The 2025 BYU football season unfolded as a remarkable narrative of athletic prowess and profound community engagement, as detailed in the recently released BYU Football Impact Report. This comprehensive document not only highlighted the team's on-field successes but also underscored the immense reach and philanthropic spirit of its dedicated fanbase. The season witnessed unprecedented television viewership, soaring attendance figures, and heartwarming acts of charity that collectively painted a picture of a truly impactful year for the Cougars.
2025 BYU Football Season: Unpacking the Impact
The 2025 BYU football season showcased an exceptional blend of athletic achievement and community solidarity, with several key metrics underscoring its profound impact:
- Record-Breaking Viewership: BYU's games captivated millions, with the Big 12 Championship game drawing an astounding 8.99 million viewers, surpassing even the previous year's most-watched bowl game. The Pop-Tarts Bowl followed closely, attracting 8.7 million viewers, solidifying BYU's position as a national draw in collegiate football.
- Packed Stadiums: The iconic LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, became a fortress of fan enthusiasm. The 2025 season recorded the highest average attendance in over 15 years, with an impressive 63,789 fans per game. The season boasted five sellouts, and on four separate occasions, attendance exceeded 64,000, creating an electrifying atmosphere for every home game. Furthermore, a staggering 85,519 spectators filled AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the Big 12 Championship rematch against Texas Tech, significantly outnumbering previous championship games.
- A Symphony of Sweet Treats: Fans indulged in a beloved tradition, consuming 70,143 of BYU's famous Cougar Tails. This monumental number not only symbolizes a cherished culinary experience but also marked the sale of the one-millionth Cougar Tail overall, a testament to its enduring popularity.
- Unwavering Philanthropy: The spirit of giving shone brightly throughout the season. When Maddie Ortiz, wife of Texas Tech's team barber, suffered a critical car accident, BYU fans rallied, boosting her family's GoFundMe donations from $6,000 to an astonishing $80,000 within a single day. This generosity inspired Texas Tech fans to reciprocate, raising over $110,000 for Gavin and Katie Cornia, another family impacted by a tragic car accident, demonstrating a powerful cross-fanbase camaraderie.
- Community Outreach on the Road: The Cougs Care tailgates, held at away games, served as vital hubs for charitable activities. An estimated 26,500 BYU alumni and supporters collectively donated more than 32,000 pounds of food, 8,000 books, $5,000 in monetary contributions, and hundreds of coats and shoes, extending their positive influence far beyond the playing field.
- Individual Achievements: Kicker Will Ferrin emerged as a scoring leader, topping the Big 12 with 118 points and ranking among the nation's top kickers with 23 successful field goals. Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier etched his name in BYU history, becoming the 15th quarterback to achieve a 3,000-yard passing season and the second true freshman to do so. His 11 rushing touchdowns also set a new record for BYU quarterbacks. Additionally, cornerback Evan Johnson led the Big 12 with five interceptions, showcasing the team's defensive prowess.
- National Spotlight: The 2025 season garnered significant national attention, with three BYU games selected to host major pregame shows. This included a second consecutive appearance on "Big Noon Kickoff" and an ESPN College GameDay feature, nearly doubling BYU's historical presence on such programs and highlighting the team's growing national prominence.
The 2025 BYU football season stands as a compelling example of how collegiate sports can transcend the boundaries of competition, fostering a vibrant community spirit and inspiring acts of profound generosity. The record-setting viewership and attendance figures speak to the captivating nature of the team's performance, while the widespread charitable initiatives underscore the deep-seated values within the BYU fanbase. This season serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of sports not just on the field, but within the broader social fabric, demonstrating how collective passion can be channeled into meaningful support and solidarity.