BYU Sports Nation
BYU Sports Nation

Sep 16, 2026 · 50 min

BYU’s playoff margin faces its first road test

BYU Sports Nation: No. 11 BYU Heads to Colorado State + Preston Rex Joins the Show

BYU’s No. 11 ranking creates early playoff leverage, but the Cougars must sustain their momentum against Colorado State in a hostile environment.

3 key takeaways
  1. 1BYU’s No. 11 ranking offers valuable playoff margin, provided the Cougars continue winning and avoid costly setbacks.
  2. 2Bear Bachmeier’s efficiency, deeper passing confidence, and improved receiving options have raised BYU’s offensive ceiling.
  3. 3Preston Rex’s move from safety to running back expands BYU’s depth while making pass protection central to his role.

Don't miss

Cade Uluave’s recovery story turns from fears that his football career was over toward renewed faith, perseverance, and a return to BYU.

The brief

BYU’s No. 11 AP ranking gives the Cougars a stronger starting position in the College Football Playoff race, but only continued winning can preserve that advantage.

The hosts point to Bear Bachmeier’s efficiency, touchdown production, reduced turnovers, and greater willingness to throw deep as evidence of meaningful offseason growth.

Preston Rex explains how an offseason move from safety to running back expanded his role after Sione Moa’s injury, with pass protection shaping his value.

Colorado State presents BYU’s first road test, where edge pressure, a hostile night environment, and the need for a fast start will challenge the offense.

The standout story follows Cade Uluave from severe knee injuries and lost faith to renewed prayer, perseverance, and an eventual return to BYU.

The episode closes its wider sports scan with basketball, Olympic sports, Jimmer Fredette’s 3x3 comeback, and Big 12 player rankings.

Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.

BYU’s playoff margin faces its first road test · PodLume