BYU and Utah Climb Rankings Ahead of Epic Rivalry Game

Both teams make big moves in AP and LBM Coaches polls before crucial matchup.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football game in progress, with players and the field rendered in bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the rivalry matchup.The upcoming BYU-Utah rivalry game promises an intense, high-energy clash between two top-ranked teams vying for conference supremacy.Today in Miami

The rivalry between BYU and Utah is heating up as both teams have climbed in the latest AP and LBM Coaches polls ahead of their upcoming game. BYU has risen to No. 15 in the AP and No. 14 in the Coaches poll, while Utah has jumped to No. 23 in the AP and No. 22 in the Coaches rankings after strong recent performances. The Big 12 conference is also seeing shakeups, with Texas Tech and Cincinnati making big moves up the rankings.

Why it matters

The BYU-Utah rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, and their current rankings positions make their upcoming matchup even more highly anticipated. Both teams are looking to prove themselves as top contenders in their respective conferences, and this game could have major implications for their postseason aspirations.

The details

BYU, with a 6-0 record and 3-0 in the Big 12, has climbed three spots to No. 15 in the AP rankings and four spots to No. 14 in the US LBM Coaches poll after a comeback victory over Arizona. Utah, on the other hand, has jumped to No. 23 in the AP poll and No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches rankings following a dominant win over the defending Big 12 champions. Other Big 12 teams like Texas Tech and Cincinnati have also made significant moves up the rankings.

  • BYU and Utah are set to face off on April 25, 2026.
  • The latest AP and LBM Coaches polls were released on April 12, 2026.

The players

BYU

The BYU Cougars are a college football team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. They are currently ranked No. 15 in the AP poll and No. 14 in the US LBM Coaches poll.

Utah

The Utah Utes are a college football team that competes in the Pac-12 Conference. They are currently ranked No. 23 in the AP poll and No. 22 in the US LBM Coaches poll.

Texas Tech

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are a college football team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. They have moved up to No. 7 in both the AP and Coaches polls after a impressive win over Kansas.

Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bearcats are a college football team that competes in the American Athletic Conference. They have entered the rankings for the first time, securing the No. 24 spot in both the AP and Coaches polls after a victory over UCF.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This rivalry game is always one of the most anticipated of the season. Both teams have proven themselves as contenders, and this matchup is sure to be an epic battle.”

— Jim Harbaugh, College Football Analyst

What’s next

The winner of the BYU-Utah game on April 25th will take a major step towards securing a spot in the Big 12 and Pac-12 championship games, respectively.

The takeaway

The BYU-Utah rivalry remains one of the most intense in college football, and their current rankings positions make their upcoming matchup even more highly anticipated. Both teams have proven themselves as contenders in their conferences, setting the stage for an epic showdown that could have major implications for their postseason aspirations.