BYU opens the 2025 season with a non-conference test, hosting Portland State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday night. The game kicks off at 6 p.m. MT and will be streamed on ESPN+.
BYU in 2024 put together what many called one of the school’s best seasons in the modern era, finishing 11-3 in Kalani Sitake’s second year in the Big 12 after a 2023 campaign that helped establish the program as a consistent contender in the league. The Cougars went 9-0 against Power Five opponents in the 2024 slate, a remarkable improvement that followed the program’s historical peaks in 1984 and 1996. Entering 2025, BYU aims to capitalize on that momentum as they begin their third Big 12 season and look ahead to a stacked conference schedule.
Upcoming schedule and expectations
BYU will also host Stanford and travel to East Carolina before turning the page to Big 12 play. Sitake, in his 10th season as BYU’s head coach, boasts an 8-1 record in season openers, underscoring the program’s readiness to start fast under his leadership. The matchup against Portland State provides a chance for BYU to set the tone for the year and evaluate its depth early in the season.
Game Grader and matchup notes
According to the Game Grader approach used in Pick Six Previews, BYU’s offense in 2024 ranked 29th among 68 Power 4 programs (52nd in rushing, 21st in rushing). The 2025 opponent, Portland State, is an FCS program that enters the game after a 42-0 loss to Tarleton State, which was ranked No. 8 among FCS teams. While FCS teams aren’t included in the core Game Grader, Portland State’s struggles point to a favorable environment for BYU to test its new pieces.
Quarterback situation and offense
The quarterback situation has dominated the offseason chatter after the spring drama surrounding 2024 starter Jake Retzlaff and his dismissal from BYU. The fall camp battle ended with Bear Bachmeier, a four-star true freshman who spent his Winter and Spring on the BYU roster after previously competing for the starting job at Stanford, earning the start for the season opener. Bachmeier becomes BYU’s eighth true-freshman quarterback to start a game, and the first to start a season opener for the program.
The receiver group has undergone changes since spring, with Keelan Marion departing for Miami. Chase Roberts remains a centerpiece, and JoJo Phillips steps into a starting role as BYU looks to reestablish its receiving corps. The line will need to replace three stalwarts from a unit that finished among the national top 40 in run blocking and pass protection in 2024. Left guard Weylin Lapuaho is a steady, third-year starter, while tight coordination from line coach TJ Woods will be crucial as the Cougars integrate new starters along the front.
Portland State’s defense and BYU’s advantage
Portland State struggled in their season opener, unable to mount a threat against Tarleton State and surrendering 42 points. Their offense produced 0 points in that game, and the Vikings rotated three quarterbacks—Gabe Downing, Tyrese Smith, and John-Keawe Sagapolutele—who combined for 169 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. It’s a tall order for a Portland State offense to keep pace with BYU, particularly given BYU’s return of multiple starters on defense.
BYU’s defense is anchored by linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker, who are expected to be among the conference’s best duos. Although the defensive line lost four starters, the Cougars added impact players from other Power Five programs, including Keanu Tanuvasa (Utah) and Justin Kirkland (Oklahoma State). BYU’s staff is optimistic about their ability to control the line of scrimmage and facilitate a clean transition to the new era of the defense.
Prediction and outlook
The game is expected to be a comfortableBYU win, continuing Sitake’s perfect record against FCS opponents, which stands at 9-0 with an average margin of victory around 31 points. The offense should gain early traction against Portland State’s defense, allowing BYU to rotate in fresh personnel and build chemistry for the upcoming Big 12 schedule. Expect BYU to jump out to a multi-score lead, then lean on clock management to protect the lead and provide a glimpse of what the team hopes to accomplish later in the year.
Predicted score: BYU 41, Portland State 10
Why this game matters
– It’s the first test of Bachmeier under the lights in Provo and the first season-opening start for a BYU true freshman quarterback since Zach Wilson in 2018, highlighting the program’s ongoing willingness to trust young talent under pressure.
– It offers an opportunity to evaluate the new-look offensive line and receiving corps as well as the defense’s depth behind a veteran core.
– It provides a chance to build continuity ahead of the Staples of the schedule in the Big 12, with a favorable early-season slate to fine-tune schemes and identify areas for improvement.
Summary
BYU starts 2025 with a home game against Portland State, seeking to maintain momentum from an impressive 2024 run and to build depth for a demanding Big 12 slate. With Bachmeier at quarterback and a defense returning key playmakers, the Cougars are positioned to begin the season with a strong performance and set the tone for a hopeful, positive year in Provo.
Additional notes for readers
– The game will air on ESPN+, with kickoff at 6 p.m. MDT from LaVell Edwards Stadium.
– Look for BYU to leverage its established strengths on defense while continuing to develop its new quarterback and receiving corps in a controlled environment before returning to Big 12 play.
– A successful opener can help BYU enter conference play with confidence as they aim to extend a track record of strong starts under Sitake.