The 2025 BYU vs. Utah football game, set for October 18 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, promises to be a defining moment in the storied “Holy War” rivalry. As both teams enter their second year in the Big 12 Conference, the matchup carries heightened stakes, with potential conference title implications and intense fan anticipation following BYU’s dramatic 22-21 victory in 2024. This early-season clash, breaking from the traditional late-November slot, adds a fresh dynamic to a rivalry steeped in history, passion, and cultural significance.
BYU, coming off an 11-2 season in 2024, enters 2025 with high expectations, ranked No. 10 in ESPN’s post-spring Top 25. The Cougars boast a potent defense, bolstered by transfers like Utah’s Keanu Tanuvasa and Oklahoma State’s Justin Kirkland, alongside returning secondary star Evan Johnson. However, uncertainty surrounds the quarterback position, with Jake Retzlaff’s ongoing civil lawsuit raising questions about his status. Retzlaff’s 2,947 passing yards and dual-threat ability (417 rushing yards) were key to BYU’s success, but backups McCae Hillstead and Bear Bachmeier may need to step up. The Cougars’ schedule, including tough road games at Colorado and Iowa State, makes the Utah game a critical early test.
Utah, meanwhile, aims to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign, where they finished with a 4-8 record and fell to BYU for the first time in nine meetings. The Utes face a challenging 2025 schedule, ranked 55th in difficulty by ESPN’s Bill Connelly, with games against UCLA, Texas Tech, and Arizona State before facing BYU. Utah’s offense hinges on quarterback play, with uncertainty over who will start. Defensively, the Utes rely on veterans like Van Fillinger to disrupt BYU’s attack. The emotional weight of the rivalry, coupled with the October timing, could test Utah’s resilience, especially with Colorado looming the following week. A split in this rivalry stretch is likely, but Utah will be hungry for redemption.
The October 18 date, a departure from the rivalry’s traditional November slot, has sparked debate among fans. Historically played in late fall, the game’s mid-season placement as BYU’s homecoming could favor warmer weather and a prime TV slot, potentially drawing a larger national audience. However, some lament the loss of its season-ending drama. The 2024 game, a 2.2-million-viewer thriller decided by a last-second field goal, proved the rivalry’s enduring appeal. This year’s matchup, with both teams eyeing Big 12 contention, could deliver similar fireworks.
The “Holy War” transcends football, rooted in cultural and religious contrasts between BYU, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the secular University of Utah. With BYU holding a 2-0 edge since 2020, Utah fans are eager to reclaim bragging rights, while Cougars fans predict another victory, with some boldly forecasting a 27-16 scoreline. Regardless of the outcome, this clash will shape narratives for both programs, fueling debates across Utah and beyond. Expect a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium, electric atmosphere, and a game that, win or lose, will resonate for years.
