Bear Bachmeier was a true leader for the BYU offense in the 2025 season. He is now expected to lead the Cougars to another strong 2026 season, with teammates like offensive lineman Andrew Gentry fully confident in his abilities.
Why Andrew Gentry Has High Praise for Bear Bachmeier
Gentry shared his thoughts on Bachmeier’s growth and performance during spring practices.
“Just commands the huddle now, not to say that he didn’t do that last year, because for a true freshman,” Gentry said. “He did a phenomenal job of that, but I think now, when you started a full 14 games, you got 14 games under your belt. You come in and there’s just instant respect in the huddle. And so he takes that, and there’s instant respect for him, but then also, to him, just he’s mastered the offense now.
“He knows where guys are; it just seems like everything’s happening a little bit quicker, and even that split second in college football makes a huge difference. So seeing him the way that he’s able to make reads, throw the ball, get it out quick. Just put it on the money every single time, too. It’s been really fun to watch.”
Bachmeier’s command of the offense was a consistent theme throughout spring camp, with defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga even saying that Bachmeier was testing their ability to disguise coverages. The 2026 BYU offense looks extremely promising, as Bachmeier will have a strong supporting cast, including running back LJ Martin and three standout senior offensive linemen: Gentry, Kyle Sfarcioc, and Bruce Mitchell.
Bachmeier now has two transfer tight ends, Walker Lyons and Roger Saleapaga, and he consistently connected with both throughout spring camp. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick described Lyons and Saleapaga as “two of the best players on our team,” while starting safety Raider Damuni believes the Cougars could field the top tight end duo in the Big 12.
Bachmeier also flaunted his new offensive weapons while giving a spring ball update earlier this month.
“Just jelling with the new guys and I think I’ve always been a good leader,” Bachmeier said. “I think just kind of honing in on that role and yeah, really emphasizing that as well. I think jelling with the new guys, and yeah, we got two great tight ends that are going to be very productive for us. So I think there are some good riders here as well. I think that was a big deal that was accomplished.”
After leading BYU to one of its best seasons in school history, Bachmeier and his talented offensive group are aiming to shine again in 2026. The Cougars finished last season with an 82.7 score in the PFSN College Football Offense Impact Metric, ranking 25th nationally.
