Arizona vs BYU Prediction 9/12/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Arizona Wildcats and the BYU Cougars will meet on Saturday afternoon in a Big 12 Conference matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 overall record (6-3 in Big 12 Conference play) and a 3-2 mark on the road. Arizona compiled a strong season under head coach Brent Brennan and emerged as one of the more improved teams in the conference.

*Last week, the Arizona Wildcats opened the 2026 regular season with a convincing 35-7 victory over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.  

The Arizona offense was productive throughout the 2025 season. The Wildcats scored 31.5 points per game and averaged 407.6 total yards per game, including 255.2 passing yards and 152.4 rushing yards.  

Turning our attention to the defensive side of the football, Arizona allowed just 19.3 points per game (24th in FBS) and 308.5 total yards per game, including 165.3 passing yards and 143.2 rushing yards. The Wildcats ranked among the best defensive teams in the Big 12 consistently limited opposing offenses throughout the season.

Quarterback Noah Fifita returns as Arizona’s offensive leader. Fifita compiled 3,228 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a 64.3% completion percentage last season. Running back Ismail Mahdi added 859 rushing yards while averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry in 2025.

Sophomore wide receiver Giovanni Richardson played exceptionally well in last week’s win over Northern Arizona, amassing 9 receptions and 113 receiving yards.

BYU Cougars Betting Preview

The BYU Cougars finished the 2025 season with a 12-2 overall record (8-1 in Big 12 Conference play) and an undefeated 6-0 mark at home. The Cougars capped off their 12-win season by defeating Georgia Tech 25–21 in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Head coach Kalani Sitake enters this season with one of the top programs in the conference.

*It should also be noted that BYU defeated the Utah State Trailblazers 63-7 in the team’s first game of 2026 last week.

The BYU offense was effective throughout the 2025 season. The Cougars averaged 31.4 points per game and compiled 399.5 total yards per game, including 221.4 passing yards and 178.1 rushing yards. BYU relied on a physical rushing attack that produced 33 rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, BYU allowed 19.1 points per game and 332.4 total yards per contest, including 209.7 passing yards and 122.7 rushing yards. The Cougars were particularly effective against the run, surrendering only 3.7 yards per carry.

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier returns after tallying 3,033 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025. Running back LJ Martin was one of the nation’s most productive rushers last season, amassing 1,305 rushing yards.                                                          

Why the Arizona Wildcats will win.

•  Arizona is 8–5 ATS in the team’s last 13 games.

• Quarterback Noah Fifita passed for 3,228 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.

• The Arizona Wildcats allowed just 19.3 points per game which ranked 24th in the nation.

• The Wildcats finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 overall record (6-3 in Big 12).

• Arizona wide receiver Giovanni Richardson compiled 9 receptions and 113 receiving yards in the Wildcats season opening victory over Northern Arizona.

Why the BYU Cougars will win.

• BYU finished the 2025 season with a 12-2 record.

• BYU is 10–4 ATS in the team’s last 14 games.

• The Cougars allowed only 19.1 points per game in 2025.

• Home field advantage. BYU has traditionally been difficult to beat at LaVell Edwards Stadium.  

Arizona Wildcats vs. BYU Cougars Prediction

In my view, this matchup favors the Arizona Wildcats staying within the number (8.5) with the upside of winning the contest outright. Why? Arizona signal caller Noah Fifita returns as Arizona’s offensive leader. Fifita compiled 3,228 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a 64.3% completion percentage last season. Fifita continued his quality play in last week’s season opening win over Northern Arizona, amassing 279 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. While the BYU Cougars have historically played at a high level at home, I fully expect to see a competitive game that could be decided in the final minutes. With that said, I am backing the Arizona Wildcats plus the 8.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Arizona Wildcats +8.5