The upcoming 2026‑27 campaign for the BYU Cougars is generating buzz as the program welcomes back a cohort of players who have deep roots in the local community and the university’s own missionary tradition.
Among the most notable newcomers is Collin Chandler, a former Farmington High star who spent two seasons at Kentucky before deciding to transfer to Provo. Chandler’s sophomore year at Kentucky saw him average 9.7 points per game and hit 41 percent of his three‑point attempts, numbers that have the coaching staff excited about his potential as a playmaker and shooter.
A Roster Shaped by Mission and Recruitment
Chandler’s journey includes a two‑year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Sierra Leone and England, an experience that has broadened his perspective and added a unique dimension to his leadership on the court.
He will not be alone in returning to the Cougars’ lineup. Jake Wahlin, who previously starred at Utah before a stint at Clemson, brings a blend of size and shooting that helped him average 5.3 points and a 34 percent three‑point clip last season. Dean Rueckert, a 6‑foot‑8 forward and former 4‑star recruit, arrives after a mission in Germany, while Brooks Bahr, a 6‑4 guard, also returns from service abroad.
Coach Kevin Young has voiced confidence that the blend of experience, shooting prowess, and work ethic will give the Cougars a familiar yet refreshed identity. He highlighted Rueckert’s relentless work ethic and Bahr’s defensive versatility as key pieces that could reshape the team’s dynamics.
With these additions, the Cougars are poised to lean on a roster that not only reflects the program’s local heritage but also carries the discipline honed overseas. The expectation is that Chandler will assume a primary playmaking role, while the other newcomers will contribute in complementary ways that could push the team toward a strong finish in the West Coast Conference.