Bear Bachmeier’s first collegiate start at BYU didn’t open with fireworks.
His opening drive lasted just five plays, ending in a punt after one short completion and a pair of throws that Portland State defenders nearly came down with.
The jitters of a true freshman under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium were evident.
Luckily for him, he didn’t have to wait long for a boost.
On a first quarter field goal try by Portland State, BYU’s special teams broke through with a block, and linebacker Jack Kelly scooped it up and rumbled the other way for the Cougars’ first touchdown of the afternoon.
A few minutes later, LJ Martin added another jolt with a 49-yard run down to the Vikings’ 7-yard line.
Bachmeier followed it up with an easy pitch and catch to Chase Roberts on an out route that turned into BYU’s first offensive touchdown.
That was GOLDEN @chase_roberts11 😏
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 31, 2025
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From there, Bachmeier settled in for good.
He led six straight touchdown drives to close the first half, finding receivers in rhythm and looking increasingly comfortable commanding the offense.
His legs proved just as valuable as his arm, punctuated by a 12-yard touchdown scramble where he slipped past defenders and dove across the goal line — his fifth score of the day.
By halftime, BYU held a commanding 49–0 lead, and Bachmeier had already written his name into the record books.
With three passing touchdowns, he joined Zach Wilson as the only true freshman in BYU history to throw three scores in their first start. His afternoon ended there, his work more than done.
After the game, Bachmeier admitted the nerves were real in his first appearance at LaVell Edwards Stadium, but said the early special teams touchdown helped him find his footing.
“After that first series, and the special teams touchdown, I kinda got the jitters out and got mindful and present in the moment,” he said.
All told, Bachmeier’s debut played out much like you’d expect: a few shaky moments early, but plenty of promise once the jitters wore off.