PROVO (KSL.com) — Bear Bachmeier didn’t grow up a BYU fan in Murrieta, California, nor was he a member of the university’s sponsoring faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But few may be more prepared to be the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener in program history than the 6-foot-2 dual-threat signal caller.

Yes, Bachmeier will make history when he takes the first snap of the Cougars’ 2025 season opener Saturday against FCS Portland State (6 p.m. MDT, ESPN+). But when the former Stanford signee isn’t playing football, he’s probably a lot like many BYU freshmen, strumming “Wagon Wheel” on his guitar and playing Settlers of Catan and Clash Royale with his teammates.

“I like to think I’m a pretty outgoing guy,” he said, before eventually adding: “And

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