This may stand as one of the most anticipated encounters in the long and fiery history of the Holy War rivalry.

The long-standing battle between BYU football and their northern neighbors, the Utah Utes, is a saga built on heritage, pride, and fierce competition. It has delivered unforgettable moments of triumph and heartbreak for over a century. Since both programs departed the Mountain West Conference in 2011 to pursue greater ambitions, they paused their rivalry for a short period. Between 2013 and 2015, the two didn’t meet, only reuniting in the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl — thanks to the selection committee that deemed the matchup irresistible.

Nicknamed the Holy War, the clash has always been one of the most hyped games on either team’s schedule. Fans from both schools spend weeks analyzing records, stats, and even the smallest details to claim bragging rights before kickoff. This year, excitement has reached a new level — and the rest of the nation is beginning to take notice.

For the first time since 2009, both BYU and Utah enter the rivalry ranked in the national polls. That’s sixteen years since such a scenario unfolded — surprisingly long given their consistent football success. The rarity of this situation has drawn significant attention from fans and media alike.

FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff will broadcast live from Provo for the second straight year to spotlight one of the weekend’s marquee contests — the showdown between 15th-ranked BYU and 23rd-ranked Utah.

The Cougars have claimed the past two meetings, snapping Utah’s previous nine-game win streak that stretched back to their shared Mountain West days.

Now reunited in the Big 12, the programs meet again after a turbulent season for the Utes, one of their toughest under coach Kyle Whittingham. Utah fell short of bowl eligibility in its first Big 12 campaign, losing a tight game at home to BYU, decided by a late Will Ferrin field goal.

Even with an undefeated record and home-field advantage, BYU enters this contest as a two-point underdog against their in-state rivals. Utah’s only blemish this season came in a crushing loss to Texas Tech — now ranked seventh nationally.

Still, the Utes are seeking more than a narrow victory in Provo. They carry pride and frustration from last season’s disappointment and their historical edge over BYU. With a stronger roster and renewed motivation, Utah is eager not just to win, but to send a statement.

The last time both teams were ranked, in 2009, the game went to overtime, ending with Andrew George’s touchdown to lift BYU in Provo. Chaos followed — Utah defenders collided, and quarterback Max Hall famously declared afterward, “I don’t like Utah. In fact, I hate them.”

One truth has never changed: no matter rankings, records, or location, BYU vs. Utah always delivers fireworks. This year’s meeting promises to be no different — the rivalry is alive, intense, and ready to explode once more.