SerpApi.Org
No one could've predicted the season that Bear Bachmeier would have last season as the BYU Cougars starter as just a true freshman. He threw for over 3,000 yards and combined for 26 touchdowns with his arm and his legs, coming away with the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award.
But having put an excellent season on tape, the expectations rise for Bachmeier.
The Athletic released tiers for all 138 projected starting quarterbacks for the 2026 season, with Bachmeier landing in Tier 3. He was the lowest-ranked player in the tier, coming in at No. 30 overall. Thirteen quarterbacks found themselves in Tier 3, including two in the Big 12: Utah's Devon Dampier (No. 22 overall) and Houston's Conner Weigman (No. 28 overall).
"Bachmeier’s production as a true freshman (3,033 passing yards, 527 rushing, 26 TDs responsible for) was terrific," The Athletic's Antonio Morales and Sam Khan Jr. wrote. "He’s a tough runner and a capable, though not elite, passer with plenty of room for improvement. He didn’t impress coaches with his physical traits, but many called him solid."
“Big, tough, perfect for BYU’s system and what they do,” a Big 12 head coach said. “He’ll continue to grow. I don’t think he’s an NFL-type, first-round draft pick right now. He’s still young.”
Luckily for Bachmeier, he won't have to worry about the NFL for another couple seasons, as he's entrenched as the Cougars' starter for at least the next two and possibly three years — an extreme benefit to winning the starting job as a true freshman.
While Bachmeier did win the most prestigious freshman offensive award in the Big 12, an opposing offensive coordinator downplayed his play style
"He's kind of a game manager," an anonymous Big 12 offensive coordinator said. "He can run but he doesn’t scare you in that he's gonna take over and win you a game throwing the football."
Bachmeier isn't a first-round pick. Bachmeier is a game manager and doesn't scare you throwing the football. Well, Bachmeier is also 19 years old and hasn't even begun his sophomore season. Let's hold off before making long-term, brash conclusions on the youngster before he's even started 15 games at the college level.
Come just a few short months, Bachmeier will have a chance to both prove and hopefully exceed his No. 30 ranking in The Athletic's quarterback tiers, and prove the doubters wrong.
Contact/Follow @BYUCougarsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of BYU Cougars news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on BYU Cougars Wire: BYU Cougar Bear Bachmeier named a Tier 4 QB in college football
