All articles tagged with #byu
Kentucky guard Collin Chandler has entered the transfer portal; BYU is currently viewed as the frontrunner to land him, but Chandler left the door open for a potential return to Kentucky after discussions. He averaged 9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 27.1 minutes per game last season, shot 41% from three, and is ranked among the top portal players.
As BYU closes Spring Camp, the piece highlights one key takeaway for each scholarship true freshman, signaling who might contribute in 2026–27 (Enoch Watson at QB; Legend Glasker at WR; Jaron and Kennan Pula at WR/S; Bott Mulitalo at OL; Braxton Lindsey at DE; Nehemiah Kolone at DT; Devaughn Eka at RB; Terrance Saryon at WR; Matthew Mason at S). Several players look ready for early impact while others may need another year, with a summer conditioning phase likely to shift depth charts further.
This BYU-Texas preview frames a tight Portland showdown where BYU’s improving defense and guard depth aim to slow Texas’s high‑scoring offense. Key battles include BYU forcing Matas Vokietaitis into early fouls and neutralizing Texas’ top scorers with multiple defenders, while BYU’s physicality and rebounding punch give them a slight edge in a defensively focused, close game. A balanced mix of guard play and foul trouble is expected to decide the outcome, with BYU favored in a slim-margin finish.
BYU earned a 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will open in Portland against the Texas–NC State winner; both Texas and NC State have stumbled recently but boast strong offenses, while BYU sits 23rd in KenPom. A potential Round of 32 would pit BYU against Gonzaga, with Braden Huff’s knee injury a key storyline as his return timeline remains uncertain for the first rounds; if BYU advances to the Sweet 16, the regional would be in San Jose.
BYU’s season ends with a Houston loss, but Selection Sunday could still land them a 6 seed as four teams (BYU, Louisville, Kentucky, Miami) fight for two 6-seed spots. The piece compares resumes, notes BYU’s lack of true road wins and key metrics, and outlines whom BYU should root for (Kentucky or Miami losses, Cal Baptist improving to add a Quad 2 win, and Iowa State winning the Big 12) to influence seeding.
BYU rode AJ Dybantsa’s scoring surge, saw role players step up, and regained defensive momentum to keep its 6-seed hopes alive in Selection Sunday, even after a 73-66 loss to Houston in the Big 12 quarterfinals.
BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa scored 40 points to lift the Cougars past Kansas State 105-91 in the Big 12 tournament, breaking the conference’s freshman scoring record previously held by Kevin Durant. The performance helped him reach 800 points for the season, cementing his status as a top NCAA scorer and a possible NBA lottery pick, though he has hinted at staying in college to graduate or reassess his draft plans.
The Big 12 released the 2026 men’s basketball tournament bracket with BYU as the 10th seed drawing 15th-seeded Kansas State in the opener. The first round also includes Baylor-Arizona State, Cincinnati-Utah, and Colorado-Oklahoma State, while Iowa State, TCU, WVU, and UCF receive byes into the second round. The quarterfinals will feature Arizona, Houston, Kansas, and Texas Tech as the top seeds. BYU’s path could include a second-round rematch with WVU, then a possible meeting with Houston, and with a couple wins the Cougars could push toward a high NCAA Tournament seed, potentially around No. 6.
BYU landed 5-star wing Bruce Branch, who announced on ESPN's NBA Today that he is committing to BYU and reclassifying to the 2026 class (from 2027). Branch stands 6-foot-7 and plays for Prolific Prep Florida (formerly Perry HS, AZ); he is ranked #6 in the 2026 cycle by 247Sports. A scout compared him to Mikal Bridges for shot-making, length and defense. BYU pursued Branch for months, hosting an official visit on Jan 26; the commitment highlights Kevin Young's recruiting reach and booster support. Branch is a knockdown shooter and high-end scoring wing who could be a 2027 lottery pick if he declares early, and he should help BYU replace departing players while contending for Big 12 Freshman of the Year next season. This marks BYU's third straight year landing a 5-star recruit (Demin and AJ Dybantsa previously).
BYU kicked off the 2026 spring with a limited-view practice as Bear Bachmeier led the first-team offense, delivering solid throws and avoiding turnovers. A key highlight was safety Raider Damuni’s tipped interception, paired with Faletau Satuala as a potential starting safety duo. Newcomers Walker Lyons, Kyler Kasper, and Roger Saleapaga showed in team drills, while Treyson Bourguet worked as the backup behind Bachmeier with freshman Enoch Watson in the mix. The first-team offensive line featured Paki Finau at left tackle, and Ulavai Fetuli earned early praise from Keanu Tanuvasa as a potential multi-year starter. Players also referenced a Big 12 title pursuit as a motivating factor heading into the spring.
Deseret News reports that BYU guard Richie Saunders tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season, forcing the Cougars to adjust their lineup as they move forward without him.
No. 22 BYU outlasted Colorado 90-86 in overtime, delivering a dramatic, back-and-forth college basketball thriller.
BYU head coach Kevin Young condemned Oklahoma State fans for alleged anti-Mormon chants during a Big 12 game, prompting a conference investigation; OSU officials said they’ll address any violations and BYU players include members of the Mormon faith. The incident adds to a pattern of schools facing similar chants, and OSU’s upset win led to a court-storming celebration.
Oklahoma State defeated BYU 99-92, extending BYU’s losing streak to three games.