Why does Bear Bachmeier wear number 47? Explaining BYU quarterback’s unique jersey choice originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
BYU football has risen to national prominence with a uniquely named quarterback leading the way.
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With Bear Bachmeier at the helm, the Cougars have achieved remarkable success. Bachmeier — the first true freshman to start a season for BYU — has excelled both in the air and on the ground, earning recognition as one of the conference’s top freshman players multiple times.
When watching Bachmeier, one might notice he does not wear a typical quarterback number. Instead, he wears No. 47, adding another twist to his historic freshman tenure.
Here’s why Bachmeier wears this unique number.
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Why does Bear Bachmeier wear number 47?
Bachmeier wears No. 47 because it has been his number since he was young, even after transitioning to quarterback.
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During BYU’s fall camp, Bachmeier explained that he initially played running back and later middle linebacker through eighth grade. When he switched to quarterback, he kept his number.
On Coug Connect, Bachmeier also said he simply likes the number and feels “it kind of brings you back to your primitive nature when you’re playing.
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Bear Bachmeier high school stats
Bachmeier started 30 games at Murrieta Valley High School in Calif. Similar to what he’s done at BYU, the quarterback produced both in the air and on the ground.
|
Category |
Total |
|
Passing Yards |
6,810 |
|
Passing Touchdowns |
59 |
|
Rushing Yards |
1,724 |
|
Rushing Touchdowns |
33 |
|
Completions |
484 |
|
Attempts |
710 |
|
Completion Percentage |
68.2% |
|
Interceptions |
14 |
|
Yards Per Carry (Rushing) |
10.6 yards |
During his time at Murrieta Valley, he received multiple honors, including:
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Three-time First Team All-Big West Upper selection (2022-2024)
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Three-time All-Inland Empire honoree (2022-2024)
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Two-time All-CIF-SS selection (2022, 2023 seasons)
Bachmeier was ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in the 2025 class by ESPN.
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Number 47 meaning at BYU
The number 47 does not carry traditional or historical significance at BYU. Its prominence comes from freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier choosing to wear it.
The number is highly unusual for a college quarterback, where numbers 1–19 are most common. No. 47 is typically assigned to positions such as linebackers, fullbacks, or defensive linemen.
Bachmeier is the first quarterback in BYU history to wear No. 47, making his choice a unique talking point in college football.
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MORE: A look at the 2025 College Football Playoff bracket as it stands
