College Football 26 predicts McCae Hillstead will win the BYU quarterback battle, and here’s a breakdown of why ¹ ²:
– McCae Hillstead’s Strengths:
– Pocket Performance: Hillstead had a PFF pass grade of 90.2 from a clean pocket as a true freshman, ranking 22nd nationally in 2023. He’s effective in the pocket, throwing strikes from a clean position.
– Mobility: Hillstead is the fastest quarterback on the roster, but he’s not the most elusive. He has the ability to make plays with his legs, but he’s sacked on 23% of pressures.
– Experience: Hillstead has experience playing at Utah State, where he threw for 1,062 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2023.

– Competition from Other Quarterbacks:
– Treyson Bourguet: A Western Michigan transfer with starting experience, Bourguet has a strong arm and can throw effectively downfield. He’s accurate and has a PFF grade of 90.9 on throws of 20 yards or more. Bourguet’s chances of winning the starting job are around 45%.
– Bear Bachmeier: A true freshman with high potential, Bachmeier has the highest ceiling among the three quarterbacks. He’s intelligent and has a strong ability to learn the playbook quickly. However, he’s at a disadvantage due to his inexperience, with chances of winning the starting job around 15%.

– Why Hillstead is Predicted to Win:
– Slight Edge: Hillstead has a slight edge over Bourguet and Bachmeier, with chances of winning the starting job around 40%. His experience and pocket performance make him a strong candidate.
– Coach’s Preference: The team’s coach, Kalani Sitake, will likely choose the quarterback who best fits the team’s needs. Hillstead’s ability to throw from a clean pocket and make plays with his legs could make him the preferred choice.

– Impact on the Team:
– Offensive Strategy: The quarterback battle will impact the team’s offensive strategy. If Hillstead wins the job, the team may focus on utilizing his strengths in the pocket and mobility. If Bourguet or Bachmeier win, the team may need to adjust their strategy to fit the quarterback’s skills.
– Team Success: The quarterback position will play a significant role in the team’s success this season. The winner of the battle will need to perform well to lead the team to victories.

Overall, the quarterback battle at BYU is intense, with three talented quarterbacks competing for the starting job. McCae Hillstead’s experience and pocket performance make him a strong candidate, but Treyson Bourguet’s accuracy and Bear Bachmeier’s potential could make them dark horse contenders.