All articles tagged with #byu cougars
Projected No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa said he’ll discuss his future with his family and likely declare for the 2026 NBA Draft in the coming weeks after BYU’s first-round exit to Texas; he starred with 35 points and 10 rebounds, and major outlets project him as a top pick (ESPN has him No. 2, with SI and Bleacher Report listing him as a top pick).
BYU is embracing the NIL era and a pro-style, booster-funded model under coach Kevin Young, luring star AJ Dybantsa and other five-star recruits to push the Cougars toward national prominence in the Big 12, all while balancing its LDS mission and the scrutiny that comes with high-spending athletics ahead of March Madness.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoided discussing Parker Kingston’s expulsion and instead emphasized the program’s culture and leadership as spring practice begins, with the Cougars aiming for back-to-back double-digit win seasons. The team returns key players like LJ Martin, who is healing from a shoulder injury, and is looking to fill Kingston’s production while refining its approach and leadership under a “humble and hungry” mindset.
BYU guard Richie Saunders suffered a non-contact knee injury 45 seconds into the home game vs. Colorado, left for the locker room and did not return; with no update yet, his status could threaten BYU's February push.
BYU expelled Parker Kingston, the Cougars’ top receiver in 2025, days after his arrest on a felony rape charge. Kingston appeared in court and was released on a $100,000 bond with conditions (GPS ankle monitor, no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses, and social-media removal), and BYU says he is no longer part of the football program as the investigation continues. A virtual hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25, with a preliminary in-person hearing set for April 13 in St. George.
Anthony Roy scored a season-high 30 to lift Oklahoma State to a 99-92 win over 16th-ranked BYU in Stillwater, despite AJ Dybantsa's 36 for the Cougars.
Oklahoma State defeated BYU 99-92, extending BYU’s losing streak to three games.
Kansas defeated BYU 90-82 in the 1,000th Allen Fieldhouse game, led by Bryson Tiller’s career-high 21 points and Darryn Peterson’s 18 for the Jayhawks, while Richie Saunders poured in 33 for BYU; Kansas built a 53-33 halftime cushion and withstood a late BYU rally, finishing with an 8-4 edge in the final minute.
No. 1 Arizona held off No. 13 BYU 86-83 to remain undefeated at 21-0, with Brayden Burries scoring 29 and delivering a game-saving block in the final seconds while Jaden Bradley added 26. BYU pressed back from a 19-point deficit, but couldn't complete the rally as Arizona survived on the road in Provo.
Arizona Wildcats travel to Provo for a top-15 showdown with No. 13 BYU in a Big Monday matchup. The game airs on ESPN at 7 p.m. MT, with Arizona listed as a 1.5-point favorite and an over/under of 166.5. KenPom gives UA about a 60% chance to win. Watch on ESPN, stream on ESPN.com, listen on Wildcats Radio 1290 AM, and follow AZ Desert Swarm for live chat and updates.
Top-ranked Arizona survived a late BYU push for an 86-83 road win over No. 13 BYU, improving to 21-0 and tying the program’s best-ever start. Brayden Burries scored a career-high 29 and sealed it with a late blocked attempt on Robert Wright after Wright drove the lane; Jaden Bradley added 26 as BYU stayed competitive with 13 threes, but Arizona held on despite a late scare.
No. 11 BYU defeated TCU 76-70 in Provo behind freshman A.J. Dybantsa's 25 points, including a decisive second-half stretch that flipped a 7-point deficit into the lead. TCU tied it at 63 with under four minutes left, but BYU closed with a 10-2 run. Edmonds led TCU with 19 points as BYU dominated the boards 51-35. Dybantsa extended his streak to 10 straight 20-point games. BYU improves to 16-1 (4-0 Big 12) and will visit Utah next.
The NCAA's recent rule change allowing college teams to play two public exhibition games against any four-year schools has led to a more competitive and open preseason, exemplified by BYU's game against North Carolina at the Delta Center, with coaches and fans eager for more meaningful matchups and insights into team performance before the regular season.
The University of Colorado Buffaloes, led by Deion Sanders, will face the Brigham Young University Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on December 28 in San Antonio. This marks the Buffs' first bowl appearance since 2020, concluding a successful season where they narrowly missed the College Football Playoff. The game could be the last for key players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, as well as potentially for Coach Sanders amid contract extension talks. The match will be broadcast on ABC.
In a chaotic week for college football, both Colorado and BYU suffered losses, impacting their standings in the Big 12 and projected AP Top 25 rankings. Colorado was upset by Kansas, while BYU fell to Arizona State, which now has a strong chance for the Big 12 title game. Meanwhile, Penn State narrowly escaped a loss to Minnesota, maintaining its position despite doubts about its Top 5 ranking. These results suggest Colorado may drop out of the Top 20, while BYU's ranking is also at risk, and Arizona State could rise into the Top 15.