In his August 4, 2025 column, veteran Salt Lake Tribune columnist Gordon Monson explores the quarterback competition at BYU, weighing the merits of Bear Bachmeier versus McCae Hillstead—while also acknowledging Treyson Bourguet remains in the mix. Monson frames the contest as a battle between ceiling and readiness, strongly favoring the former: give the quarterback with the highest potential the best chance to rise to the occasion.
Monson leans into the wisdom of BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill, who emphasized the concept of “ceiling”—the untapped, upward potential a player possesses—and the coach’s responsibility was to “get him there.” Therefore, the quarterback with the loftiest ceiling should receive maximum development opportunity .
That quarterback, according to Monson, is Bear Bachmeier. The freshman stands out at 6-2 and 225 pounds, combining size, a powerful arm (“howitzer”), athleticism, and a sharp football IQ. Bachmeier is already familiar with the offense, and coaches believe he just needs time and reps to gel with his teammates .
Monson takes aim at the common cautious approach—rotating reps evenly among all candidates in the name of fairness. He argues that such egalitarianism can backfire. Rather than diluting the developmental process, coaches should “feed the beast” and concentrate with urgency on the player most likely to excel. Stretching resources thin, he suggests, slows progress and delays clarity on who is truly the best option .
Meanwhile, McCae Hillstead brings valuable experience to the table and has the trust of some coaches. Though shorter in stature (5-foot-9), he offers quick feet, intelligence, and leadership that shouldn’t be underestimated. Advocates counter that precision, agility, and on-field savvy can sometimes outweigh physical traits .
Yet, through Monson’s eyes, Hillstead’s advantages don’t eclipse what Bachmeier could become. This is not to say Hillstead can’t succeed; Monson simply believes that maximizing the future upside should be the priority.
Crucially, Monson underscores that players themselves—particularly BYU’s receivers—are observant and discerning evaluators of quarterback talent. Their preferences and comfort levels with each QB should weigh into the decision-making process. If players favor one quarterback’s skillset and leadership, that matters. It’s perhaps less about optics and more about who gives teammates the confidence to compete and execute .
Monson closes with a familiar—but poignant—football adage: “If you’ve got three quarterbacks, you’ve got none.” In his view, BYU needs to stop treating the competition like an abstract exercise and instead rally behind the player most likely to unlock the team’s potential.
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So in essence, Monson urges the Cougars to prioritize ceiling over immediate polish—lean into Bachmeier’s attributes, pour reps into his development, and trust that with preparation, he’s the one who can elevate BYU’s performance.
