BYU Cougars Tackle One of the Toughest Big 12 Schedules This Season

BYU Cougars launch their 2026 campaign with a daunting road ahead, as the team’s schedule pits them against multiple top‑eight Big 12 opponents and a marquee non‑conference clash with Notre Dame. The Cougars open the season on September 6 against Utah Tech Trailblazers, a game that could set the tone for the grueling months to follow.

How tough is BYU’s Big 12 schedule?

The Cougars’ conference slate features four of the league’s projected top‑eight teams, including powerhouses Utah and TCU on the road. Analysts at On3 placed BYU tied for fifth overall in the conference’s toughest schedules, alongside Oklahoma State. The non‑conference portion adds a home game versus the Fighting Irish, a program expected to break into the preseason top 5. Together, these matchups create a gauntlet that few teams in the nation will face.

Why does the Notre Dame game matter for BYU?

Hosting Notre Dame in Provo offers BYU a rare chance to test itself against a perennial national contender without leaving campus. The Irish are locked in as a preseason Top 10 team and could climb even higher as the season unfolds. A strong performance, win or loss, will influence recruiting narratives and the Cougars’ positioning for a potential Big 12 title run. Fans and scouts alike will watch how quarterback Jaren Hall handles the pressure.

What challenges do the early non‑conference games present?

Before diving into conference play, BYU must travel to face former WAC rival Colorado State and host the in‑state FCS opponent Utah Tech. The Colorado State trip is an oddball road game, but the Rams are projected to finish near the bottom of the Pac‑12, suggesting BYU should handle it comfortably. The Utah Tech matchup, while expected to be a win, still tests depth and preparation ahead of tougher contests.

What’s next after the opening week?

Following the Utah Tech opener, the Cougars travel to Arizona in Week 2, a game that often flies under the radar but can serve as an early barometer of the team’s resilience. Success there could build momentum before the conference gauntlet begins. With the schedule stacked against them, every week will feel like a playoff round, and BYU’s ability to stay healthy and execute will determine if they can contend for the Big 12 crown.