BYU’s quarterback race is taking shape as fall camp unfolds, with Bear Bachmeier reportedly leading the way for the Cougars. The 2025 signal-caller — a true freshman who wears No. 47 — is drawing attention as BYU navigates an unsettled depth chart ahead of a Big 12 season that figures to test the program’s new-look attack.
Bear Bachmeier’s path to BYU has been highlighted by his recruitment profile and a spring stop at Stanford before entering the transfer market. He joined BYU along with other newcomers who are in the mix for the starting job, including Western Michigan transfer Treyson Bourguet and Utah State transfer McCae Hillstead. On3’s Pete Nakos has reported Bachmeier is ahead in the competition, giving BYU a potential early impression of a quarterback who could grow into a prominent playmaker this season.
The competition for the starting slot opened up after BYU’s previous starter, Jake Retzlaff, faced off-field troubles. Retzlaff was charged with sexual assault in July, a suit that was ultimately dropped, with BYU suspending him for seven games. Retzlaff denied the allegations and later transferred to Tulane. His departure left BYU with an unsettled quarterback room and a chance for Bachmeier to stake his claim in fall camp.
Among the other contenders, Bourguet and Hillstead were on BYU’s roster last season, adding experienced depth to a room that will be tested as it adapts to a more demanding Big 12 schedule. Bachmeier’s backstory includes a noted football lineage and a preference for a distinctive number. He explained that he initially played running back when younger and kept the number after transitioning to quarterback, a nod to his personal identity as a player.
What makes Bachmeier appealing to BYU observers is not just his reported early edge in fall camp, but the potential he represents in a high-variance quarterback competition. If he can maintain the lead through the preseason, BYU could enter the season with a dynamic, developing passer who might grow into a trusted option as the team navigates a challenging conference slate.
Summary: BYU is in the midst of a quarterback race led by Bear Bachmeier, who is ahead of Bourguet and Hillstead in fall camp, following a series of off-field events that reshaped the depth chart. Bachmeier’s unique background, spring-stint at Stanford, and willingness to wear an unconventional No. 47 add an intriguing storyline to BYU’s 2025 campaign as the team aims to establish stability at the most important position.
Additional commentary and value for readers:
– What to watch in fall camp: consistency in decision-making, accuracy on intermediate throws, and the ability to manage the offense against a variety of defensive looks.
– Impact to BYU’s offense: if Bachmeier can translate spring notes into in-game production, BYU could emphasize a balanced attack, leveraging spread concepts with a mobile quarterback.
– Big picture: this competition adds character and narrative to BYU’s transition into the Big 12, potentially creating a fan-favorite storyline around a young quarterback who could grow into a cornerstone for the program.
Positive note: There’s room for optimism as BYU cultivates its next starting quarterback with a blend of in-house development and fresh talent from the transfer portal. If Bachmeier continues to progress and earns the trust of the coaching staff, BYU could emerge with a compelling, long-term offensive option entering a demanding 2025 schedule.