BYU Football Jumps Into Joel Klatt’s Top 10 Rankings

BYU Cougars just cleared another significant milestone in their 2025 season; they’ve broken into Joel Klatt’s top 10 rankings, checking in at No. 10 this week.

This isn’t a quiet nod. Klatt specifically called out BYU’s back‑to‑back quality wins over major Big 12 opponents, and the message was plain: this team isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. BYU keeps stacking results, keeps earning praise, and now even a national voice is handing them that kind of validation.

What’s especially relevant here is how the Cougars got to this spot. They’ve shown up in games with pressure and expectations, and they haven’t folded. Their quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, is a true freshman who’s operating like a veteran, their running game is physical and balanced, and their defense is consistently stacking up plays. Klatt highlighted those traits when placing them in the top 10. He didn’t just mention them in passing. He believes they are “excellent,” calling Bachmeier “terrific,” and said BYU’s brand of football is built the right way under Kalani Sitake.

For BYU and the Big 12, this is more than just a ranking. It’s a signal. When a voice like Klatt puts you in the top 10, it means there’s real respect, not just a polite nod. I’m talking about peer‑level, “we’re seeing you” respect. For a conference that’s often overlooked or discounted in the big narrative, BYU joining this club matters.

Of course, the rankings are fluid, and one week can change everything. It isn’t a title nod or a final four ticket in your hand. It just means the door is open and the spotlight’s on. Now the real work begins. Does BYU continue to rise? Can they keep winning when the games get harder? Can they withstand the weight of elevated expectations?

If you’re a BYU fan, this is a moment to enjoy. If you’re a rival, this is your cue to pay attention. Because the Cougars just got national acknowledgment, and in the high‑stakes world of college football, that’s a good place to be.