Get ready for an exciting basketball season as we dive into the predictions for Utah and BYU in the Big 12 men's basketball conference! The battle between these two teams is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with BYU aiming for the top and Utah looking to make a statement.
Let's start with the favorites. BYU, in its third year in the Big 12, is predicted to finish second in the league, an impressive feat and the highest ranking they've ever received in the preseason poll. This is a testament to their growing dominance and the talent they've brought to the court. Imagine a special collector's issue titled "1984: The Year BYU was Second to None" - a nod to their potential glory days ahead!
On the other hand, Utah is projected to finish 13th, an improvement from their last season's last-place prediction. But here's where it gets controversial: with a new head coach, Alex Jensen, and an overhauled roster featuring experienced transfers, Utah could surprise everyone and climb the ranks. After all, basketball is a game of surprises and upsets!
BYU's true freshman AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders are already making waves, earning spots on the preseason All-Big 12 team. Dybantsa, the highest-rated recruit in school history, just missed out on the Freshman of the Year honors, but he and Darryn Peterson, the top two recruits nationally, are unanimous selections. With high expectations and a talented squad, including the Baylor transfer Rob Wright III, BYU is poised for a stellar season.
Utah, meanwhile, is rebuilding under new leadership. With a mix of new talent and holdovers, led by forward Keanu Dawes and transfers Jahki Howard, Elijah "Choppa" Moore, and Terrence Brown, the Utes are aiming to turn things around. Their season opener against San Jose State on November 3rd will be a crucial test.
And this is the part most people miss: the preseason polls and predictions are just the beginning. The real excitement unfolds on the court. BYU kicks off its 2025-26 campaign with a neutral-site game against Villanova on November 3rd, followed by a Big 12 opener against Kansas State on January 3rd. Utah, too, starts its season on November 3rd at home and will face Arizona in their league opener on January 3rd.
So, who will rise to the top? Will BYU live up to the hype, or will Utah's new-look team surprise everyone? The Big 12 preseason polls and awards are just the tip of the iceberg. Get ready for an action-packed season and join the discussion: Who do you think will dominate the Big 12 men's basketball conference this year? Share your predictions and let's keep the conversation going!
