BYU and Utah On the Brink: One Spot Away from Preseason Glory!
Texas tops the AP preseason poll, while BYU and Utah are just outside the top 25 amid team changes for 2025.
BYU and Utah On the Brink: One Spot Away from Preseason Glory!
As college football season approaches, the excitement builds among fans, yet this year, the anticipation takes on a unique twist for two teams in Utah. The Associated Press recently released its preseason poll, sparking conversations among sport enthusiasts about where their favorite teams stand. This time, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars and the University of Utah are just shy of a ranking that many thought they’d easily grab.
According to Fox 13, Texas is holding the number one spot in the AP poll, marking a historic high for the Longhorns. BYU and Utah find themselves in the „Others receiving votes“ section, with BYU on the cusp at 156 points, just one slot outside the top 25, followed closely by Utah with 144 points. These results place them 26th and 27th, respectively, leaving fans wondering how their teams might climb into the coveted rankings.
Shifting Dynamics in the BYU Locker Room
This season, BYU is confronting some adversity that may have affected their preseason positioning. The departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who left for Tulane after violating the school’s honor code, has left a notable gap in the lineup. Even had Retzlaff remained, he would likely have faced a suspension for several games, which might have impacted his performance on the field. As Sports Illustrated reports, the absence of a seasoned quarterback raises questions about the Cougars‘ stability moving forward.
Despite this setback, optimism remains in the fanbase. A strong start this season, ideally at 2-0, could bolster BYU’s chances of breaking into the rankings by mid-September. This will be crucial as they prepare for important matchups against teams like Iowa State and Texas Tech on the road.
Utah’s Position and Future Prospects
The Utes, under the guidance of head coach Kyle Whittingham, are also in a position where confidence in their leadership remains high post a challenging season. Heading into 2025, fans are keen to see how new offensive coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback Devon Dampier, who previously played under Beck at New Mexico, will perform. Whittingham’s experience and adaptability could be key factors in getting the Utes back on track.
Furthermore, both team’s ranks could gain value, especially with a potential rivalry game brewing in October. If BYU and Utah manage to secure solid early records, this matchup could feature ranked teams, adding an additional layer of excitement to an already thrilling season.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
This season, four Big 12 teams are positioned within the top ranks, including Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Texas Tech—certainly no easy competition ahead. With expectations high and dreams of returning to the top of the rankings, BYU finished last season impressively, ranked 13th in the AP poll with an 11-2 record. That was BYU’s best finish since 2020 and the second-best under coach Kalani Sitake. Fans had hoped to see the same momentum carry into the 2025 season, despite Retzlaff’s departure.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, both BYU and Utah have something to prove. What will it take for them to ascend from the shadows of the rankings? One thing is clear: the excitement of college football in Utah is palpable, making for an intriguing season ahead.
In the world of college sports, there’s always something brewing, and with the talent on both squads, how could fans not be hopeful? For every touchdown, tackle, and team huddle, the journey promises to be entertaining.