Preseason Projections
The early preseason rankings for the upcoming college basketball season have been released, and BYU finds itself outside the top 25. Analysts from ESPN, The Athletic and Sports Illustrated each placed four Big 12 programs in their top 25, with Arizona, Houston, Kansas and Iowa State earning spots. ESPN’s latest list even slots BYU at No. 30, while KenPom’s historical data shows six Big 12 teams finished last season in the top 25 and three cracked the top 10.
The Cougars’ modest projection reflects a roster that returns only one starter from last year’s squad. Fans, however, remain hopeful that a newly recruited starting‑caliber center could lift the team’s interior game and push them toward a higher ranking.
In the Big 12 preseason poll, BYU was slated ninth, yet the team surprised many by advancing to the Sweet 16 in the previous tournament. Observers note that while the early outlook is cautious, the potential for growth exists if the newcomers gel quickly.
As the season unfolds, the conversation will shift from ranking gaps to on‑court performance, and the Cougars will have ample opportunity to rewrite their narrative.