BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier entered the national spotlight with a breakout freshman season. With one game left, questions loom. After a tough Big 12 championship loss, the Cougars aim to rebound against Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
BYU QB Bear Bachmeier Will Play in Bowl Game, According to Coach
In the first quarter of the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech, the freshman suffered a left ankle injury and exited the field. He later returned to the game while wearing a boot. Before the injury, Bachmeier led BYU on an opening drive that resulted in a touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
After his return, the Red Raiders’ defense shut the Cougars down on their way to a 34-7 victory and earned the Big 12 trophy. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick later stepped to the microphone to provide an update.
“BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said that QB Bear Bachmeier didn’t practice today, but the freshman signal-caller will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech.”
This season, Bachmeier faced uncertainty with lowered team expectations following Jake Retzlaff’s transfer to Tulane. Originally committed to Stanford, Bachmeier ended up at BYU via the transfer portal. In his first collegiate game, he accounted for five touchdowns despite just 129 yards, showing immediate confidence and improvement. As a passer, the freshman will hopefully evolve his game into becoming a genuine deep threat.
Wearing jersey 47, Bachmeier approaches quarterbacking with smooth mechanics and a willingness to run when plays break down. He’s effective on the ground and shows no hesitation in initiating contact, forcing defenders to make tough decisions. His size, 6’2″ and 220 pounds, helps him rack up 11 rushing touchdowns, underscoring the coaching staff’s trust in his ability to trudge forward and score.
However, lowering the shield and attempting to steamroll everyone can ultimately affect his long-term health and ability to stay on the field. Provided he stays at BYU for the duration of his career, Bachmeier could make the Cougars a perennial conference title contender.
Bachmeier’s offense averaged 31.9 points per game, ranking 34th in FBS, according to College Football Reference. Additionally, the Cougars had the nation’s 31st-best offense per PFSN’s Offense Impact rankings.
Bachmeier and BYU face a similar opponent in Georgia Tech, which prefers to run the ball, attempt deep passes, and battle at the line of scrimmage. Which team will assert its style and win? With Bachmeier playing, can Tech slow him down?
The 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl takes place on December 27, in Orlando, Fla.
