College Football 26 predicts McCae Hillstead will win the BYU quarterback battle, with Hillstead having a slight edge over Treyson Bourguet and Bear Bachmeier. Here’s a breakdown of the prediction 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 throws strikes from a clean pocket and can hit deep shots downfield.
– Mobility: Hillstead is the fastest quarterback on the roster, but he’s not the most elusive. He was sacked on 23% of pressures at Utah State.
– Experience: Hillstead has experience playing at Utah State, where he threw for 1,062 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2023.

– Treyson Bourguet’s Chances:
– Accuracy: Bourguet is known for his accuracy, particularly on deep throws. He had a PFF grade of 90.9 on throws of 20 yards or more at Western Michigan.
– Running Ability: Bourguet is more of an opportunistic runner and isn’t as fast as Hillstead. He was sacked on 24% of pressures in 2023.
– Chances of Winning: Bourguet has a 45% chance of winning the starting job, according to College Football 26.

– Bear Bachmeier’s Potential:
– Physical Attributes: Bachmeier has the highest ceiling among the three quarterbacks, standing at 6’2″ and 230 pounds. He can make plays with his legs and extend plays.
– Intelligence: Bachmeier is intelligent and can learn the playbook quickly, which is a valuable asset for BYU’s offense.
– Chances of Winning: Bachmeier has a 15% chance of winning the starting job.

The prediction suggests that Hillstead’s experience and pocket performance give him an edge in the battle. However, Bourguet’s accuracy and Bachmeier’s physical attributes make them strong contenders. Ultimately, the winner will depend on various factors, including the coaching staff’s preference and the team’s needs.

Key Takeaways

– Competition: The quarterback battle at BYU is intense, with three talented quarterbacks competing for the starting job.
– Experience: Hillstead and Bourguet have experience playing at the collegiate level, while Bachmeier is a true freshman with high potential.
– Fit: The winner will need to fit the team’s culture and system, and demonstrate the ability to lead the offense effectively.