BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier is expected to be available for the Pop-Tarts Bowl despite sustaining a left ankle injury during the Big 12 Championship Game. The freshman standout was seen limping after BYU’s first offensive series last week, raising concerns about his status for the upcoming matchup against Georgia Tech on December 27 in Orlando.
Head coach Kalani Sitake attempted to calm those worries on Selection Sunday, saying Bachmeier would be “fine” for the Top 25 bowl showdown. On Thursday, as the Cougars returned to practice, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick reinforced that optimism. Though Bachmeier did not participate in practice, Roderick expressed complete confidence in the quarterback’s availability.
Roderick clarified that Bachmeier’s ankle issue is not considered serious. When asked about its severity, he responded quickly, emphasizing that the injury is not viewed as “severe” by the program’s medical staff. He added that all evaluations point toward Bachmeier being ready to play.
According to Roderick, unified confidence from doctors, trainers, and Bachmeier himself supports the decision to keep him on track for the bowl game. He reiterated that if BYU had been forced to play a game on Thursday, the freshman quarterback “could have gutted it out and played.”
Bachmeier earned Big 12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors after starting all 13 games for BYU this season. He has thrown for 2,708 yards with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, he struggled in the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas Tech, completing 16 of 27 passes for 115 yards and two interceptions while registering a season-low rushing total of minus-2 yards.
Roderick also revealed that despite Bachmeier being “a little banged up,” there was never any discussion of turning to a backup during the title game. He credited the quarterback’s competitiveness and the adrenaline of the moment, noting Bachmeier repeatedly insisted he was “good to go.” With several weeks to recover, BYU remains confident its young leader will be under center in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
