BYU Football Achieves 5-0 Start with 38-24 Victory Over West Virginia

The BYU Cougars have extended their undefeated season, securing a 5-0 record after a decisive 38-24 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers. The game, which took place at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, saw the No. 23 ranked Cougars overcome both a conference opponent and a growing list of injuries to maintain their perfect start to the 2025 season. According to a report from the Deseret News published on October 4, 2025, the win marks a significant moment for the program and head coach Kalani Sitake, solidifying the team's position as a formidable contender in the Big 12 conference. The victory was witnessed by a sellout crowd of 63,917 fans.

big12sports.com reported, This strong start is becoming a hallmark of Sitake's tenure, as this is the fourth time the Cougars have opened a season 5-0 under his leadership. The offensive firepower was on full display, with BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier throwing for 351 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for another. The offense was balanced by a strong ground game, led by running back LJ Martin who contributed 90 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the comfortable 14-point final margin, the game was a hard-fought battle of attrition. Key defensive players, including linebacker Jack Kelly, sustained injuries during the contest, testing the team's depth. Coach Sitake acknowledged the challenges post-game, emphasizing the need for other players to step up. The win was BYU's first against West Virginia in three attempts, breaking a historical trend.

The game's offensive explosion was highlighted by several big plays. Wide receiver Chase Roberts had a standout performance with a game-high 161 receiving yards, including a career-long 85-yard reception. Fellow receiver Parker Kingston also had a significant impact, catching four passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, while also scoring on a 1-yard run. The Cougars established an early 14-0 lead and managed to hold off the Mountaineers throughout the game. This victory not only improves BYU's standing but also sends a clear message about their offensive capabilities, which had been a question mark in prior weeks. "We've always know that we could throw the ball around," Kingston said after the game. "It was good to get it out on film, and let teams know that they can't stack the box against us."

• Game Summary and Key Performers: The Cougars defeated the Mountaineers 38-24 in front of a home crowd in Provo. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier was central to the win, passing for 351 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a 43-yard touchdown. Running back LJ Martin added 90 yards and two scores on the ground. The receiving corps had a breakout game, with Chase Roberts amassing 161 yards and Parker Kingston adding 111 yards and a receiving touchdown. Kingston also scored a rushing touchdown early in the game.
• The Significance of a 5-0 Start: Achieving a 5-0 record for the fourth time under coach Kalani Sitake demonstrates a pattern of strong season preparation and execution. This undefeated start, which includes two conference wins, positions BYU favorably for national rankings and discussions about postseason bowl games. Historically, fast starts have been a springboard for successful seasons for the Cougars, including the celebrated 1984 National Championship team.
• Historical Context and Series Record: This victory marked BYU's first-ever win against West Virginia in program history. Previous matchups between the two teams occurred in 2016 and 2023, with the Mountaineers winning both contests. The win breaks that streak and gives BYU a significant victory against a fellow Big 12 conference member, improving their all-time series record to 1-2.
• Overcoming Adversity: The win was not without its challenges, as BYU faced significant injuries to key defensive players. Linebacker Jack Kelly, a crucial part of the defense, left the game in the second quarter with an arm injury and did not return. Fellow linebacker Isaiah Glasker was also injured. Coach Sitake noted the toughness of his players but acknowledged the team will need to rely on its depth moving forward.
• Sitake's Coaching Success: Kalani Sitake, now in his tenth season, is the first FBS head football coach of Tongan descent and a former player for BYU under legendary coach LaVell Edwards. This latest 5-0 start adds to a successful tenure that has seen him lead the Cougars to numerous bowl games. His record of strong starts has matched Edwards, who also led the team to three 5-0 starts during his 29-year career.
• Implications for the Big 12 Conference: As a member of the Big 12, this win is particularly meaningful. Defeating a conference opponent like West Virginia improves BYU's standing within the conference to 2-0 and strengthens their case as a contender for the conference championship. The performance, especially the high-powered passing attack, puts the rest of the conference on notice that BYU is a multi-dimensional threat.
• A Look at the Scoring Progression: BYU jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter with rushing and passing touchdowns from Parker Kingston. West Virginia got on the board with a field goal, but BYU extended its lead to 21-3. The teams traded scores, with BYU taking a 28-10 lead into halftime. The Cougars maintained their lead throughout the second half, answering a West Virginia touchdown with a field goal and another touchdown run from LJ Martin in the fourth quarter to seal the 38-24 win.