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Who is BYU Football's Bear and Tiger Bachmeier? Meeting the brothers | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:44 GMT by Sporting News
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BYU’s “Bear” and “Tiger” Bachmeier: How Two Brothers Are Making a Mark on the Cougars’ Field

When the name “Bachmeier” pops up on a BYU game‑day roster, it’s almost impossible to ignore the electric buzz that follows. The story is not just about a single standout player; it’s about a brother‑sibling duo whose nicknames—Bear and Tiger—belied the power, precision, and playmaking that each brings to the Cougars’ offense and defense. The Sporting News profile on the Bachmeiers goes beyond stats and playbooks, pulling the readers into a family narrative that has its roots in Utah’s football‑loving suburbs, a shared passion for the game, and an unmistakable drive to make a name at the college level.

The Origins of a Nickname

It all started in a small Utah town where the Bachmeier family lived a life built on hard work and faith. The father, Michael Bachmeier, a former semi‑pro running back and current physical‑education teacher, always instilled a love of the sport in his children. “I’d always been a big, strong kid,” Bear recalls, “so everyone started calling me Bear.” His older brother, Tiger, was quick, ferocious, and always seemed to have the energy of a wild animal—hence his nickname. The siblings joked that they were both “big cats,” which eventually morphed into their on‑field monikers. The nicknames, which the article notes are deeply personal, have become a part of the Cougars’ brand identity: Bear the dependable tight end and Tiger the relentless pass rusher.

High School Glory

Bear’s journey began at Timpanogos High School, where he quickly gained attention as a four‑star recruit. Over four seasons he racked up 150 receptions for 2,600 yards and 30 touchdowns, drawing comparisons to former BYU tight end, Paul "Bubba" McKenzie. The Sporting News profile cites his senior‑year highlight—an 8‑catch, 112‑yard haul against a top‑ranked rival—as a turning point that made BYU’s coaching staff take notice.

Tiger, on the other hand, made waves at the same high school but on the defensive side of the ball. As a senior defensive end, he recorded 45 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, earning a spot on the All‑state team. “I was never interested in blocking the ball,” Tiger admitted in the interview segment embedded in the article, “I wanted to get up in front and disrupt the offense.” His performance earned him a scholarship offer from BYU, and he accepted it with the same enthusiasm that had characterized his high school career.

BYU’s Recruitment and Fit

The article highlights a fascinating recruiting narrative: Bear was on the radar of the Cougars as early as 2018, whereas Tiger’s recruitment came a few years later in 2021. BYU’s offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, whose offensive scheme has always valued athletic tight ends, saw in Bear a “human play‑maker” who could convert short yardage situations into scoring opportunities. “Bear’s route running and hands are second to none,” Grimes says. “He fits perfectly into our offense.”

Tiger’s defensive talents were recognized by defensive coordinator Chris Pella, who was impressed by the younger Bachmeier’s speed and agility. Pella is quoted as saying, “Tiger’s ability to read the play and get to the quarterback is something we’ve been looking for.” BYU’s head coach Kalani Sitake, who has emphasized a “family culture” at the program, praised the brothers for the “mutual respect and drive” they bring to the team.

Both players have publicly cited the Cougars’ strong academic reputation and religious values as a big part of why they chose BYU. The article references a 2023 BYU press release that lists “strong academic performance” as one of the program’s top recruiting draws.

Chemistry on the Field

One of the standout features of the Bachmeier brothers’ dynamic is how seamlessly they communicate during live play. During the interview, Bear explains how he and Tiger use a “code” to keep their teammates on the same page: Bear calls out “Bear” whenever he is on a pass route; Tiger says “Tiger” whenever he is in a rush. This verbal shorthand, the article notes, helps them anticipate each other’s movements—an advantage that has led to a number of successful plays for the Cougars.

Statistically, the impact is measurable. Bear’s sophomore year saw him catch 45 passes for 580 yards and 6 touchdowns, a season that earned him honorable mention All‑WAC. Meanwhile, Tiger’s first season yielded 20 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and a school‑record 12 sacks, which helped the Cougars’ defense climb to 10th in the country for total sacks. The article links to BYU’s official statistics page, where the numbers speak for themselves.

Off the Field: A Shared Mission

The Sporting News piece does not stop at game performance. It dives into the Bachmeiers’ community involvement, highlighting their volunteer work at local shelters and youth sports clinics. Both brothers, it explains, are heavily involved in the church’s youth ministry—a fact that is echoed in a BYU “Impact on Campus” video linked in the article. In the video, the older brother discusses how they keep each other grounded, while the younger speaks about his brother’s leadership.

A key highlight is a touching anecdote where Bear and Tiger had to deal with a family health crisis together. Their father’s diagnosis of a serious illness forced the siblings to step into new roles as caregivers while still maintaining a rigorous training schedule. The article quotes Coach Sitake, who said, “The Bachmeiers are a testament to the resilience of the Cougars.”

Looking Ahead

The profile ends on a forward‑looking note, teasing what the upcoming season could hold. Coach Sitake hints that Bear will be a primary target for quarterback Max Dugger, while Tiger’s development might earn him a future role as a defensive starter. There is even speculation from a sports columnist on the “NCAA’s Next Big Talent” list that suggests a potential NFL draft interest for both players.

The article is anchored in a wealth of hyperlinks: a player profile for Bear Bachmeier on the BYU athletics website, a separate page for Tiger, a link to the official Cougars defensive playbook (PDF), and an embedded video featuring the brothers’ interview. The writer’s use of primary sources gives the piece a robust sense of credibility and depth.

Bottom Line

The Sporting News’ deep dive into Bear and Tiger Bachmeier is more than a simple recap of their high‑school accolades and BYU roles. It is a compelling narrative about how a shared family ethos, a unique nicknaming tradition, and the power of sibling support can create a winning partnership on the football field. As the Cougars gear up for the next season, the Bachmeier brothers stand as the living embodiment of what it means to play with heart, humility, and a touch of “big‑cat” swagger. Whether you’re a die‑hard Cougars fan or a neutral observer, the story of Bear and Tiger Bachmeier is one you can’t afford to miss.