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Colorado football opponent preview: Alamo Bowl rematch vs. BYU ends first month of season

By Tyler King June 12, 2025 | updated 2 months ago

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There will not be a warm welcome for the BYU Cougars on the final Saturday night in September.

Colorado’s Big 12 home opener on Sept. 27 (8:15 p.m. ESPN) is also an Alamo Bowl rematch as the teams meet in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1946-47.

Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes will be out for revenge after Kalani Sitake’s team spoiled the party in what was Coach Prime’s last time sharing the sidelines with sons Shedeur and Shilo, as well as Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

Alamo Bowl Football

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, left, and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, right, meet at midfield following BYU's win in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Eric Gay

Alamo Bowl Football

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, left, and BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, right, meet at midfield following BYU’s win in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)



Eric Gay


The Week 5 clash figures to be an important, early-season litmus test for CU and BYU as each enters the 2025 season with hopes of competing for a Big 12 title once again.

Here’s everything you need to know about the team from Provo:

Offseason storylines

BYU starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing a civil lawsuit that alleges he committed sexual assault in 2023. Barring a dismissal or a settlement, it’s likely the legal process will not be resolved before the start of the season.

Retzlaff has not been charged criminally and his status for the season is undetermined. BYU could opt to terminate Retzlaff’s seven-figure name, image, likeness contract considering the university’s strict honor code.

Alamo Bowl Football

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to throw against Colorado during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Alamo Bowl Football

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to throw against Colorado during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)



If the situation isn’t resolved, it will be one of the biggest storylines heading into Big 12 media days on July 8-9 in Frisco, Texas.

With Retzlaff, the Cougars project to be one of the top preseason contenders for the conference title after being atop the standings for much of last season and with plenty of key starters returning on both sides of the ball.

On offense

Retzlaff’s availability will shape how Aaron Roderick plans for his fifth season as BYU’s offensive coordinator. If Retzlaff is dismissed from the team, the quarterback room becomes thin in a hurry. BYU could turn to Stanford transfer and former four-star recruit Bear Bachmeier, who transferred to the Cougars along with his brother, wide receiver Tiger.

Regardless of the quarterback, last year’s leading receiver, Chase Roberts, is back and will likely be the top target. Tiger Bachmeier and Utah transfer tight end Carsen Ryan could also be weapons in the passing game, while leading rusher LJ Martin returns. Martin ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffs in the Alamo Bowl.

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Alamo Bowl Football

BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs past Colorado linebacker Brendan Gant (38) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Eric Gay

Alamo Bowl Football

BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs past Colorado linebacker Brendan Gant (38) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)



Eric Gay


On defense

Coordinator Jay Hill led the Big 12’s top defense a season ago and his unit should be one of the conference’s best again in 2025.

Leading tackler and all-conference caliber linebacker Isaiah Glasker returns to lead the defense after playing one of his best games of 2024 against CU in San Antonio.

Alamo Bowl Football

BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) celebrates with his defensive play of the game trophy after the team's win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Alamo Bowl Football

BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) celebrates with his defensive play of the game trophy after the team’s win over Colorado in the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)



BYU did lose starting linebacker Harrison Taggart, who committed to California after also considering the Buffs out of the portal.

Edge rusher Jack Kelly is back after leading the team in sacks in 2024 and making an instant impact following his transfer from Weber State.

The BYU Cougars file

2024 record: 11-2 (7-2 Big 12)

Head coach: Kalani Sitake (10th season, 72-43 record)

Offensive coordinator: Aaron Roderick (8th season at BYU, 5th as OC)

Defensive coordinator: Jay Hill (4th season)

Key returners: QB Jake Retzlaff, RB LJ Martin, WR Chase Roberts, OL Weylin Lapuaho, LB Isaiah Glasker, EDGE Jack Kelly, K Will Ferrin

Key newcomers: QB Bear Bachmeier, WR Tiger Bachmeier, TE Carsen Ryan, OL Andrew Gentry, LB Max Alford, S Tayvion Beasley

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Tyler King

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