The BYU vs. Utah "Holy War" this Saturday, October 18, 2025, is absolutely massive, carrying both local passion and significant national stakes.

Here's why this edition is shaping up to be one of the biggest in years:

1. Conference & National Implications

This is the most consequential Holy War in a long time, thanks to the two programs being together in the Big 12:

Both Ranked: For the first time in many seasons, both teams are ranked. BYU comes in undefeated at No. 15, and Utah has fought its way back into the rankings at No. 23.

The Big 12 Race: This is a crucial conference matchup. BYU is a perfect 6-0 and 3-0 in Big 12 play, leading the standings. A win for the Cougars firmly establishes them as a potential conference title contender. A Utah win gives them a massive resume boost and sends the Big 12 race into chaos.

Top 25 Matchup on Prime Time: The game has earned the national prime-time slot on FOX (6:00 PM MT/8:00 PM ET), giving it maximum national exposure and confirming its status as a marquee event. FOX's "Big Noon Kickoff" pregame show is also broadcasting live from Provo.

2. The Rivalry is Back to Peak Intensity

After years of the rivalry being an out-of-conference match, the Big 12 alignment has restored the venomous, high-stakes nature of the contest:

The 2024 Drama: The last meeting was arguably the most controversial in recent memory. BYU won 22-21 in Salt Lake City on a last-second field goal, a drive that was heavily aided by a late-game penalty against Utah. The outrage from the Utes' side, including their Athletic Director publicly criticizing the officiating, has kept the fire raging for the past year.

Undefeated vs. Vengeance: BYU is the undefeated team, playing at home in a sold-out LaVell Edwards Stadium. Utah is coming for revenge, looking to stop their in-state rivals' perfect season and silence the chatter from the previous year.

The Church vs. State Narrative: The deeply ingrained cultural clash between the private, religious BYU and the public, secular Utah is always the fuel for the "Holy War" moniker, ensuring the emotion is amplified tenfold.

3. Star-Powered Matchup

The game features some of the best statistical teams in the Big 12:

Both teams boast Top 5 scoring offenses and Top 5 defenses in the conference.

It pits two of the Big 12's most potent rushing attacks against each other, setting the stage for a physical, trench-warfare battle.

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