The AJ Dybantsa Impact
The recruitment of AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top player, significantly changed the landscape for BYU’s basketball program. His announcement to join the Cougars in December 2024, made public on ESPN’s “First Take,” has led to a surge in various areas such as ticket sales, merchandise, and social media engagement.
Exciting Scheduling Changes
Dybantsa’s arrival has notably influenced the team’s scheduling, making BYU a coveted opponent. For the 2025-26 season, the Cougars will kick off with an exhibition game on October 18 against Nebraska, featuring a diverse schedule that will include contests against powerhouse teams and a trip to Florida for the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational.
Competitive Aspirations
Assistant coach Chris Burgess mentioned that with Dybantsa’s recruitment, they have experienced considerable interest from event organizers nationwide. As they reshaped their schedule, the team focused on building a competitive lineup, wanting not just a spot in the NCAA tournament but a high seeding as well.
Learning from the Past
Burgess reflected on previous conference experiences, noting that now, as a part of the Big 12, there is a shift in focus from merely qualifying for the NCAA tournament to establishing a presence with a top-four seed. The coaching staff analyzed past success stories, noting that a strong nonconference schedule can greatly influence tournament selection.
Strengthening the Team
The roster for the 2025-26 season includes new additions like Dybantsa and Robert Wright III from Baylor, alongside returning players like Richie Saunders and Keba Keita. Coach Young and the staff are enthusiastic about creating a strong team capable of taking on the tough challenges ahead.
High-Stakes Game Planning
Burgess emphasized that securing marquee games strengthens BYU’s brand and serves to enhance their overall schedule. They have planned noteworthy matchups, including games at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden, aiming to capitalize on the excitement around Dybantsa and last year’s Sweet 16 run.
The Ambitious Road Ahead
While recognizing the challenges that lie ahead, the BYU staff is eager to rise to the occasion. They see this ambitious schedule as a vital opportunity to learn and prepare for the competitive Big 12. The focus remains clear: to compete, learn, and strive for excellence throughout the season.
Non-Conference Schedule Highlights
- October 18: at Nebraska (exhibition)
- October 24: North Carolina (Delta Center, SLC)
- November 3: Villanova (Las Vegas, T-Mobile Arena)
- November 8: Holy Cross
- November 11: Delaware
- November 15: UConn (Boston, TD Garden)
- November 21: Wisconsin (Delta Center, SLC)
- November 27-28: Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Events Center
- December 3: Cal Baptist (Delta Center, SLC)
- December 9: Clemson (Madison Square Garden)
- December 13: UC Riverside
- December 16: Pacific
- December 18: Abilene Christian
- December 22: Eastern Washington
