Cougars aim for redemption after AP Poll snub

Scrimmage at LaVell Edwards Stadium Photo by Abby Shelton/BYU Photo

The BYU Cougars are starting the 2025 season with a chip on their shoulder, left on the outside looking in as the Associated Press Top 25 Poll dropped leaving the Cougars off of that list – despite a dominant run last year.

BYU roared to a 9-0 start and looked destined for the Big 12 title game, until a shocking loss to Kansas, a team that didn’t even crack the 30, derailed the team. The following week, the red-hot Arizona State Sun Devils handed the Cougars another gut punch.

While the back-to-back losses proved to keep the Cougars out of the playoffs, BYU rose as high as No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings and No. 7 in the AP Top 25.

While BYU was not featured in the Top 25, they were the first team outside the rankings receiving votes. The Cougars unofficially checked in at No. 26, followed closely by their in-state rivals, the University of Utah at No. 27. 

They were, however, ranked much higher in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll which was released just one week prior, notching the No. 23 spot.

The drop in AP love might have something to do with losing starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff to Tulane. When you lose your offensive engine, questions about the road ahead are inevitable.

Still, the Cougars aren’t sulking. With a new QB1 on the horizon and a home opener against Portland State set for August 30, BYU has a chance to start writing its redemption story under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Kickoff is slated for 6:00 p.m MT and will be streamed on FBS 1.

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