Last season, there was a ‘Bear on the loose.’ This year, he’ll be on the hunt

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before the game against Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News When you’re hunting history, it’s nice to get off to a fast start.

Twelve wins for true freshman Bear Bachmeier in 2025 has the BYU quarterback on pace to dethrone Max Hall as the Cougars’ all-time winningest QB. Catching Hall is possible, but it won’t be easy. Across three seasons (2007-09) in Provo, Hall won 32 games — more than legends Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Robbie Bosco and Ty Detmer.

Hall did it with a supporting cast that featured running back Harvey Unga, receiver Austin Collie and tight end Dennis Pitta — three of the best Cougars to ever suit up at their respective positions. Hall also enjoyed a huge offensive line and formidable defense. Along the way, the former Arizona high school star threw for 11,363 yards and 94 touchdowns, while rushing for 204 yards and seven more scores.

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae coached several talented players, including Max Hall, left, John Beck, Harvey Unga and Dennis Pitta. | Mike Terry , Deseret News A trio of memorable battles highlight Hall’s pedigree of big moments: On fourth-and-18 in the fourth quarter against Utah in 2007, Hall, playing with an injured throwing shoulder, hit Collie on a 49-yard bomb to set up Unga’s game-winning touchdown run. In 2008, Hall set a school record with five first-half touchdown passes during BYU’s 59-0 blowout of UCLA.