BYU’s defense dominated Stanford in a 27-3 victory, as the Cougars’ ground game and special teams proved too much for the Cardinal. The win moves BYU to 2-0 on the season.

Final Score: BYU 27, Stanford 3.
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Key BYU Players and Stats: Running back LJ Martin (110 yards on 18 carries), quarterback Bear Bachmeier (17-27, 175 yards, 1 rushing touchdown), and a strong defensive performance (2 interceptions, 3 sacks).
Key Stanford Players and Stats: Quarterback Ben Gulbranson (17-32, 142 yards) and wide receiver Bryce Farrell (5 catches for 68 yards). Stanford was held without a touchdown.
Game Narrative: BYU’s offense had a slow start, but the defense and special teams (including a 44-yard punt return) carried the load. Will Ferrin tied his career high with four field goals.
Significance: BYU is now 2-0 on the 2025 season. Stanford falls to 0-2.

The BYU Cougars flexed their defensive muscle in front of a capacity crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday night, delivering a suffocating performance to defeat the visiting Stanford Cardinal with a final score of 27-3.

While the Cougars’ offense had its moments, it was a gritty, disciplined defensive effort and timely special teams plays that ultimately secured the home team’s victory and pushed them to a 2-0 record on the young 2025 college football season.

The win, a far cry from the offensive fireworks seen in BYU’s 69-0 season-opening rout, was a testament to the team’s depth and versatility.

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman, completed 17 of 27 passes for 175 yards and added a 3-yard rushing touchdown.

However, the true stars of the night were running back LJ Martin and a defense that completely neutralized Stanford’s attack.

The Ground Game and Defensive Dominance

LJ Martin continued his stellar start to the season, eclipsing the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game.

The veteran running back finished with 110 yards on 18 carries, including a punishing 47-yard run that set the tone for BYU’s first scoring drive. His relentless, physical running style was instrumental in controlling the clock and tiring out the Stanford defensive line.

But it was the BYU defense that truly stole the show. They held Stanford to just 161 total yards, stifling the Cardinal’s offense and preventing them from reaching the end zone all night.

The Cougars’ defense compiled seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and two critical interceptions, one each from Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala. Satuala, in addition to his pick, also recorded a tackle for loss and helped secure a safety, capping off a remarkable night.

Stanford’s offense, led by quarterback Ben Gulbranson, struggled to find any rhythm. Gulbranson completed 17 of 32 passes for 142 yards but was unable to get his team into a position to score a touchdown. The lone points for the Cardinal came from a 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, the first points allowed by BYU’s defense all season.

Special Teams Delivers the Spark

With the offense stalling at times in the red zone, the Cougars’ special teams stepped up in a big way. Kicker Will Ferrin was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, tying his career high and providing crucial points when BYU’s drives stalled.

His kicks from 36, 30, 23, and another one later in the game ensured the Cougars maintained a comfortable lead throughout the contest.

Special teams also provided a major momentum swing when Tiger Bachmeier, the punt returner, broke free for a 44-yard return in the second half.

The impressive run set up the Cougars in prime field position and led to a touchdown from running back Sione Moa, extending BYU’s lead to 24-0.

Looking Ahead

With the victory, BYU moves to 2-0 on the season and has established itself as a team with both offensive firepower and a truly elite defense.

The Cougars will now prepare for their next non-conference opponent, while the Stanford Cardinal will have to regroup after a disappointing start to their season, which now sees them at 0-2.

The game was a powerful showcase of BYU’s strength, proving that they are a well-rounded team capable of winning in more ways than just a high-scoring shootout. The Cougars’ ability to win a defensive battle against a Power Four opponent like Stanford bodes well for their future as they continue their 2025 campaign.

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