Stanford transfer QB Bear Bachmeier commits to BYU

BYU has landed a commitment from Stanford transfer quarterback Bear Bachmeier out of the NCAA transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“Former Stanford QB Bear Bachmeier has committed to BYU, he tells ESPN,” Thamel said, via X. “Bachmeier visited the last few days and committed on Saturday morning.”

Bachmeier played high school football at Murrieta Valley (CA), where he was a three-star prospect and the No. 448 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

After coaching changes were made by Stanford, Bachmeier decided to place his name in the transfer portal. Landing with BYU allows him to stay on the West Coast while placing himself inside a system where there could be success.

“The ability to come in and win games and OC Aaron Roderick’s scheme and the pedigree of quarterbacks they have produced in history and recently is enticing,” Bachmeier said via Thamel.

Thamel then added one final note to his report: “BYU sees [Bachmeier] as a strong competitor to start in 2026, as incumbent Jake Retzlaff will be out of eligibility.”

BYU lands transfer portal commitment from Big 12 defensive lineman

Oklahoma State transfer defensive lineman Justin Kirkland is joining a Big 12 Conference foe via the Transfer Portal. After spending the last two seasons with the Cowboys, he’s committed to taking his talents to the BYU Cougars, On3 has learned.

Kirkland originally came to Oklahoma State as a transfer ahead of the 2023 season. Before that, he had played for Utah Tech. There, he was a standout in the 2022 season for the FCS program out of the WAC. That led to his transfer following the season, making his way to the FBS ranks.

As a sophomore in 2023, Kirkland would play in 14 games for the Cowboys and start the final six games of the season at nose tackle. A year later, he’d play in all 12 games for Oklahoma State while getting one start. Along the way, he earned Academic All-Big 12 honors.

Over the course of those 26 games, Kirkland has 40 total tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and a sack. He also had two pass breakups in 2023. Now, he’s hoping to become a game-changing player for BYU in 2025.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report