Bear Bachmeier

Michael "Bear" Bachmeier is an American college football quarterback for the BYU Cougars.

Early life Bachmeier attended Murrieta Valley High School located in Murrieta, California alongside his brother Tiger. During his sophomore season, he threw for 2,853 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also adding 644 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. In his senior year, Bachmeier missed the first eight games with a knee injury but returned leading his school to the Division 2 title game. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a four star recruit and the 262nd overall player in the class of 2025, where he committed to play college football for the Stanford Cardinal over Oregon, Arkansas, Michigan State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, and Michigan.

College career Stanford After enrolling early at Stanford for the 2025 season, Bachmeier decided to enter the transfer portal during spring practices.

BYU Bachmeier decided to transfer to play for the BYU Cougars alongside his brother Tiger. Heading into the 2025 season after BYU starter Jake Retzlaff was suspended and subsequently transferred, he competed for the starting job against McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet. On August 19, Bachmeier was named the starting quarterback for the Cougars, after several rumors suggesting the same, making him the first true freshman in school history to start a season opener. Bear help lead BYU to overcome an 11-point deficit at the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Statistics Season Team Games Passing Rushing 2025 BYU 14 14 12–2 224 349 64.2 2,708 7.8 14 6 139.2 146 527 3.6 11 Career 14 14 12–2 224 349 64.2 2,708 7.8 14 6 139.2 146 527 3.6 11

Personal life Bachmeier was raised Catholic and is the younger brother of wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier, with whom he plays at BYU, and former collegiate quarterback Hank Bachmeier.