No. 25 BYU Basketball Faces Ohio State in 2026-27 Opener in Salt Lake City

The Kevin Young era in Provo continues to be a success story.

With the No. 25 BYU Cougars now entering Year 3 of the former NBA assistant at the helm, what can be expected after losing some of the best talent the program has ever seen?

AJ Dybantsa's one-and-done season was expected, but doesn't lessen the sting. Not to mention, the way Richie Saunders exited with an injury was tough. The Cougars will look different from last year's group. Especially with how the offense will flow through Robert Wright III, who returns for what's likely a career year in Provo.

It's been an interesting for BYU during this offseason. Young and his staff have worked to find the right pieces going forward. Not the easiest task considering the current landscape in college basketball. Former Michigan State center Jaxon Kohler transferred to BYU ahead of the 2026–27 season, though his immediate court eligibility remains tied to ongoing cases against the NCAA.

Kohler could be a major force for the Cougars this season. He was already on campus with the team before the initial NCAA ruling came down. There's no doubt the team has chemistry and will use it to their advantage. Outside of Wright, five-star freshman Bruce Branch III is expected to take over where Dybantsa left off. It's the same case for Collin Chandler, who will recreate the magic established by Saunders. Not to mention, Jake Wahlin and Tyler Betsey will be looking to contribute.

Being able to have Wright return to BYU was huge. The floor general will be able to use his talents more effectively with a group of coaches he already knows. He's one of the best players in college basketball, and we'll prove it again this season. With the combo of Wright and Branch, it's shaping up to be one of the most underrated in the Big 12. Ironically, both are five-star players in different classes, ready to pitch in when needed.

What Young has been able to do with the program in a short amount of time is outstanding. It's not a continuation of what Mark Pope established before he vacated for Kentucky. Young has taken his vision of an NBA-ready program to another level. Several top-tier recruits are curious to see what's happening at BYU. There are at least six players in the top 20 in future classes who are eyeing the Cougars.

BYU opens the season on Monday, November 2 against Ohio State at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Tip-off between the Cougars and Buckeyes will be at 9 p.m. ET on FS1.