BYU football has always embraced the underdog mentality, but could 2025 be the year the Cougars break through and claim a national championship? The path is undeniably steep, but in an era of NIL deals, transfer portal chaos, and College Football Playoff expansion, anything is possible.
The Cougars’ first priority is building a roster capable of competing at the highest level. Head coach Kalani Sitake has already shown he can recruit and develop talent, but BYU must bolster both lines of scrimmage and find playmakers on offense to keep up with the nation’s elite. A veteran quarterback and a high-powered offense could give them a fighting chance in key matchups.
Their schedule will be grueling. Competing in the Big 12 means facing powerhouse programs weekly, and BYU must prove it can not only survive but thrive in the gauntlet. Signature wins will be crucial for playoff positioning, and avoiding costly losses is a must.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle is perception. BYU isn’t a traditional blue-blood program, and breaking into the national title conversation will require dominance on the field and respect off it. With an expanded 12-team playoff in 2024, the Cougars’ best chance may be sneaking in and making a Cinderella run.
Can BYU win it all in 2025? It’s improbable—but not impossible. If the right pieces fall into place, the Cougars could turn their dream into reality.