As the 2026 college football season approaches, one factor could separate contenders from pretenders: continuity. And in the Big 12, no team embodies that better than BYU.
In an era where the transfer portal often reshuffles rosters overnight, the Cougars have taken a different path—one built on stability and experience. That strategy has paid off handsomely, turning BYU into one of the conference's top programs over the past two seasons. Now, a new report from CBS Sports confirms just how much that continuity could matter heading into 2026.
The study, which measures returning snaps percentage, places BYU third nationally with a 63% overall rate. That puts the Cougars behind only Notre Dame (66%) and Maryland (65%), and ahead of every other Big 12 program. Perhaps even more impressive: BYU is one of just two teams in the country—along with Virginia Tech—to return at least 60% of snaps on both offense and defense.
On offense, the Cougars check in at 60% returning snaps (11th nationally), while the defense boasts a stellar 65% mark, good for fourth-best in the country. But the real story lies in the position-by-position breakdown.
The backfield is loaded. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who emerged as a star true freshman after a surprise transfer from Stanford, is back. So is running back LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Together, they give BYU one of the most experienced and dynamic duos in the conference.
Up front, the offensive line returns 61% of its snaps, anchored by center Bruce Mitchell and right tackle Andrew Gentry. That kind of continuity in the trenches is a luxury most teams can only dream of.
The biggest question marks come at the skill positions. Wide receiver returns just 47% of snaps, and tight end a mere 28%, meaning the Cougars will need to develop new targets for Bachmeier. Still, with a proven quarterback and a veteran line, the foundation is solid.
Meanwhile, down the road in Salt Lake City, Utah also has reason for optimism. The Utes benefit from stability at the quarterback position, which should help them climb the Big 12 ladder in their second season in the conference. While their overall returning snaps percentage may not match BYU's top-tier numbers, having a steady hand under center is often the most important piece of the puzzle.
For fans and apparel shoppers alike, this season shapes up as a fascinating test of two philosophies: BYU's reliance on homegrown continuity versus the transfer-fueled approach of many peers. One thing is certain—when the pads go on this fall, experience will be wearing blue.