Full Breakdown
Big 12 Men's Basketball Preseason Poll: BYU Rises, Utah Faces Challenges
10/17/2025, 12:57:01 AM
BYU's Strong Position in the Poll
The 2025-26 Big 12 men's basketball preseason coaches poll has positioned Brigham Young University (BYU) as a formidable contender, ranking them second overall. This marks the highest projection for BYU since joining the Big 12, as they received one first-place vote and a total of 204 points. The Cougars are coming off a successful season with a 26-10 overall record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Young. Key players include true freshman AJ Dybantsa, who is recognized as the highest-rated recruit in BYU history, and returning All-Big 12 performer Richie Saunders.
Utah's Rebuilding Efforts
In contrast, the University of Utah is projected to finish 13th in the conference, an improvement from last season's last-place prediction. The Utes ended their previous campaign with a 16-17 record and have undergone significant roster changes, bringing in 12 new players, including transfers Jahki Howard, Elijah "Choppa" Moore, and Terrence Brown. Alex Jensen, a former Utah player, has taken over as head coach, aiming to revitalize the program.
Preseason Coaches Poll Overview
The complete preseason coaches poll is as follows:
1. Houston (14 first-place votes) - 224 points
2. BYU (1) - 204 points
3. Texas Tech - 200 points
4. Arizona (1) - 179 points
5. Iowa State - 170 points
6. Kansas - 163 points
7. Baylor - 137 points
8. Cincinnati - 120 points
9. Kansas State - 117 points
10. TCU - 90 points
11. West Virginia - 79 points
12. Oklahoma State - 77 points
13. Utah - 50 points
14. UCF - 39 points
15. Colorado - 37 points
16. Arizona State - 34 points
Key Players and Awards
The preseason All-Big 12 team features several standout players, including AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders from BYU, alongside JT Toppin from Texas Tech, who was named Preseason Player of the Year. Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson earned the title of Preseason Freshman of the Year. Dybantsa and Peterson were among the four unanimous selections for the All-Big 12 team, highlighting their significant impact as newcomers.
Upcoming Season Outlook
BYU will open its season on November 3 against Villanova, while Utah will host San Jose State on the same day. Both teams will begin their Big 12 conference play on January 3, with BYU facing Kansas State and Utah taking on Arizona. As the season approaches, expectations are high for BYU, while Utah seeks to establish a foundation for future success amidst a rebuilding phase.
