PROVO, Utah — Following a thrilling 22-21 road victory against Utah on Saturday night, Brigham Young University (BYU) soared in the rankings, climbing two positions to No. 7 in The Associated Press Top 25 and moving up one spot to No. 8 in the American Football Coaches Association Poll. This win marked the Cougars’ stunning achievement of advancing their record to an impressive 9-0 for the season, underscoring their strong performance as they continue to dominate their competition.
The countdown has begun for the second College Football Playoff rankings, which are set to be unveiled this Tuesday at 5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET on ESPN. BYU previously held the No. 9 spot in the initial CFP rankings released just last week, showcasing the Cougars’ surge in visibility and expectations following their recent successes.
BYU’s AP ranking of No. 7 represents the highest position the program has achieved since 2009 when they also ranked No. 7 after starting that season with victories against formidable opponents like conference rival Oklahoma and Tulane. This current ranking speaks volumes about the program’s resurgence under the guidance of head coach Kalani Sitake and highlights the consistency of BYU’s football prowess.
This week’s ranking is also particularly noteworthy as it marks BYU’s first appearance in the top 10 since November 1996, when they finished with a 14-1 record, culminating in a Cotton Bowl appearance. In that historic season, the Cougars climbed from No. 8 to No. 7 after a decisive 37-17 victory over Utah, setting the stage for further accolades including a conference championship and a high-profile bowl victory.
The recent recognition signifies BYU’s 67th week within the top 10 across an impressive 287 rankings in the AP poll since their inception in 1974. Throughout the decades, BYU has made a name for itself, accumulating 440 victories, which places the program as the eighth overall in terms of wins among all FBS teams during that 50-year span, illustrating their sustained excellence on the field.
Throughout this current season, BYU has demonstrated remarkable consistency, being ranked among the top 25 teams across the last eight national polls. The team’s re-entry into the rankings began at No. 22 during week five, marking their first top-25 acknowledgment since the beginning of the 2022 season, signaling a renewed era of success for the Cougars.
<pBYU's perfect 9-0 record after nine games reflects the program's historical prominence, marking only the fifth time this achievement has been realized in the program's storied 100-year history. Notably, head coach Kalani Sitake has previously led the team to a similar record in 2020, whereas legendary names like LaVell Edwards guided teams to perfection, contributing significantly to BYU's legacy, including a national championship in 1984.
In their second year competing in the Big 12, the Cougars currently hold the top position in the conference standings, boasting an unblemished 6-0 record in league play, surpassing their closest competitor, Colorado, who stands with a 5-1 conference record.
BYU stands alongside three other ranked teams from the Big 12, highlighting the strength of the conference. In the AFCA rankings, Kansas State holds No. 19, followed closely by Colorado at No. 20, and Iowa State, recently taking the No. 25 ranking after consecutive losses. The AP Poll lists Colorado at No. 18, while Kansas State finds themselves at No. 20, indicating a competitive atmosphere with multiple teams vying for playoff consideration as the season progresses.
The Cougars have solidified their perfect record through a series of commanding performances, including a stunning 38-9 victory over then-No. 13 K-State, a close 34-28 triumph over Baylor, a 41-19 rout of Arizona, and nail-biting victories against formidable opponents in UCF and Utah, showcasing not only skill but also resilience in clutch situations.
Meanwhile, SMU, a nonconference opponent of BYU, sits at No. 13 in the AFCA rankings and No. 14 in the AP rankings, maintaining their position at the top of the ACC standings. Notably, BYU handed SMU their only loss this season in a tightly contested 18-15 road matchup, marking an important milestone early in the season for BYU’s defense.
In the latest rankings released, major polls have collectively recognized Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas as the top three teams. Following a decline, previous top contenders Georgia and Miami have absorbed significant drops in the rankings, illustrating the ever-changing landscape of college football as teams battle for prominence.
This week’s AP rankings also highlight the depth of competition within the college football landscape, with Penn State and Indiana claiming spots in the top five, while Tennessee, BYU, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Ole Miss round out the top 10. The coaches’ poll echoes similar sentiments, confirming the prominence of BYU and its peers in this competitive season.
As the Cougars gear up for their next challenge, they will return to LaVell Edwards Stadium after a grueling stint of away games, set to face off against Kansas, who comes in with a renewed sense of momentum after their recent victory over No. 17 Iowa State. The highly anticipated matchup will kick off at 8:15 p.m. MT, broadcasted nationally on ESPN, adding another layer of excitement as BYU seeks to extend their remarkable undefeated streak.
**Interview with BYU Sports Analyst, Jamie Larson, on Cougars’ Remarkable Season**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jamie! Exciting times for BYU football, especially after their recent win against Utah. Can you share your thoughts on how this victory has impacted the team’s ranking?
**Jamie Larson:** Thank you for having me! The win against Utah was monumental not only because it was a hard-fought rivalry game, but it also propelled BYU up to No. 7 in the AP Top 25. This is a significant achievement, especially considering it’s their highest ranking since 2009. This boost reflects the Cougars’ consistent performance throughout the season, and it certainly heightens their visibility as the College Football Playoff rankings are about to be released.
**Editor:** Just how pivotal is it that BYU is currently holding a perfect 9-0 record?
**Jamie Larson:** Being 9-0 is remarkable for any program, but for BYU, it underscores their historical resilience. This achievement matches only four other seasons in the program’s 100-year history. They are not just winning; they’re doing so with a strong, cohesive team effort, and the coaching of Kalani Sitake has played a crucial role. It speaks to the program’s resurgence after a few challenging years and places them in the conversation for a potential playoff berth.
**Editor:** BYU’s return to the top 10 is significant as it’s the first time in nearly three decades. What does this mean for the program moving forward?
**Jamie Larson:** This ranking reconnects BYU with its storied past. The last time they were in the top 10 was back in 1996, and this kind of recognition can be a game-changer for recruiting and morale. It shows potential recruits that BYU is back on the national stage and competing at the highest level. The conference competition also adds to this excitement, especially with BYU currently leading the Big 12 standings.
**Editor:** With the second College Football Playoff rankings set to be released soon, what are your expectations for BYU’s placement, and how do you think their competition will respond?
**Jamie Larson:** I wouldn’t be surprised if BYU makes a leap up to the top 6 or even better, depending on how the committee views their overall body of work compared to other contenders. They’ve been steady, and with that flawless record in conference play, they are certainly in the conversation. Other teams in the Big 12 are also ranked, which heightens the stakes. Expect more intense matchups as teams jockey for positions in the playoff race.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jamie! Your insights are invaluable as we follow BYU’s thrilling season.
**Jamie Larson:** It’s my pleasure! It’s an exciting time for BYU football, and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
