BYU makes No. 1 pitch: Notre Dame upset could end 42-year AP poll wait

October 18, 2026

BYU football has its best chance in decades to return to the top of the AP Top 25 after a stunning 28-24 upset victory over No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday.

The Cougars, led by quarterback Bear Bachmeier and coach Kalani Sitake, overcame a late Irish comeback attempt, with Bachmeier delivering two rushing touchdowns and a critical fourth-quarter scoring pass to tight end Walker Lyons. BYU’s defense sealed the win by forcing Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr’s final throw incomplete in the end zone, capping a dominant performance that included converting 8 of 12 third downs.

The victory marks BYU’s first top-10 win since 1984, when LaVell Edwards’ undefeated team finished as national champions outside a power conference, and could propel them back to No. 1 in the rankings for the first time since that historic season.

Meanwhile, the top spot remains in play as Miami and Ohio State navigate their own challenges. Miami, ranked No.

3, held off Florida State in a wild 43-35 double-overtime thriller, with quarterback Darian Mensah throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Ohio State, No.

4, faces an injury setback after starting quarterback Julian Sayin suffered a shoulder injury, potentially sidelining him for several weeks. With only Miami and Ohio State ranked above BYU, the Cougars’ upset win has reignited their title contention and given them a marquee victory critics previously questioned.