Former BYU quarterback Max Hall opens up about the Cougars’ current QB battle, and why it reminds him of his own path to greatness.
Max Hall reacts to BYU’s QB competition originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The last time BYU replaced an 11-win quarterback with a mostly untested arm, fans were skeptical. That arm belonged to Max Hall. Today, Hall’s name is etched in BYU history, as he’s the school’s all-time winningest quarterback. But back in 2007, no one was sure if he could handle the pressure. Fast-forward to now: Hall sees another trio of unproven talents battling for the same chance he once earned. And he’s got something to say about it.
Hall recently joined the “Y’s Guys” livestream to talk about the newest BYU quarterback battle.
“I Had to Go Out and Get It”, and So Do They
When Hall stepped in after John Beck, he wasn’t handed the job. He won it. BYU’s coaches made it simple: lead the most touchdown drives in spring, and you’re the guy. He did, and never looked back.
Now, BYU is setting the stage again with McCae Hillstead, Treyson Bourguet, and Bear Bachmeier. It’s open season, and Hall believes the staff is taking the right approach by letting competition drive the decision.
“Competition is healthy and it makes you better,” Hall said.
https://www.youtube.com/live/lhPILhtB-aw?si=KaaUkRQ88NnGY5Ky
“You Don’t Have to Be the Flashiest, Just the Most Trusted”
Hall, who threw for 101 total touchdowns during his three seasons in Provo, knows what it takes to lead. And it’s not always big plays that win games.
“They need to find a quarterback that they can trust the most,” Hall said. “It doesn’t necessarily need to be the one who can make the biggest and the most plays.”
BYU’s defense, which led the Big 12 in interceptions and allowed the fewest touchdown passes last season, offers a safety net. That mirrors Hall’s own sophomore season, when he leaned on a top-tier defense to survive his early growing pains.
Practice Matters as Hall Made His Name on the Scout Team
Before Hall ever played a down at LaVell Edwards Stadium, he was going head-to-head with the likes of Kelly Poppinga and Bryan Kehl in practice. He believes that time was key.
“Running the scout team was the best thing I could have done,” Hall said. “It was invaluable.”
Hillstead and Bourguet have faced a similar trial by fire, squaring off against BYU’s elite defense every day. According to Hall, that’s more meaningful than fans realize.
Related: BYU Basketball’s 2025-26 team could be part of documentary
The Hallmark of a Leader is to Earn It Every Day
Hall didn’t become a BYU legend by default. He earned the job, and then kept earning it. His advice to BYU’s current quarterbacks: don’t wait for permission. Go take it.
“A quarterback battle brings excitement. It brings newness. It brings freshness,” Hall said. “I think it’s going to be a good competition.”
And as someone who turned uncertainty into 32 wins, he would know.
Related: BYU legends return to Provo as QB battle heats up
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
