BYU’s 2025-26 basketball season is poised to be an unprecedented era of excitement, marked by immense program hype and the highly anticipated arrival of top prospect AJ Dybantsa. This period signals a pivotal moment for the BYU Cougars, with expectations soaring higher than ever before as they aim for historic achievements in college basketball.
The foundation for this optimism was laid in coach Kevin Young’s impressive inaugural season, which saw the team reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in over a decade. This success has ignited a new fervor, pushing the Cougars to envision their first Elite Eight appearance since 1981 and a groundbreaking journey towards a Final Four berth, intensifying their aspirations in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
At the heart of this fervor is AJ Dybantsa, widely considered a top contender for the number one pick in next summer’s NBA draft, potentially surpassing Shawn Bradley as the highest-drafted player in school history. His arrival follows Egor Dёmin’s recent selection as the eighth overall pick, underscoring BYU’s growing prowess in developing elite basketball talent.
As the college basketball landscape stabilizes with player movements largely concluded, attention turns to dissecting the rosters of top programs. For the BYU Cougars, understanding their potential starting lineup and key rotational pieces is crucial in evaluating their championship aspirations and preparing for a challenging season ahead.
The transfer portal brought in significant firepower, notably Richie Wright from Baylor, a top-ranked transfer who brings immediate scoring punch and valuable big-game experience to the backcourt. Alongside him, Jaxson Davis, another highly-rated transfer, is expected to bolster the lineup with his sharp shooting and and defensive capabilities, creating a formidable guard tandem for BYU basketball.
Beyond the high-profile transfers, returning veteran Dallin Hall Saunders offers crucial experience and consistent perimeter shooting, having been an all-conference performer and a consistent starter. Fousseyni Traore Keita’s presence provides critical interior defense and efficient finishing around the rim, complementing the offensive talents of the new additions and ensuring a well-rounded basketball roster.
The depth of this BYU squad is further solidified by additional transfers like Marcus Pickens and Keyshawn Mrus, alongside returning players such as Aly Khalifa Bošković and late addition Mouhamed Diomande, all contributing to a versatile and robust team. The Cougars also boast a top-tier recruiting class, including four-star talents Xavion Staton and Chamberlain Burgess, adding long-term potential to the already strong lineup.
The collective talent positions BYU as, at minimum, a team capable of reaching the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Depending on AJ Dybantsa’s immediate impact and overall team cohesion, their ceiling extends to being a legitimate Final Four contender, ready to challenge Houston for Big 12 titles and potentially play for a national championship. The BYU Cougars are undeniably poised for a monumental season.
