Under new rules in the ACC scheduling process, the Cal Golden Bears will need to free up another spot in 2026 and 2027 for additional conference games. That required the series between BYU and Cal to be canceled. The Bears are scheduled to visit Provo next season and the Cougars will return to Berkeley in 2027.
Now, about nine months after that game was played in Provo, BYU needed a new opponent. The problem is, the Big 12 conference also has its own scheduling requirements. Each of these members must play an out-of-conference power conference opponent. Carr fulfilled BYU’s requirements for the next two seasons.
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Barring other changes on BYU’s schedule, the Cougars will need to find a new power conference opponent on Sept. 12. Unfortunately, every SEC and Big 10 team has already mapped out their schedule for next year.
If BYU were to field a power conference team, it might require making some adjustments to BYU’s schedule or agreeing to meet with another power conference team on a different week.
The latest changes could mean BYU isn’t in the best position to negotiate with its opponents in the last minute in 2026.
As of now, BYU has only two non-conference games in 2026. They will host Utah Tech on Sept. 5 before traveling to Fort Collins to face Colorado State two weeks later.
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Maybe BYU can come to terms with another out-of-conference Final Four team they already have scheduled for later in the future. Boston College is the next non-conference Final Four team on BYU’s roster after Cal in 2028 and 2029. BYU will host Virginia Tech in 2030 and Michigan State in 2032.
It’s worth noting that some schools have scheduled byes for Sept. 12, which could push BYU’s schedule back. Alabama currently does not have a game on Sept. 12, but their non-conference slate is full. The Florida Gators host FCS Campbell, a game that could easily be bought out if they agree to it. So does South Carolina. Northwestern will open the season on September 12 against South Dakota State.
Regardless, BYU needs a speedy opponent in 2026. Under the Big 12’s scheduling rules, barring exceptions, it must be a Final Four team outside the conference.
Unfortunately, BYU will have seven home games in 2026, and Carr is among them. Now, this is in jeopardy.
