As BYU football gears up for its third season in the Big 12, the month of May has been a blend of hopeful developments and challenging circumstances. Certainly, the ongoing situation surrounding starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff has cast a shadow, but there’s still plenty for the Cougars to build upon as they move forward.
The month kicked off with fan engagement initiatives at Fan Fest celebrations in Idaho Falls and St. George, giving fans a chance to connect with the team and boost spirits. But it didn’t end there. BYU also made some notable moves on the recruiting front, signing players from both the transfer portal and high school ranks who are expected to make immediate contributions this coming season.
One of the standout moves was bringing in the Bachmeier brothers—quarterback Bear and wide receiver Tiger—who both came from Stanford. Additionally, the program managed to flip offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu from Oregon. While the Bachmeier brothers will be joining the team this summer, Kalaniuvalu is currently serving a church mission in Colorado and is set to enroll at BYU before the 2027 season.
Head coach Kalani Sitake expressed enthusiasm about landing the Bachmeier brothers, highlighting the relationships his coaching staff built during their high school days. “It was a perfect fit for us,” Sitake said, noting that players in the transfer portal are looking for environments where they can thrive both on and off the field. This familiarity with the coaching staff played a crucial role in their decision-making process.
Looking ahead, June appears promising as well, with several top high school prospects from the West scheduled for official campus visits. Players like California quarterback Ryder Lyons, Lone Peak receiver Jaren Pula, Oregon running back LaMarcus Bell, and Idaho lineman Jax Tanner could potentially add to BYU’s recruiting haul.
Now, amid the buzz surrounding these additions, Sitake opted to steer clear of addressing the civil lawsuit against Retzlaff, which alleges an incident from 18 months ago. Instead, he focused on the excitement surrounding his new players. Tiger Bachmeier, a graduate transfer, brings experience with 24 game appearances and 13 starts under his belt, while Bear Bachmeier adds depth at the quarterback position—a crucial asset given the current roster dynamics.
The QB competition now includes McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and freshman Emerson Geilman, making Bear’s arrival all the more significant for BYU, especially in light of Retzlaff’s ongoing situation.
On the recruiting front, Kalaniuvalu is now the centerpiece of BYU’s 2025 signing class, ranked as the top recruit by 247Sports. He joins linebacker McKay Madsen, a talented four-star athlete bound for a mission in Argentina, who recently made headlines with his athletic prowess by winning state championships in both shot put and discus.
As for the team’s outlook, Sitake remains optimistic. He emphasized that his players seem grounded and motivated, not resting on their impressive 11-2 record from the previous season. The ambition to capitalize on that success is evident as players dive into their offseason workouts. “I feel great about the team,” he said, expressing confidence in the leadership within the program and the stability provided by retaining his coaching staff.
Entering his 10th season at BYU, Sitake acknowledges the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports, including NIL and the transfer portal. Yet, he continues to embrace his role, finding satisfaction amidst the complexities of modern coaching. “I actually don’t mind my job,” he stated, underscoring that he remains dedicated to adapting to the demands of the position while prioritizing the best interests of his team and program.
With new recruits lined up and returning players eager to improve, BYU football seems poised to tackle the upcoming season with determination and a strong sense of team unity. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, it’ll be fascinating to see how these transitions shape their performance on the field.
