The Brigham Young University Cougars are back in the College Football Playoff conversation — and this time, they’re not just on the fringe. On , the third CFP rankings dropped, and BYU surged to No. 11, its highest ranking since the season opener. Just behind them, the University of Utah Utes climbed to No. 12, marking the first time since December 2021 that both Utah and BYU appeared together in the CFP top 15. The turnaround? A dominant 45-14 win over Arizona State Sun Devils and a 38-10 shellacking of New Mexico Lobos over the weekend. After a brutal 29-7 loss to Texas Tech Red Raiders just a week earlier, the Cougars looked like they’d slipped out of contention. But they didn’t just bounce back — they roared.
From No. 7 to No. 12 and Back Again
It was a rollercoaster. On , BYU entered the CFP rankings at No. 7 — the highest initial ranking in program history. A 9-0 start, a win over Utah, and a top-10 offense had the committee taking notice. Statistical models gave them a 65.5% chance to make the playoff. But then came Lubbock. On , the Cougars were dismantled 29-7 by Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium. The loss dropped them to No. 12 the next week, and suddenly, the dream looked over. Mitch Harper, KSL Sports’ BYU Insider, put it bluntly: "If the season ended today, you’re watching the playoff from your couch." But here’s the twist: BYU didn’t quit. They responded with two of the most complete performances of the season. Quarterback Cooper Legas threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona State. Running back Braden Smith broke 150 yards rushing and scored twice. The defense held New Mexico to 187 total yards. The committee noticed. And so did the rest of the country.Who’s Standing in the Way?
The top five remains unchanged: Ohio State Buckeyes, Indiana Hoosiers, Texas A&M Aggies, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Texas Tech Red Raiders. That last one is the dagger. Texas Tech beat BYU. They beat Utah. And yet, they’re only No. 5. Why? Because the committee still favors power conference resume over head-to-head results when two-loss teams are involved. That’s the system. And it’s why BYU — despite being 9-1 — finds themselves behind three teams with two losses: Oklahoma Sooners, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Alabama.Even worse? Tulane Green Wave, the Group of 5 champion, snuck in at No. 10 — ahead of both BYU and Utah. And the ACC champion, Miami Hurricanes, sits at No. 15. That’s the reality: even with one loss, BYU is still behind two teams with two losses — and a Group of 5 team with a weaker schedule. It’s frustrating. It’s unfair. But it’s the rulebook.
The Path to the Playoff: A Mathematical Miracle
BYU’s path? It’s narrow. It’s fragile. But it’s not gone. To make the playoff, they need two things: win out, and hope for chaos. Their final regular season game is against Boise State Broncos — a win there makes them 10-1. Then comes the Big 12 Championship Game on in Glendale, Arizona. Win that, and they become 11-1. That’s when things get interesting.According to Harper, "If BYU wins the Big 12 title, they’re in. No debate." Why? Because the committee has never excluded an 11-1 conference champion from the playoff field — not once in its history. The only hurdle? Who’s ahead of them. Right now, if the playoff started tomorrow, BYU is the first team out. But if Texas loses to Georgia or Texas A&M, and Oklahoma falls to Alabama, then suddenly, BYU’s resume looks better than theirs.
It’s not just about wins. It’s about who you beat. BYU’s non-conference wins over Utah and Arizona State carry weight. Their strength of schedule is better than Oklahoma’s. Better than Notre Dame’s. But the committee still leans on tradition — and that’s the invisible wall BYU must climb.
Provo Could Host a Playoff Game
Here’s the most electrifying possibility: if BYU wins the Big 12, and the top three seeds all lose, they could be the No. 4 seed. And that means a home playoff game — in Provo. The LaVell Edwards Stadium has never hosted a playoff game. But with 60,000 fans, a rabid fanbase, and a stadium that’s louder than most NFL venues, it’s one of the most intimidating places in college football. Harper didn’t mince words: "If they get there, Provo will be the most electric place in America for one night." And that’s the real story here. This isn’t just about rankings. It’s about legacy. It’s about proving that a non-Power Five school — with no conference realignment safety net — can still compete on the biggest stage. BYU didn’t get here by accident. They earned every yard, every tackle, every win. And now, they’re one win away from rewriting history.What’s Next?
BYU’s final regular season game is on against Boise State. If they win, they’ll be 10-1 and locked into the Big 12 Championship. The game will be on ESPN. And every other game in the top 10 will be watched with a magnifying glass. Will Texas beat Georgia? Will Oklahoma upset Alabama? Will Tulane’s resume collapse? The answers will come fast. And for BYU fans, every tick of the clock feels like a heartbeat.Frequently Asked Questions
Can BYU still make the College Football Playoff?
Yes — but only if they win the Big 12 Championship Game and at least two teams ahead of them lose. An 11-1 BYU team has never been left out of the playoff in CFP history. Their win over Utah and strong finish give them a better resume than several two-loss teams currently ranked above them.
Why is Tulane ranked ahead of BYU despite having two losses?
Tulane won the American Athletic Conference and is the designated Group of 5 representative. The CFP committee prioritizes conference champions, even if their schedule is weaker. BYU’s loss to Texas Tech and lack of a Power Five conference title hurt their standing, despite beating a ranked Utah team.
Has BYU ever hosted a College Football Playoff game before?
No. LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo has never hosted a CFP game. But if BYU finishes 11-1 and lands the No. 4 seed, they would become the first Group of 5 team to host a playoff game. The stadium’s electric atmosphere and 60,000-seat capacity make it a prime candidate for a potential upset.
How did BYU’s ranking change after the Texas Tech loss?
After falling to Texas Tech 29-7 on November 15, BYU dropped from No. 7 to No. 12 in the November 11 rankings. The loss erased their undefeated record and opened the door for two-loss teams and conference champions to jump ahead. Their rebound wins over Arizona State and New Mexico helped them climb back to No. 11.
What role does the Big 12 Championship play in BYU’s playoff chances?
Winning the Big 12 Championship would guarantee BYU a spot in the playoff. The CFP selection committee has never excluded an 11-1 conference champion since the system began in 2014. Without a conference title, even 11-1 isn’t enough — but with it, BYU’s resume becomes untouchable.
Why is Texas Tech ranked higher than BYU despite losing to them in 2024?
Texas Tech beat BYU this season, and the committee rewards head-to-head results. Even though BYU defeated Texas Tech in 2024, this year’s win carries more weight. Texas Tech also has wins over Oklahoma and Utah, giving them a stronger overall resume despite their two losses.