BYU Cougars 2026 College Football Preview, Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

Momentum is building around BYU entering the 2026 college football season after the Cougars recorded at least 11 wins in consecutive years. With quarterback Bear Bachmeier returning alongside several key contributors, expectations are rising for BYU to emerge as a legitimate Big 12 and College Football Playoff contender.

Important matchups against the Arizona Wildcats and Notre Dame Fighting Irish could ultimately shape the Cougars’ postseason path and conference standing.

In this preview, we’ll break down BYU’s national championship odds, Big 12 title odds, Heisman Trophy candidates, and season win totals while evaluating whether the Cougars can build on their recent success in 2026.

2026 College Football Betting Resources

• College Football Game Odds
• College Football Playoffs 
• 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds
• College Football Rosters
• Big 12 Conference Betting Hub

BYU Cougars 2026 College Football National Championship Odds

National Title Odds:

The BYU Cougars are currently +9000 to win the National Championship. Even after winning 11+ games in each of the last two seasons, it’s hard to see the Cougars going all the way. They’d need quarterback Bear Bachmeier to take his game to another level if they’re going to win it all, and I don’t see that happening here.

Bet: No

BYU Cougars 2026 Big 12 Championship Odds

Big 12 Title Odds:

BYU comes in at +600 to win the Big 12, second in odds behind Texas Tech (+100).

There’s definitely some value here, as they went 8-1 in the conference, tied with Texas Tech last season. After the Red Raiders lost quarterback Brendan Sorsby to a gambling scandal, there’s some uncertainty there, creating an opportunity for the Cougars to get it done.

Don’t count out the Houston Cougars, though, as they’re returning several starters on their roster. This team went 6-3 within the conference last year and 10-3 overall. They look like live dogs at this price.

Bet: Yes

BYU Cougars 2026 Win Total Odds

Win Total Odds:

BYU’s win total is listed at 8.5, slightly juiced to the under at -125. This is a surprising number and price when you consider that the Cougars went 12-2 last season. I like the over here.

A major reason is continuity. BYU returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier, along with a strong core of experienced contributors from a team that already proved it could compete at a high level in the Big 12. Stability at quarterback alone gives the Cougars a higher floor than many teams in the conference entering 2026.

The schedule also sets up favorably enough for BYU to reach nine wins. While games against the Arizona Wildcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will be major tests, the Cougars avoid some of the depth concerns facing other Big 12 contenders. If BYU protects home field and splits a few of its tougher matchups, nine wins is a very realistic outcome.

There’s also value in backing a program that has consistently exceeded expectations over the last two seasons. Winning 11-plus games in consecutive years is difficult regardless of conference. BYU has established itself as one of the more stable teams in the Big 12 entering 2026.

Bet: Yes – Over

BYU Cougars 2026 Heisman Contenders, Odds

Bear Bachmeier, QB:

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has the shortest odds to win the Heisman among BYU players. Bachmeier is listed at +6000 to win this award. After a season where Bachmeier put up only 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions in an offense that likes to run the ball, it’s hard to see him doing enough to win this award.

Bet: No

BYU Cougars 2026 College Football Schedule

• Sat., 9/5 – vs. Utah Tech
• Sat., 9/12 – vs. Arizona
• Sat., 9/19 – at Colorado State
• Sat., 10/3 – at TCU
• Sat., 10/10 – vs. Iowa State
• Sat., 10/17 – vs. Notre Dame
• Sat., 10/24 – at UCF
• Sat., 10/31 – vs. Arizona State
• Sat., 11/7 – at Utah
• Sat., 11/14 – vs. Baylor
• Sat., 11/21 – at Kansas
• Sat., 11/28 – vs. Cincinnati