Bear Bachmeier Ignites BYU Offense, Crushes Portland State

Bear’s Arrival has ignited a new era for BYU football. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a record-breaking performance in his debut on Saturday night, August 30, 2025, leading the BYU Cougars to a resounding 69-0 victory over Portland State at LaVell Edwards Stadium. According to KSL.com, this dominant win showcased Bachmeier’s exceptional talent and marked him as the first true freshman quarterback in BYU history to start a season opener. He capped it off with five total touchdowns in just the first half.

Bachmeier’s Explosive Debut

Bachmeier, who transferred from Stanford, demonstrated his impressive dual-threat capabilities. As reported by FOX Sports, he completed 7-of-11 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, he added 32 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. His touchdown passes were caught by Chase Roberts, Noah Moeaki, and Carsen Ryan, showcasing his ability to spread the ball effectively.

BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake lauded Bachmeier’s composure under pressure. “Once he started getting hit a little bit, then he was able to settle down,” Sitake noted, according to KQSM-FM, highlighting the young quarterback’s adaptability and resilience. This ability to adjust mid-game speaks volumes about Bachmeier’s potential and football IQ.

Offensive Firepower

The Cougars’ offense was a juggernaut throughout the game, amassing a staggering 606 total yards, as noted by the Las Vegas Sun News. The ground game was particularly dominant, accounting for 468 yards. Running back LJ Martin had a career-best performance, rushing for 131 yards on just eight carries, all in the first half. Martin’s explosive runs consistently kept the chains moving and kept the Portland State defense on its heels.

Cody Hagen contributed a 57-yard reverse touchdown, adding another dimension to the Cougars’ attack. Special teams also got in on the scoring action, with Jack Kelly returning a blocked field goal 54 yards for a touchdown, putting BYU on the scoreboard first. This diverse offensive output demonstrates the Cougars’ ability to score in a variety of ways, making them a formidable opponent.

Defensive Dominance

BYU’s defense was equally impressive, stifling the Portland State Vikings’ offense at every turn. The Vikings were held to a paltry 51 total yards and a dismal minus-two rushing yards in the first half, according to the Laredo Morning Times. This defensive performance highlights the Cougars’ relentless pressure and disciplined play. Portland State, under coach Bruce Barnum, struggled mightily, having been outscored 111-0 in their first two games of the season, as reported by Portland State University Athletics. The Vikings simply had no answer for BYU’s aggressive and well-coordinated defense.

Historic Victory and Looking Ahead

This commanding 69-0 victory marked the largest shutout in BYU history, surpassing a 65-0 win over New Mexico in 1988. The Sports Illustrated report highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the team’s complete dominance in all phases of the game. The Cougars start their season with a strong 1-0 record, fueled by the excitement generated by Bachmeier’s debut and the team’s overall performance. A capacity crowd of 64,494, the highest single-game attendance since 2009, filled LaVell Edwards Stadium, demonstrating the enthusiasm surrounding the team. CBSSports.com noted the electric atmosphere.

BYU will look to maintain this momentum as they prepare to host ACC foe Stanford on September 6. This upcoming game will be a significant test for the Cougars, providing an opportunity to prove their mettle against a Power Five opponent. The game will be broadcast on KNBR and various online platforms, giving fans across the country a chance to witness BYU’s progress. YouTube channels are already flooded with highlights and analyses of Bachmeier’s performance.

A Promising Future

Bear Bachmeier’s stellar debut has injected a new level of excitement into the BYU football program. His dual-threat capabilities, combined with a dominant team performance, have set the stage for a promising season. With a historic victory and a strong foundation, the Cougars are poised to make a significant impact in the college football landscape. The blend of offensive firepower and defensive strength positions BYU as a team to watch as the season progresses.