Cougars rout UCF in regular season finale – Deseret News

The Deseret News is providing live coverage of Saturday’s game between BYU and UCF. Check back for updates throughout the game.
Final score
BYU 41, UCF 21
Fourth quarter
BYU 41, UCF 21
3:53 — Redemption for Will Ferrin.
BYU’s senior kicker makes up for his two earlier misses with a successful 50-yard field goal try. BYU 41, UCF 21.
Ferrin is now 4 of 6 from 50+ yards on the season and 22 of 28 as a whole.
10:39 — Will Ferrin misses his second field goal of the game, this time from 48 yards out. BYU 38, UCF 21.
14:18 — Jay Hill’s defense creates some chaos.
A Jack Kelly sack on Tayven Jackson knocked the ball loose, with Raider Damuni scooping up the fumble for another BYU takeaway. BYU 38, UCF 21.
Kelly now has two sacks on the day and nine in 2025, the most by any BYU defender since 2015.
Third quarter
BYU 38, UCF 21
0:47 — Parker Kingston is at it again.
On fourth down at midfield, Bear Bachmeier connected with Kingston for the first down, only for the former Utah high school 100-meter dash state champion to bolt another 35 yards downfield for the touchdown. BYU 38, UCF 21.
The pass was Bachmeier’s first touchdown of the day, but he’s currently 18 of 21 in passing for 263 yards.
3:24 — BYU’s 31-point run has come to an end.
UCF scored for the first time since the opening quarter, with running back Agyeman Adda throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 10 points. BYU 31, UCF 21.
7:13 — For the first time in 2025, Parker Kingston has ripped off a punt return touchdown.
Kingston brought a UCF punt back 55 yards for the score, adding to BYU’s lead and appearing to put away the Knights for good. BYU 31, UCF 14.
It’s Kingston’s third career punt return touchdown, having gotten two in 2024.
Additionally, it’s Kingston’s 15th touchdown of his career — he has six receiving, three rushing, three passing and now three on punt returns.
8:54 — It’s a hat trick for LJ Martin.
Martin just set a new career best with his third touchdown of the game, putting BYU ahead by 10 points. BYU 24, UCF 17.
The Cougars have now scored 24 unanswered points after falling into an early 14-0 hole.
In addition to his three end zone trips, Martin has ran for 77 yards on 18 carries while also catching three passes for 24 yards.
Halftime
BYU 17, UCF 14
BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) celebrates after a tackle during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights tight end Dylan Wade (0) is tackled by BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17), left, and BYU safety Tanner Wall (28), right, during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost argues with side judge Mark Graves during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs against the UCF Knights during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) tackles UCF Knights running back Jaden Nixon (5) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) passes during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. (7) runs past BYU cornerback Mory Bamba (4) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU running back LJ Martin (4) rushes for a touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU offensive lineman Austin Leausa (55) is helped up by trainers after sustaining an injury during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU running back LJ Martin (4) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights running back Agyeman Addae (35) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights wide receiver Waden Charles (19) celebrates after scoring a first down during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights tight end Dylan Wade (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU head coach Kalani Sitake talks with a referee during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is stopped by UCF Knights defensive back Antione Jackson (7) just short of the end zone during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU students cheer during an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU running back LJ Martin (4) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the first half of the game against the UCF Knights at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost looks to the scoreboard before a play against BYU during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after the UCF Knights were downed during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) stiff-arms UCF Knights defensive back Demari Henderson (8) as he runs the ball up the field during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets up after being downed by the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU defensive back Evan Johnson (0) runs with the ball after intercepting it from the UCF Knights during an NCAA football game held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) prepares to throw the ball during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU safety Raider Damuni (3) readies himself during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) prepares to throw the ball during warm ups before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost talks with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake before the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Fans walk around after the Cougar Walk and before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News The BYU Cougar Marching Band performs as they lead players during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News The Moore family from Layton, from left, Stephen, Marcus, 9, Britney, and Andrew, 12, wait to high-five players as they make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU wide receiver Tei Nacua (0) greets fans as he and the rest of the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) high-fives fans as the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News BYU head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans as the Cougars make their entrance during the Cougar Walk before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Fans walk around after the Cougar Walk and before an NCAA football game against the UCF Knights held at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Second quarter
BYU 17, UCF 14
0:09 — Will Ferrin boots a 26-yard field goal to give BYU its first lead of the day. BYU 17, UCF 14.
The Cougars have strung together 17 unanswered points since their opening three and out. They’ve put up 204 yards of total offense — 152 passing, 52 rushing.
4:54 — BYU is finally awake.
LJ Martin scored his second touchdown of the day to knot things up at 14 points apiece. BYU 14, UCF 14.
Martin now has 10 touchdowns on the season to pair with more than 1,000 rushing yards, strengthening his case to earn Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Against UCF thus far, Martin has ran 13 times for 52 yards and the two scores.
Martin’s touchdown was set up by a 13-yard pickup by Jojo Phillips and another 20-yard grab by Carsen Ryan to bring the Cougars inside the goal line.
10:00 — The Cougars can’t capitalize on a turnover.
The typically accurate Will Ferrin hooked a 40-yard field goal left, keeping BYU’s deficit at seven points. UCF 14, BYU 7.
The Cougars had a 3rd and 1 try in the red zone but ended up losing 15 yards and settling for the unsuccessful field goal attempt.
13:20 — Evan Johnson to the rescue.
BYU finally got that stop on defense, as Johnson picked off Duane Thomas Jr. at the UCF 29-yard line to thwart a Knights trick play and continue the Cougars’ momentum swing. UCF 14, BYU 7.
Johnson now has four interceptions on the season, tying Tanner Wall for the BYU team lead.
13:34 — LJ Martin puts BYU on the board.
A week after his career night at Cincinnati, BYU’s talented tailback scored his ninth touchdown of the season to cut the deficit in half. UCF 14, BYU 7.
BYU traveled 65 yards across nine plays on the drive, with Tiger Bachmeier snagging an impressive third down reception and Carsen Ryan picking up 26 yards on a catch and run as well.
The Cougar defense will now attempt to stop UCF for the first time today.
First quarter
UCF 14, BYU 0
3:39 — It’s a disaster start for BYU.
The Cougars are now in a 14-point hole, with UCF finding the end zone again on a 20-yard touchdown reception by Agyeman Addae. UCF 14, BYU 0.
BYU went three and out on its first possession, while the Knights have ran 18 plays to put up 14 points.
Additionally, UCF has gashed the Cougars to go 4 for 4 on third down attempts thus far.
9:27 — UCF opens the game with a score.
The Knights capped a 11-play, 75-yard drive with a touchdown pass from Tayven Jackson to Dylan Wade. UCF 7, BYU 0.
How to watch the game
BYU’s matchup with UCF will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can be streamed through the ESPN app.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for BYU’s game against UCF.




