Week Three of BYU football’s fall camp is where the grind becomes reality. The initial excitement of reporting day is gone, the basic install of schemes is largely complete, and now the Cougars are in the phase where execution, competition, and refinement must take center stage. As the September 6 season opener against Southern Illinois inches closer, this week is pivotal for head coach Kalani Sitake’s staff to turn raw camp energy into tangible readiness. Here are three objectives BYU must accomplish before week’s end.
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1. Solidify the Quarterback Depth Chart
BYU’s quarterback battle between Bear Bachmeier, McCae Hillstead, and Ryder Burton has been the headline storyline since the first whistle. Week One was about learning the playbook, Week Two was about showing flashes in scrimmages, but Week Three needs to be about separation. The coaching staff can’t afford to enter game week without a clear No. 1 taking the bulk of first-team reps.
This doesn’t necessarily mean naming a starter publicly yet—Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick have often kept that decision in-house until the last moment—but internally, the team must know who will lead the huddle. Quarterback chemistry with receivers, offensive line cadence, and game-management drills all improve dramatically once the reps are concentrated.
Beyond the starter, Week Three should also clarify the pecking order for the backup role. In a conference as physical as the Big 12, having a game-ready QB2 is not optional.
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2. Establish a Clear Offensive Identity
Last year, BYU’s offense struggled with consistency—big plays in one drive, three-and-outs in the next. Roderick’s system works best when the Cougars dictate tempo, mix in run-pass balance, and lean on explosive playmakers. By Week Three, the foundation for that identity should be visible.
This is where the offensive line must take a big step forward. The run game, anchored by Aidan Robbins and LJ Martin, can’t flourish without better push up front. In Week Three’s scrimmages and situational drills, the Cougars need to prove they can control the line of scrimmage against their own deep defensive front.
Additionally, wide receivers like Chase Roberts, Darius Lassiter, and Kody Epps must establish themselves as reliable chain-movers. By the end of this week, BYU’s offensive leaders should have a shared understanding of what “Cougar football” means in 2025—whether that’s a tempo-heavy spread look, a power run foundation, or a hybrid attack.
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3. Sharpen Defensive Communication and Tackling
The defense under Jay Hill was a noticeable improvement last season, but lapses in communication and tackling discipline cost BYU in key moments. Week Three is about turning a good defense into a great one.
Hill’s scheme thrives on disguises and pre-snap movement, but that only works if all 11 players are reading the same cues. This week, the focus must be on full-speed situational work—red zone defense, third-down blitz packages, and two-minute drills—executed with precision.
Tackling fundamentals also need to be locked in now, before the adrenaline of game day leads to missed stops. BYU’s depth at linebacker and secondary means rotations will be frequent, making clear communication between veterans and younger contributors essential.
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Bottom Line
Week Three of fall camp is the bridge between potential and production. If BYU can come out of it with a settled quarterback plan, a clear offensive identity, and a sharp, communicative defense, they’ll be positioned to open the season with confidence—and to navigate the Big 12 grind with far fewer “what if” questions.
