BYU Cougars 2026 Football Schedule Features Notre Dame Visit and Seven Home Games

The Big 12 Conference and Brigham Young University (BYU) have officially finalized the football schedule for the 2026 season. This upcoming slate is characterized by a significant home-field advantage, with the Cougars set to play seven of their twelve regular-season games at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The schedule includes a mix of high-profile non-conference matchups, traditional rivalries, and a rigorous nine-game Big 12 conference rotation.

Full 2026 BYU Football Schedule and Matchup Details

The 2026 campaign begins in early September and concludes in late November, featuring a single bye week positioned in late September. Below is the complete list of confirmed dates and opponents for the Cougars' 2026 season.

*Denotes Big 12 Conference game. Dates are subject to change based on television broadcast requirements.

Major Non-Conference Games and the Return of Notre Dame

One of the most anticipated moments of the 2026 season is the visit from Notre Dame on October 17. This game marks the first time the Fighting Irish have played in Provo since 2004. As one of the most storied programs in college football history, Notre Dame’s inclusion in the home schedule provides a marquee national broadcast opportunity for BYU.

The season opener on September 5 against Utah Tech serves as an in-state matchup to kick off the year. While BYU has a historical advantage in this series, the game provides a platform for testing new roster additions before entering conference play. Following the opener, BYU hosts Arizona in a game that counts toward Big 12 standings, representing an early-season test against a high-caliber opponent that finished strong in previous cycles.

The road trip to Fort Collins to face Colorado State on September 19 rekindles a long-standing regional rivalry. These two programs shared membership in several conferences, including the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and the Mountain West Conference (MWC), dating back to their first meeting in 1922. The 2026 game will be the 70th meeting between the two schools.

Analyzing the Big 12 Conference Schedule and Travel Logistics

The 2026 season represents BYU's continued integration into the expanded Big 12. The Cougars will face nine conference opponents, with five of those games taking place at home. The conference home games include Arizona, Iowa State, Arizona State, Baylor, and Cincinnati. Road conference games will take BYU to TCU, UCF, Utah, and Kansas.

A notable feature of the 2026 schedule is the favorable travel logistics for the team. BYU is scheduled to leave the state of Utah only four times during the regular season. Furthermore, the team will only leave the Mountain Time Zone three times. This reduced travel burden is expected to assist in player recovery and preparation, especially during the grueling mid-season stretch.

The game against Iowa State has been specifically moved to Friday, October 9. This adjustment was made in coordination with Big 12 television partners, including ESPN, FOX, and TNT Sports, to maximize national exposure during a primetime window.

When is the BYU vs Utah rivalry game in 2026?

The "Holy War" rivalry against the University of Utah is scheduled for November 7 in Salt Lake City. This matchup continues to be one of the most intense rivalries in the nation, now amplified by both schools competing within the same conference. In 2026, the game returns to its traditional late-season slot, following a period where it was played earlier in the autumn.

The November 7 date puts the rivalry game in the heart of the conference championship race. Historically, the outcome of this game has significant implications for bowl eligibility and conference standings. With both teams now established in the Big 12, the stakes for this matchup remain at an all-time high.

Roster Development and Coaching Changes for the 2026 Season

The 2026 Cougars will be led by head coach Kalani Sitake in his 11th season. However, the program underwent significant coaching staff reorganization during the 2026 offseason to address defensive performance and special teams.

Coaching Staff Adjustments

Following the departure of defensive coordinator Jay Hill to the University of Michigan in early 2026, Kelly Poppinga was promoted to defensive coordinator. Poppinga, who previously served as the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator, brings extensive experience with the program's defensive philosophy.

Other key coaching moves include:

• Sione Po’uha: Promoted to Associate Head Coach and overseeing the entire defensive line.
• Demario Warren: Hired as the defensive pass game coordinator and safeties coach.
• Lewis Walker: Joined from North Dakota State to coach the cornerbacks.
• Justin Ena: Promoted to special teams coordinator.
• Chad Kauha’aha’a: Promoted to outside linebackers coach.

Incoming Freshmen and Transfers

The 2026 roster will see the arrival of several highly-rated recruits and transfer portal additions. Among the notable high school recruits are:

• Brock Harris (TE): A standout tight end from St. George, Utah.
• Ryder Lyons (QB): A highly touted quarterback from Folsom, California, who will serve a mission prior to enrolling but remains a focal point of future planning.
• Antonio Johnson (DB): A defensive back from Fort Worth, Texas.
• Jaron Pula and Kennan Pula: In-state talents from Highland, Utah, expected to bolster the wide receiver and defensive back units.

The transfer portal has also been a primary tool for the 2026 roster build. Key additions include:

• Kyler Kasper (WR): A junior transfer from the University of Oregon, bringing size and Pac-12 experience to the receiving corps.
• Walker Lyons (TE): A junior transfer from USC, adding depth to the tight end room.
• Cade Uluave (LB): A senior transfer from Cal who is expected to provide immediate leadership on the defense.
• Zak Yamauchi (OL): A sophomore transfer from Stanford to strengthen the offensive line.

The program also welcomes a large group of returned missionaries who are expected to compete for playing time immediately, including quarterback Enoch Watson and wide receiver Jett Nelson.

Home Field Advantage at LaVell Edwards Stadium

With seven home games, BYU will look to capitalize on the unique atmosphere of LaVell Edwards Stadium. The stadium, known for its high altitude and vocal fanbase, remains one of the more difficult venues for visiting teams in the Big 12.

The home schedule is balanced throughout the season:

1. September 5: Utah Tech (Season Opener)
2. September 12: Arizona (Big 12 Opener)
3. October 9: Iowa State (Friday Night Lights)
4. October 17: Notre Dame (Marquee Non-Conference)
5. October 31: Arizona State (Halloween Matchup)
6. November 14: Baylor
7. November 28: Cincinnati (Regular Season Finale)

The inclusion of a Friday night game and a visit from a top-tier independent program like Notre Dame ensures that the home slate is one of the most attractive for season ticket holders in recent years.

How to get BYU football tickets for 2026?

Ticketing for the 2026 season follows a priority-based system. The Cougar Club members and corporate sponsors receive the first opportunity for seat selection based on their priority points. Existing 2025 season ticket holders are contacted directly via email with designated windows for purchasing 2026 renewals.

For fans who were not season ticket holders in the previous year, BYU Athletics utilizes an interest form system. New fans are encouraged to submit their information early, as the high-profile nature of the 2026 schedule—particularly the Notre Dame and Utah games—is expected to drive record demand for season and single-game tickets.

Big 12 Conference Outlook and Championship Path

The 2026 Big 12 Championship game is scheduled for Friday, December 4, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This game features the top two teams in the conference standings. For BYU, the path to Arlington requires navigating a schedule that avoids several conference heavyweights in 2026, such as Colorado, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia.

While the Cougars avoid some perennial contenders, the mid-season stretch involving Notre Dame, UCF, and Arizona State, followed by the rivalry game at Utah, will likely determine the team's standing in the conference race. The Big 12 remains one of the most balanced conferences in the FBS, where parity often leads to late-season drama in the standings.

Summary of the 2026 BYU Football Season

The 2026 BYU football schedule offers a rare combination of significant home advantage and high-profile matchups. With seven games in Provo and minimal travel outside the region, the Cougars are positioned to build on the momentum of their previous Big 12 seasons. The highlights of the year remain the return of Notre Dame to LaVell Edwards Stadium and the late-season clash with Utah. Bolstered by a redesigned coaching staff and a blend of veteran transfers and talented recruits, the 2026 season stands as a pivotal year for the program's aspirations within the Big 12.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 BYU Schedule

What is the hardest part of the 2026 BYU football schedule?

The most challenging stretch occurs in October and early November. BYU faces Iowa State on a short week (Friday), followed by Notre Dame, a long road trip to UCF, Arizona State at home, and the rivalry game at Utah. This five-game sequence involves high-level competition and significant physical demands.

Why is the Notre Dame game in Provo significant?

Notre Dame rarely plays at non-Power Conference or smaller stadium venues as a visitor. Their last visit to Provo was over two decades ago. This game is a result of long-term scheduling agreements and represents one of the biggest home games in the history of LaVell Edwards Stadium.

How many night games will BYU play in 2026?

Exact kickoff times are typically announced 6 to 12 days before each game. However, the Friday night game against Iowa State on October 9 is confirmed as a night broadcast. Historically, BYU plays several late-night games to accommodate the "After Dark" television windows favored by Big 12 broadcast partners.

Which Big 12 teams are not on BYU's 2026 schedule?

Due to the 16-team conference structure, BYU does not play every member each year. In 2026, the Cougars will not face Colorado, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, or West Virginia during the regular season.

Is the BYU vs Utah game at home or away in 2026?

The 2026 matchup against the Utah Utes will be played away at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on November 7.