BYU and Utah both in AP Top 25—so why do both feel underrated?
August 18, 2026 at 10:07 AM MT · via The Salt Lake Tribune · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

The Salt Lake Tribune examines why BYU (ranked No. 14) and Utah (No. 21) in the preseason AP poll both believe they deserved higher placement. The piece makes the case for each program based on returning talent, schedule strength, and recent performance.
Both schools enter the 2026 season with playoff aspirations in the expanded College Football Playoff format, and both fan bases argue the rankings undervalue their teams' potential.
More coverage of this story
- The Salt Lake Tribune →August 17, 2026 at 10:15 AM MT
- Deseret News →August 17, 2026 at 10:24 AM MT
- KSL →August 17, 2026 at 4:35 AM MT
- FOX 13 Salt Lake City →August 17, 2026 at 11:24 AM MT
- KUTV 2 →August 17, 2026 at 11:02 AM MT
- The Salt Lake Tribune →August 18, 2026 at 9:13 AM MT
- Deseret News →August 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM MT
Mormon News summarizes reporting from established outlets and always links to the original. See an error? Report it.
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