Stanford Transfer Sparks Unexpected QB Showdown at BYU: Who Will Rise?

As the 2025-26 college football season looms just beyond the horizon, BYU’s quarterback race is heating up in a way that’s got me genuinely intrigued. I mean, how often do you see a true freshman — yes, true freshman — who’s a transfer from Stanford, not only show up and shake things up but actually become the frontrunner for the starting job? Bear Bachmeier’s story is one for the books: originally a Cardinal commit, then a transfer portal surprise, and now potentially the man calling the shots for the Cougars. And here’s the kicker — if Bear gets the nod, he’ll be throwing to none other than his brother, Tiger Bachmeier, making this sibling duo one of the more compelling storylines in college football right now. The irony? BYU faces Stanford in Week 2. Talk about jumping into the fire! With notable clashes against the likes of Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and others, BYU’s season is shaping up to be a rollercoaster. So, can Bear turn this quarterback battle in his favor and lead the Cougars to new heights? Stay tuned — the official verdict is just around the bend. LEARN MORE.

With the 2025-26 season approaching, the BYU Cougars are in the midst of ironing out their roster. All eyes are on the quarterback position, and it sounds like the program has a standout candidate for the starting role.

Reports indicate that Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier is turning heads in BYU’s preseason, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. So much so that it sounds like he is the favorite to win the starting job under head coach Kalani Sitake.

“NEW: Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier is trending to become BYU’s starting quarterback, Pete Nakos reports.”

Bachmeier, who is an incoming freshman, originally committed to Stanford as part of the 2025 class. However, after the Cardinal spring practice, Bachmeier entered the transfer portal. The rest is history, as he ultimately chose BYU as his preferred school. Despite being a transfer, he is also technically a true freshman.

Bear Bachmeier is in direct competition with McCae Hillstead for the starting quarterback job at BYU. If Bachmeier wins the starting role, which all signs point to being the case, then he will have the privilege of throwing the ball to his brother, Tiger Bachmeier, who plays wide receiver for the Cougars. Bear and Tiger both transferred from Stanford to play for BYU this offseason.

Ironically enough, BYU is set to take on Stanford in Week 2 of the college football season. Some other notable matchups on the Cougars’ schedule include Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Iowa State, and Texas Tech.

However, the program will begin the 2025-26 campaign with a Week 1 matchup against Portland State. That should be a good tune-up game for BYU and serve as a pseudo-preseason game for the Cougars. But the team likely won’t overlook their opponent, as getting upset early on in the season isn’t a great look for any school.

Keep an eye out for more updates regarding BYU’s quarterback competition. The program will likely announce the official starter in the coming weeks.

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