The biggest question mark surrounding BYU Football this offseason has finally been answered.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Bear Bachmeier has ben named the staring quarterback for the Cougars.
Sources: BYU is naming true freshman Bear Bachmeier as the team’s starting quarterback, with his debut coming against Portland State on Aug. 30. Bachmeier, who will wear No. 47, will become the first true freshman to start an opener for BYU. pic.twitter.com/ZkgRwjwcqG
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 19, 2025
Bachmeier, who was the No. 11 ranked high school quarterback in the class of 2025 according to ESPN, originally committed to Stanford, but transferred to BYU with his wide receiver brother, Tiger, after spring practice.
Initially expected to sit behind Jake Retzlaff this season, BYU's former starting quarterback decided to make a late departure from the team, facing a potential seven-game suspension for violating the university's honor code.
This opened up the battle for Bachmeier, redshirt sophomore McCae Hillstead and redshirt junior Treyson Bourguet.
The first few practices saw the quarterbacks take equal reps with the first team, but starting last week, Bachmeier began to set himself apart.
Bachmeier is the first true freshman quarterback ever to start BYU's season opener, and will be the first true freshman to start a game since Zach Wilson in 2018.
Notably, Bachmeier is also the first Asian-American quarterback to start at BYU.
At Murrieta Valley (Calif.) High School, Bachmeier threw for 59 passing touchdowns and ran for 33 rushing touchdowns. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, his athleticism and size is a big reason why the BYU staff has reportedly named him the starter.
BYU will take on Portland State on Aug. 30 at 8 p.m., at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where Bachmeier will take his first collegiate snap.