BYU turned to true freshman Bear Bachmeier as its starting quarterback in the wake of former star Jake Retzlaff's departure, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz has confirmed. Bachmeier, who initially signed with Stanford before transferring to BYU in May, beat redshirt sophomore McCae Hillstead and redshirt junior Treyson Bourguet in a fall camp competition.

BYU entered the offseason with questions at receiver, cornerback, defensive line and kick returning. Quarterback was not expected to be an issue with Jake Retzlaff expected to be back after a solid first season as the Cougars' starter.

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.