Honestly, it’s kind of wild how quickly the vibe between the Colorado Buffaloes and the BYU Cougars has shifted from a "forgotten history" to a genuine, late-night-drama Big 12 staple. For decades, these two were just neighbors who never talked. They’re less than 500 miles apart, yet before the 2024 postseason, they hadn't seen each other in over 40 years.
Now? You can't mention CU vs BYU football without talking about the tension that’s bubbling up in the new-look Big 12.
If you just looked at the historical record, you might think Colorado has always been the big brother in this relationship. They lead the all-time series 8-5-1. But stats are liars. Most of those CU wins happened back when leather helmets were a thing—we're talking 1923 to 1947. In the modern era of college football, BYU has basically owned the Buffaloes. It’s a classic case of a program that remembers its glory days versus a program that is currently executing them.
The Night Everything Changed in San Antonio
The 2024 Alamo Bowl was the real catalyst for why this matchup feels so personal now. Colorado came in ranked No. 23, riding the massive hype wave of the Deion Sanders era. BYU, ranked No. 17, was the "old school" counter-punch. People expected a shootout. Instead, they got a 36-14 BYU masterclass.
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The Cougars didn’t just win; they bullied the Buffs. They outgained Colorado 331-210 and—this is the stat that still haunts Boulder—held Colorado to a pathetic 2 yards rushing. Total. For the whole game. BYU’s defense, led by Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP Isaiah Glasker, looked like they were playing a different sport.
That game wasn't just a bowl win. It set the tone for the 2025 season and beyond. It proved that while CU had the flash, BYU had the sustained, physical identity that wins in the Big 12 trenches.
Why the 2025 Rematch at Folsom Field Felt Different
When BYU rolled into Boulder on September 27, 2025, the energy was different. It wasn't just a non-conference curiosity anymore; it was a conference opener. Colorado had a new face under center, Kaidon Salter, who looked like he might finally be the dual-threat answer the Buffs needed.
Early on, it looked like a blowout in the other direction. Colorado went up 14-0 in the first quarter. Folsom Field was shaking. But if you’ve followed BYU under Kalani Sitake, you know they don’t panic. Basically, they just waited for Colorado to start making mistakes.
The Cougars chipped away. Bear Bachmeier—who has really come into his own as a leader—found Chase Roberts for two scores. Then came the play that everyone in the Big 12 was talking about: a 32-yard end-around touchdown by Cody Hagen in the fourth quarter. It was a play-call that totally caught CU’s defense leaning the wrong way.
The Final Heartbreak
With 50 seconds left, Colorado was driving for a potential game-winning score. Salter dropped back, looked for a window, and threw a ball that Glasker (again!) snatched out of the air. BYU walked away with a 24-21 win.
That loss effectively ended CU’s Big 12 title hopes early, while BYU used it as a springboard to a 12-2 season. It’s those kinds of moments—the "almost" for Colorado and the "clutch" for BYU—that are turning CU vs BYU football into a must-watch television event.
Navigating the Big 12 Hierarchy in 2026
As we look at the landscape in 2026, the gap between these two programs is fascinating. BYU has established itself as a legitimate conference powerhouse alongside teams like Texas Tech and Utah. They’ve recruited heavily in the trenches, pulling in blue-chip talent that matches their physical identity.
Colorado, meanwhile, is still in that "strategic growth" phase. Coach Prime has been aggressive in the 2026 recruiting cycle, hosting massive visit weekends to shore up the offensive line. They aren't just relying on the portal anymore; they're trying to build something that doesn't collapse when a star player leaves.
- BYU’s Strength: Consistency in the "trench" culture and a defense that leads the nation in takeaways.
- Colorado’s Path: Explosive playmakers and an improved run-blocking scheme that finally allows them to be more than one-dimensional.
- The X-Factor: The "Holy War" flavor. While BYU’s primary rival is Utah, the proximity to Colorado is creating a secondary "Mountain Division" rivalry that is arguably more unpredictable.
What Most Fans Miss About This Matchup
You’ll hear people talk about "tradition," but honestly, this is a rivalry built on modern resentment. BYU fans are sort of annoyed by the constant media spotlight on Colorado despite the Buffs' struggles to finish in the top half of the standings. Colorado fans, on the other hand, are frustrated by BYU’s disciplined, "boring" efficiency that keeps resulting in close Cougar wins.
It’s a clash of cultures. Provo is quiet, methodical, and deeply rooted. Boulder is loud, flashy, and constantly evolving.
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If you're looking for actionable ways to engage with this matchup next season:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: In the last three meetings, BYU is $+5$ in turnovers. Colorado won't beat the Cougars until they stop throwing late-game interceptions.
- Monitor the 2026 O-Line Commits: Keep a close eye on the high school recruits Colorado is targeting. If they don't land at least three 4-star linemen, the BYU defensive front will continue to dominate this series.
- Check the "Big 12 Tiebreaker" Logic: Because these two are often in the same tier of the standings, their head-to-head game is frequently the deciding factor for bowl eligibility or seeding.
The days of this being a "once every 40 years" game are over. CU vs BYU football is now a cornerstone of the mountain-region schedule. Whether you love the flash of the Buffs or the grit of the Cougars, this game has become the barometer for who truly owns the Rockies.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, start tracking the defensive snap counts for BYU’s secondary; they’ve been the "Buff-killers" for two seasons straight and show no signs of slowing down.