BYU has found itself in the national spotlight with freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier leading the charge. The Cougars’ signal-caller has brought attention not just for his play, but for his unusual jersey number.
Bachmeier became the first true freshman to start a season opener for BYU. He’s earned recognition as one of the conference’s top freshman players multiple times this season.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback doesn’t wear a typical quarterback number. Instead, he sports No. 47, which stands out among college football’s quarterback ranks.
Personal Connection to Number 47
Bachmeier wears No. 47 because it’s been his number since childhood, even after switching positions.
During BYU’s fall camp, Bachmeier explained his jersey choice stems from his youth football days. He initially played running back before moving to middle linebacker through eighth grade. When he transitioned to quarterback, he kept the same number.
ONLY True Freshman QB with an 80+ Grade This Season:
Bear Bachmeier, BYU: 80.3@BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/HGWQnvCC48
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 5, 2025
On Coug Connect, Bachmeier said he simply likes the number. He feels “it kind of brings you back to your primitive nature when you’re playing.”
High School Production
Bachmeier started 30 games at Murrieta Valley High School in California. The quarterback put up numbers both passing and rushing during his prep career.
| Category | Total |
| Passing Yards | 6,810 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 59 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,724 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 33 |
| Completions | 484 |
| Attempts | 710 |
| Completion Percentage | 68.2% |
| Interceptions | 14 |
| Yards Per Carry (Rushing) | 10.6 yards |
His high school accolades included multiple honors:
- Three-time First Team All-Big West Upper selection (2022-2024)
- Three-time All-Inland Empire honoree (2022-2024)
- Two-time All-CIF-SS selection (2022, 2023 seasons)
ESPN ranked Bachmeier as the No. 11 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class.
Breaking Quarterback Norms
The number 47 doesn’t carry traditional significance at BYU. Its prominence comes entirely from Bachmeier’s decision to wear it.
College quarterbacks typically wear numbers 1-19. No. 47 is usually assigned to linebackers, fullbacks, or defensive linemen.
Bachmeier is the first quarterback in BYU history to wear No. 47. His choice has become a talking point in college football circles.
The freshman’s jersey selection reflects his journey from running back to linebacker to quarterback. It’s a reminder that his path to leading BYU’s offense wasn’t always obvious.
