Bear Bachmeier will be the first true freshman to start a season at quarterback in BYU history. Bachmeier emerged from a three-way competition to replace Jake Retzlaff and announced he will be the starter Aug.

Almost three months to the day when BYU coaches, fans and players alike were rattled by the bombshell news that projected and veteran starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff in all likelihood would not be under center for the Cougars in the Aug. 30 opener against Portland State, another somewhat startling development was announced in Provo.

Yes, his name is really Bear. Even better, Bachmeier wears No. 47, which is very much not a QB number. He'll be the first true freshman to start a season opener for BYU, per Thamel. Bachmeier beat out a pair of transfers: McCae Hillstead (Utah State) and Treyson Bourguet (Western Michigan).