McCae Hillstead Named BYU’s Starting QB in College Football 26 with 77 OVR EA projects redshirt sophomore Hillstead as QB1 over freshmen; strong awareness and accuracy earn him the nod

EA Sports has officially positioned McCae Hillstead, the redshirt sophomore, as BYU’s primary quarterback in College Football 26, assigning him a 77 OVR for the 2025 season. He narrowly leads over freshman Bear Bachmeier, who holds a 76 OVR, and third-string Treyson Bourguet at 71.

📌 QB Depth Chart Overview

• Starter: McCae Hillstead – 77 OVR
• Backup: Bear Bachmeier – 76 OVR
• Third Stringer: Treyson Bourguet – 71 OVR

The tight margins between Hillstead and Bachmeier reflect the ongoing competition and close rating evaluations entering the simulation season.

⚙️ Key Traits & Ratings Breakdown

• 🏃 Speed / Agility: 74 / 75
• 💨 Acceleration: 77
• 🧠 Awareness: 78
• 💪 Throw Power: 86
• 🎯 Mid-Range Accuracy: 84
• 🌀 Juke Move: 80

These attributes showcase a balanced quarterback profile—combined awareness and accuracy helped Hillstead win the starting spot despite Bachmeier's higher rushing upside.

🧠 Why Hillstead Is the QB1

• Experience advantage: Coming off a redshirt year at BYU, Hillstead benefits from familiarity with the offense and game film.
• Decision-making edge: His awareness rating makes a significant difference in read progressions and pre-snap reads.
• Consistent pocket game: Strong short and mid-throw accuracy paired with solid power rounds out his skillset—ideal for BYU's scheme.

Despite Bachmeier’s superior athletic stats (speed, agility, and juke), Hillstead’s overall balance gives him the early job nod for Dynasty, RTG, or CUT gameplay.

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✅ TL;DR

• McCae Hillstead is BYU’s starter in College Football 26, rated 77 OVR.
• He narrowly outpaces Bear Bachmeier (76 OVR) and veteran Treyson Bourguet (71 OVR).
• A balanced stat sheet—including 78 Awareness and 84 Mid Accuracy—makes Hillstead the reliable pick.
• Hillstead’s redshirt status and decision-making make him ideal for mode building.