The BYU Cougars are off to a strong start in the 2024 NCAA football season, boasting a 3-0 record and sitting second in the Big 12 Conference, although they have yet to play a conference game.
So far, the Cougars have secured victories against Southern Illinois with a 41-13 win, followed by a close 18-15 victory over SMU, and most recently, a 34-14 win against Wyoming. These wins have been fueled by strong performances from quarterback Retzlaff, who has thrown for 348 yards against Southern Illinois, 202 yards against SMU, and 291 yards against Wyoming.
Upcoming Matches
As the season progresses, the Cougars face several challenging opponents. Their next game is scheduled for September 21 against 13th-ranked Kansas State at LaVell Edwards Stadium, with kickoff set for 10:30 PM ET and tickets available starting at $57.
On September 28, BYU will travel to Baylor, although the game time is yet to be determined. Tickets for this matchup are available starting at $40.
Other notable upcoming games include a home match against Arizona on October 12, a home game against 14th-ranked Oklahoma State on October 18 with a 10:15 PM ET kickoff, and a road game against UCF on October 26. The Cougars will also face 12th-ranked Utah on November 9, Kansas on November 16, Arizona State on November 23, and conclude their regular season against Houston on November 30.
Future Schedule Moves
Looking ahead to future seasons, BYU has made several significant schedule announcements. The Cougars have agreed to a two-game non-conference series with Oregon State, with the first game scheduled for 2026 and the return game in 2028.
Additionally, BYU has announced future non-conference opponents, including Portland State and Stanford in 2025, and Utah Tech and Colorado State in 2026. The Cougars will also face USF in 2026 and have tentative matches against Weber State in 2027 and Southern Utah in 2031.
Implications and Takeaways
The future schedule moves reflect BYU's strategic approach to scheduling, aiming to balance competitiveness with logistical considerations. For instance, the series with Oregon State adds another Power Five opponent to their schedule, which can impact their national standing and bowl eligibility.
The inclusion of various non-conference opponents also highlights BYU's commitment to maintaining a diverse and challenging schedule, which is crucial for their development and national recognition. As noted in recent analyses, these moves are part of a broader strategy to position the team favorably in the ever-evolving college football landscape.
In conclusion, the BYU Cougars' 2024 football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, and their future schedule announcements indicate a thoughtful and ambitious approach to building a competitive program. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic moves play out on the field.
