The Arizona Wildcats are set to face a significant challenge in Week 2 as they host the No. 15 BYU Cougars. The Cougars, under coach Kalani Sitake, are aiming for a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2026, with quarterback Bear Bachmeier under center.
Last season, BYU narrowly missed both of those goals. However, with Bachmeier leading the offense, many believe the Cougars have the potential for a strong year.
Arizona, meanwhile, is coming off a successful 2025 campaign under head coach Brent Brennan. After finishing 4-8 in 2024 following the departure of Jedd Fisch, Brennan guided the Wildcats to a 9-4 record in 2025. Although Arizona was not in contention for the Big 12 title, the turnaround was noted as impressive.
The Wildcats' defense, coordinated by Danny Gonzales, showed significant improvement despite facing injuries in 2025. The unit allowed just 4.7 yards per play, ranking 14th nationally, and conceded 20.7 points per game, 24th overall. While there was some turnover on defense, expectations are high for continued strong performance from the unit.
Offensively, Arizona is expected to be reliable, led by veteran quarterback Noah Fifita. The Wildcats maintained ball security and minimized mistakes in 2025. While not a high-octane offense, their consistent performance makes them a team to watch, particularly as underdogs in a hostile environment.
Despite the attention Bachmeier and BYU will receive, the 7.5-point spread set for the game is considered substantial against a solid Arizona team. The betting prediction favors Arizona covering the spread, suggesting the game could be closely contested.
The New York Post has highlighted Arizona's potential to keep the game within a touchdown and a half, a bet advised at -110 odds on DraftKings. The publication's betting preview for the Arizona vs. BYU matchup includes odds, picks, and predictions for the Week 2 college football game.