but injuries and a tough Pac-12 slate may have influenced voters’ perception.
The poll results are sure to intensify the already heated BYU-Utah rivalry, especially with no regular-season matchup currently scheduled. While the Cougars enjoy the early bragging rights, both programs know that preseason rankings mean little compared to results on the field.
For BYU, the challenge now is to validate their ranking while navigating the quarterback situation. Whether a new starter emerges as a game-changer or the team leans on its supporting cast, all eyes will be on how the Cougars perform out of the gate. One thing is certain: the battle for football supremacy in the state of Utah is far from
settled.
