Inside Alex Jensen’s Bold Vision: The Unexpected Roster That Could Redefine Runnin’ Utes’ Future

Change is the only constant around the Utah basketball program this offseason—and wow, does it feel like the slate has been wiped clean. From the coaching bench all the way to the hardwood, head coach Alex Jensen and his crew are busy weaving together a new tapestry of talent. After just two holdovers from last season, Jensen’s staff has landed commitments from six transfers, which sketches a fresh identity for the Runnin’ Utes as they eye the upcoming campaign. With 11 scholarships ticked off so far and the promising possibility of four more thanks to an upcoming increase from 13 to 15 scholarships, the roster puzzle is far from finished. Of course, this hinges on the court decision looming over the new House settlement case, which could redraw the boundaries of roster limits. Curious to see who’s who in this evolving lineup? Let’s break down where the Utes stand as of early May.

LEARN MORE2024-25 statistics: 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 39.5% shooting (at Western Kentucky)Terrence Brown, guard Thus far, Utah has 11 scholarship spots filled with another four to potentially fill thanks to the increased scholarship allotment from 13 to 15 starting in the 2025-26 season.2024-25 statistics: 6.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 59.3% shooting (at Akron)Of note: Okonkwo played his first two college seasons at West Virginia before transferring to North Carolina for a year. After playing a limited role for the Mountaineers and Tar Heels, he transferred to Akron last year and started 28 games for the Zips.In recent weeks, head coach Alex Jensen’s staff has worked to earn commitments from six different transfers after only two Runnin’ Utes returned to the program this offseason.

Utah basketball 2025-26 roster

James Okonkwo, forward

Returnees

Of note: Brown was named the Northeast Conference’s Most Improved Player last season after seeing his scoring average jump from 7.8 as a freshman to 20.6 as a sophomore. He also nearly doubled his rebounding output (from 2.9 to 5.6) and increased his shooting percentage from 39.2% to 44.8%.Of note: Jackson is the younger brother of Frank Jackson, the former Duke and NBA player. The brothers both played at Lone Peak High, though Alvin Jackson III played just one year for the Knights. He spent the other three high school years at Bethesda Chevy Chase High in Maryland.Recruiting profile: Class of 2023, ⭐️⭐️⭐️-star combo guard with 89 rating, No. 31 combo guard nationally, in 247 Sports’ transfer rankingsIbi Traore, forwardElijah Moore, guard Recruiting profile: Class of 2025, no rating available on 247 SportsOf note: Howard played a reserve role for the Tigers during his freshman season — he averaged 9.1 minutes over 21 games played. Even so, Howard shot 53.6% from the floor and 40.9% from 3 in limited opportunities.Babacar Faye, forward 2024-25 statistics: 8.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 61.4% shooting

Division I transfers

Keanu Dawes, forward2024-25 statistics: 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists (at Salt Lake Community College)2024-25 statistics: 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 53.7% shooting (at Western Kentucky)Recruiting profile: Class of 2024, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-star small forward with 92 rating, No. 29 small forward nationally, in 247 Sports’ transfer rankingsAs of May 3, based on reportsRecruiting profile: Class of 2023, ⭐️⭐️⭐️-star power forward with 89 rating, No. 59 power forward nationally, in 247 Sports’ transfer rankingsOver the team’s final six games, all played under interim head coach Josh Eilert, Dawes started two games and averaged 13.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest.Of note: Traore suffered an undisclosed injury just before the start of the 2024-25 season, ending his freshman campaign. He originally signed with Oregon before switching his commitment to Utah last summer. He averaged 18 points per game as a senior at West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Florida.There is plenty of change this offseason with the Utah basketball program, from coaches to players.Seydou Traore, forward Editor’s note: This story will be updated as players commit to suit up for the Runnin’ Utes next year.2024-25 statistics: 5.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 43.6% shooting (at Iowa)That is assuming new roster limits are approved in the ongoing House settlement case being argued in court.Alvin Jackson III, guardOf note: Dawes, who played his freshman season at Rice, is the only Utah player who logged minutes for the Utes last season to return. Of note: McHenry was a two-time all-conference selection with the Hilltoppers, earning All-Conference USA first-team honors two years ago before being named to the second team this past season. He scored 18 points in a loss to Michigan during the 2024-25 season, while adding four rebounds, two steals and an assist.Jahki Howard, forward Recruiting profile: Class of 2021, no rating available on 247 SportsRecruiting profile: Class of 2024, ⭐️⭐️⭐️-star center with 88 rating, No. 40 center nationally, per 247 Sports’ composite rankingsOf note: Faye only played in 10 games last season before suffering a torn MCL. He reportedly sought a medical redshirt year and will have one season of eligibility remaining. Faye’s point and rebound averages last season in a limited amount of time were career-bests for the power forward who played two seasons at College of Charleston before two years at Western Kentucky.2024-25 statistics: Did not play due to injury (he had nine points, four blocks and two rebounds in Utah’s exhibition game before getting hurt)Of note: Sanders prepped at St. Bernard High in Playa del Ray, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area. He then spent this past season playing for the IMG Academy post-grad program in Florida.Recruiting profile: Class of 2024, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-star shooting guard with 92 rating, No. 42 shooting guard nationally, in 247 Sports’ transfer rankingsKendyl Sanders, forwardRecruiting profile: Class of 2023, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-star forward with 93 rating, No. 133 power forward nationally, per 247 Sports’ composite rankingsHere’s where the Utes’ roster currently stands.2024-25 statistics: 14.2 points, 8.1 rebounds (at IMG Academy)Of note: Traore missed some time last season due to an ankle injury but still managed to play in 27 games, starting 12. Over his first two college seasons, both at Iowa, he’s managed a career highs of 20 points (in February 2024) and 17 rebounds (in December 2023), both as a true freshman.

Other 2025 signees

Don McHenry, guard Recruiting profile: Class of 2025, ⭐️⭐️⭐️-star small forward with 87 rating, No. 59 small forward nationally, per 247 Sports (no composite ranking available)2024-25 statistics: 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 39.1% shooting (at Syracuse)Recruiting profile: Class of 2021, ⭐️⭐️⭐️-star power forward with 90 rating, No. 34 power forward nationally, in 247 Sports’ composite rankings (no transfer portal rating)2024-25 statistics: 20.6 points (eighth nationally), 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.2 steals (at Fairleigh Dickinson)Of note: Moore started 16 games as a true freshman for Syracuse this past season. He scored in double-figures five times during the 2024-25 season, including a career-high 24 in a loss to then-No. 3 Tennessee.2024-25 statistics: 4.2 points, 1.1 rebounds (at Auburn)Recruiting profile: Class of 2021, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-star shooting guard with 91 rating, No. 58 shooting guard nationally, in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings