Aug 28, 2026 · 50 min
BYU weighs playoff upside against special-teams questions
BYU’s Shake-Up and Final Camp Takeaways
The episode tests BYU’s preseason optimism against unresolved kicking, punting, long-snapping, and defensive-transition concerns before the opener.
- 1Bear Bachmeier’s development and a deep receiving corps give BYU’s offense credible playoff-level upside.
- 2A new defensive play-calling structure could reshape the unit, while special teams remain the clearest preseason concern.
- 3Matthias Dunn’s return as a walk-on frames pressure management as a process built on preparation, trust, and family support.
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Matthias Dunn explains how being cut, returning as a walk-on, and earning another opportunity reshaped his approach to pressure.
The brief
BYU’s athletics restructuring appears to change reporting lines more than the immediate fan experience, while the football program enters its opener with rising expectations.
Training camp strengthened confidence in Bear Bachmeier and a cohesive receiving corps, but kicking, punting, long snapping, and defensive adjustments remain open questions.
Blaine Fowler argues BYU’s talent and culture make the Cougars a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, while a new defensive structure adds uncertainty.
Kicker Matthias Dunn recounts being cut, returning as a walk-on with encouragement from his wife, and earning another chance through a tryout.
Dunn’s approach to pressure is deliberately practical: trust the process, rely on the snap-and-hold operation, and avoid trying to control every variable.