A New Era for the Utes
The University of Utah’s men’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 campaign, a season that could mark a turning point after years of dwindling attendance at the Huntsman Center.
Only three veterans from last year’s roster remain – guard Lucas Langarita, forward Babacar Faye and guard Obomate Abbey – and they will anchor the team’s effort to find consistency.
The coaching staff has leaned heavily on international talent, bringing in guards Lucas Langarita from Spain, Alec Anigbata from Germany, Fynn Schott from Austria and Noam Yaacov from Israel, each expected to add a distinct skill set.
Freshmen such as Styles Clemmons, David Katoa, Lukas McCanna and Jaxon Johnson are slated to see minutes, while six transfers – Taison Chatman, Jackson Holcombe, Zati Loubaki, Grayson Gaddis, Malek Gomma and TJ Burch – bring added depth, especially in the frontcourt.
The schedule features tough conference matchups against BYU, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Arizona, Arizona State, Houston, Iowa State, TCU and UCF, providing both tests and opportunities to showcase the new identity.
Fans are hopeful that the blend of experience, overseas flair and fresh legs will translate into a more competitive brand of basketball, potentially reversing the attendance slump that has plagued the program since its last NCAA tournament appearance in 2016.