Entering the 2025-26 college basketball season, the BYU program is enveloped in an unprecedented wave of excitement, a level of hype arguably unparalleled in its storied history. This anticipation stems from a transformative offseason that has fundamentally reshaped the BYU Basketball team’s outlook, positioning them for what many predict will be a truly historic campaign and a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Under the astute guidance of coach Kevin Young, who masterfully navigated his inaugural season, BYU displayed a remarkable resurgence, culminating in their first Sweet 16 appearance since the Jimmer Fredette era of 2011. This immediate success has cultivated a winning culture, setting a formidable foundation upon which the team now seeks to build, with aspirations extending to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1981 and a maiden Final Four berth, a testament to Kevin Young Coaching prowess.

The epicenter of this burgeoning optimism is undoubtedly AJ Dybantsa, heralded as potentially the most gifted recruit to ever don a BYU uniform. Dybantsa, a leading contender for the No. 1 pick in next summer’s NBA Draft alongside talents like Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, brings an NBA-ready physique at 6-foot-9, embodying the prototypical jumbo wing coveted at the professional level. His potential to develop into a three-level scorer this season could elevate the BYU Cougars Roster significantly, perhaps even surpassing Shawn Bradley’s No. 2 overall selection in 1993 as the highest-drafted player in school history, especially after Egor Dёmin’s recent top-10 selection.

Beyond Dybantsa, BYU bolstered its roster with impactful additions via the transfer portal, critical for a successful College Basketball season. Dallin Wright, a former Baylor standout, emerged as the No. 8 overall player in the 247Sports transfer rankings. His impressive freshman campaign, where he averaged 11.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds, positions him as an immediate scoring threat and a player with valuable big-game experience crucial for the team’s success in competitive Big 12 matchups.

Joining Wright in the backcourt is Jaxson Davis, ranked 56th in the 247Sports transfer rankings, whose anticipated starting role promises to strengthen the Cougars’ perimeter play. Davis’s averages of 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists underscore his offensive versatility, complemented by efficient shooting (37.6% from the 3-point line) and robust defense (1.3 steals), adding critical dimensions to BYU’s strategic approach and boosting the BYU Cougars Roster.

The returning core also provides vital stability and proven talent for the BYU Basketball program. Richie Saunders, the most experienced player back on the team, demonstrated his prowess last season with 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, earning all-conference honors. His consistent shooting (43.2% from beyond the arc) will be instrumental for an offense expected to rank among the nation’s elite. Furthermore, Keba Keita, a consistent force, started all 35 games last season, contributing 7.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, with strong interior defense averaging 1.2 blocks.

Other new faces like Shawn Pickens, who brings three seasons of experience and a 39.2% three-point percentage, and Filip Mrus, a three-star transfer, further deepen the BYU Cougars Roster. Even players like Bošković, whose role is expected to expand, and Diomande, a late addition with international experience, contribute to the depth and versatility of this BYU Basketball squad, preparing them for the rigors of a challenging College Basketball season.

The Cougars’ overall recruiting prowess is evident in their 13th-ranked class by 247Sports, largely attributed to AJ Dybantsa’s commitment. However, this class also features two additional four-star talents in Xavion Staton (No. 37 overall) and Chamberlain Burgess (No. 101 overall). While their immediate roles might be limited due to the team’s depth, their presence highlights the program’s long-term strength and future potential, ensuring a pipeline of talent for continued success in College Basketball.

The consensus prediction for BYU’s 2025-26 campaign is, at a minimum, an NCAA Tournament second-weekend appearance. The team’s ultimate ceiling, heavily influenced by AJ Dybantsa’s development and impact, is undeniably high. BYU is poised to be a popular Final Four contender and a legitimate threat to challenge Houston for both the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament titles, with the potential to compete for a national championship, a testament to Kevin Young Coaching and the depth of the BYU Cougars Roster.