Utah’s resounding 63–9 triumph over Cal Poly propelled the Utes into the Week 2 AP Top 25 at No. 20—an impressive five‑spot leap—and earned them the No. 21 spot in the Coaches Poll. Meanwhile, BYU remains just outside the rankings, garnering votes but still unranked in the AP standings. Their continued presence in the polls’ periphery underscores their strong start and keeps expectations high for potential inclusion in the weeks ahead.

Leaping five spots to No. 20 in the AP Top 25, Utah’s performance was nothing short of a clinic. The offense fired on all cylinders, racking up nearly 600 yards of total offense, while the defense looked impenetrable, allowing just a single touchdown. But it wasn’t just the scoreline that shocked observers—it was the way Utah played. Fast. Ruthless. Efficient. Every possession seemed like a calculated blow, and Cal Poly simply couldn’t withstand the onslaught.

Even more stunning? This kind of performance came after Utah was written off by many analysts in the offseason. Between concerns over roster turnover, questions at quarterback, and a schedule some called “trap-filled,” few expected Utah to look like this so early. Now, that Week 3 matchup with No. 14 Arizona State isn’t just a test—it’s turning into a potential playoff-impacting showdown.

The Coaches Poll echoed the AP’s recognition, sliding Utah into the No. 21 spot. While some fans might grumble about the slight difference, what matters is momentum. Utah’s now firmly on the national radar. One more dominant win, and they could find themselves in the top 15—maybe even higher if chaos breaks out among the current top teams.

But what about BYU?

Though still unranked, the Cougars are lurking dangerously close to the Top 25. Receiving votes in both major polls, BYU’s undefeated start hasn’t gone unnoticed. But there’s a growing sense of frustration—among fans and analysts alike—that the Cougars are being overlooked despite impressive showings. Their offensive balance and defensive toughness have caught the attention of voters, and some believe it’s only a matter of time before they break through.

The real shock here is the positioning. Utah and BYU are moving in parallel trajectories, both with undefeated starts, yet only one gets the national spotlight. It’s a dynamic that’s reigniting the age-old rivalry—and setting the stage for a potentially explosive Holy War later in the season. Imagine both teams ranked in the top 20 when they meet. It’s no longer a pipe dream—it’s looking increasingly likely.

Behind the scenes, whispers of Utah being a dark horse playoff contender are beginning to gain traction. It’s early, yes—but with the expanded 12-team playoff format coming soon, Utah’s aggressive style and deep roster are giving them a real shot at crashing the party. Their schedule, once considered a liability, might actually help—if they keep blowing out inferior teams and hold their own in the Pac-12.

For now, the Utes bask in their moment of dominance, while BYU sharpens its sword in the shadows. But make no mistake: college football in Utah is heating up. And if the current trajectory holds, both programs could be making noise deep into November—and maybe even December.