Utah and BYU undefeated entering Holy War in 2026? What to expect before rivalry

by July 25, 2026

written by July 25, 2026

The Utah Utes football schedule is favorable going into the 2026 season. But the real question that remains is: Will they be undefeated going into the first week of November?

There’s a high probability of it happening. Also, BYU could be as well, which presents a more intense rivalry on Nov. 7. Here’s a breakdown of how Utah could start the season 8-0 before that point.

Morgan Scalley’s first season as head coach includes an all-home non-conference slate. The Utes open the season against Idaho on Sept. 3rd, before welcoming Arkansas into Salt Lake City on Sept. 12th. The first-ever meeting with the Razorbacks would be the most difficult game in the early stretch, but the 10:15 p.m. ET start was already a topic of discussion by Arkansas’ athletic staff. Utah should take care of business in this one.

After the Hogs roll out, Utah faces Utah State right before Big 12 play. There’s no reason why the Utes shouldn’t start the season 3-0 before after three winnable games. They’ll head to Ames for a meeting with Iowa State on Sept. 26 before a bye week. After rest and reflection, Kansas comes to Rice-Eccles Stadium on Oct. 10.

Utah will then trek across the Rockies a week later to face Colorado on Oct. 17. Both the Jayhawks and the Buffs are expected to be outside the postseason conversation this season, tipping the scales in the Utes’ favor. One week after visiting Boulder gets interesting. Houston makes the trip to Utah with both teams looking to scrap.

The Cougars will be much improved from the past two seasons and look to test the Utes in this one. Despite this being one of the closer games for Utah in the Big 12 slate, Scalley’s team should stay perfect. Then comes a meeting with Cincinnati on the road. Going from difficult to underrated, but don’t expect a let-down for Utah on Halloween against the Bearcats.

This brings us to the final week of the regular season with BYU heading to Salt Lake City for the latest edition of the Holy War. Utah should be undefeated at 8-0. Yet again, BYU’s toughest contest comes in Week 7 against Notre Dame. If the Cougars can stun the Irish in Provo, this is setting up a rivalry with College Football Playoff implications on the line.

Not to mention, ESPN’s College GameDay and/or FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff should be pulling up to Salt Lake City if that’s the case. Both teams would likely be ranked in the top 10 with a must-win scenario to stay on top of the Big 12 standings.

If it does happen, the rating will go through the roof for one of the games to watch during this college football season.