BYU Basketball Rockets Into Early Preseason Top 25—Can They Defy Expectations This Year?
As the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline slammed shut on May 28, college rosters across the nation have solidified with a few international wildcards yet to join the fray. For BYU, the picture is crystal clear—coaches are now strategizing with a fairly locked-in lineup for the 2025-2026 campaign. It’s fascinating how the national hype is swirling, placing BYU comfortably inside the top 10 in virtually every early-season ranking. This isn’t just chatter—it’s backed by returnees who lit up the scoreboard last year and a thrilling influx of talent via transfers and promising freshmen. From seasoned scorers like Richie Saunders to heralded newcomers such as five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa, the Cougars are gearing up to make some serious noise next season. Dive into this roundup of preseason rankings from some of college basketball’s sharpest analysts to see just how high BYU is climbing in the national consciousness. LEARN MORE
National pundits have put out the latest versions of their way-too-early preseason rankings now that the draft withdrawal deadline has passed, and BYU is in the top 10 of just about every ranking you see pop up.
Below is a roundup of rankings from some of the top national writers. All of these rankings were published after the May 28 NBA Draft withdrawal date.
CJ Moore has BYU ranked 7.
In addition, two more high-level shooters with size — Kennard Davis (Southern Illinois) and Tyler Mrus (Idaho) — are entering the program via the portal.
Jon Rothstein: BYU #7
The NBA Draft withdrawal deadline for college players ended May 28, meaning rosters are mostly settled as we head into summer. Some international players will still join rosters, and I bet BYU will add one of those to fill out the end of its bench, but coaches know what they are dealing with for the 2025-2026 season.
“After dropping a record-setting NIL figure to land top recruit Dybantsa in the fall, the focus all spring for the Cougars was finding pieces that fit around him. Returners Richie Saunders (perceived by Big 12 coaches as perhaps the league’s most underrated player) and Keba Keita were good building blocks, but the big splash of the spring came by landing an elite point guard in Baylor transfer Rob Wright III. Add in several proven shooters on the bench, and this group looks primed to maximize Dybantsa’s lone season in college.”
CBS Sports: BYU #3
“Not all top-five recruits are created equal. Some years it’s Kevin Durant and Greg Oden. Some years it’s Isaiah Collier and Justin Edwards. This 2025 class — headlined by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer — is expected to be one of those special classes. BYU is betting big on Dybantsa and has an elite big three with Dybantsa, Rob Wright (one of the best freshman point guards last season at Baylor) and first-team All-Big 12 honoree Richie Saunders. Center Keba Keita gives Wright a good pick-and-roll partner and elevates the defense. Mihailo Boskovic flashed high upside in his first season in the program. Dawson Baker is a solid sixth man who is good enough to start if Southern Illinois transfer guard Kennard Davis struggles with the level change. Anything else BYU gets from newcomers will be gravy.
Jeff Borzello has BYU ranked 6.
The Athletic: BYU #7
Kevin Sweeney has BYU ranked 9.
Gary Parrish has BYU ranked 3, behind St John’s and Houston.
“This ranking is based on the Cougars returning four of the top 10 scorers — specifically Richie Saunders, Dawson Baker, Keba Keita and Mihailo Boskovic — from a team that finished 26-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. That core will be joined by a recruiting class highlighted by Baylor transfer Robert Wright, Southern Illinois transfer Kennard Davis, UC Riverside transfer Nate Pickens, Washington transfer Dominique Diomande, Idaho transfer Tyler Mrus, five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa and four-star freshman Xavion Staton.”
Kevin Young seemed to find his groove as a college head coach about halfway through his first season. You never know how NBA guys will do at this level, but no one since Fred Hoiberg has made the move this seamlessly.”
“All eyes will be on Provo, Utah, next season, as No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa arrives in college to suit up for the Cougars. How has Kevin Young built around Dybantsa? Teaming him up with high-level scorer Richie Saunders on the wing was a great start, and landing Robert Wright III at point guard was a boost. That trio should be one of the country’s most explosive on the offensive end.
BYU’s remaining focus will be improving defensively.”
Rothstein doesn’t have team blurbs in his article, he just lists projected rotations and key newcomers/losses.
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