A New Era for the Cougars
The 2023‑24 campaign marked BYU’s first full year in the Big 12, and the team seized the moment with a series of headline‑making wins that instantly altered the conference’s perception of the program.
The Cougars opened the season with a statement victory over then‑ranked Kansas, a result that set the tone for a year filled with upsets. A few weeks later they traveled to Arizona and pulled off a double‑digit win that cemented their credibility on the road.
They continued the momentum by defeating Iowa State twice, adding a triumph over Baylor and a narrow loss to Houston that showcased their resilience. The following season they returned to the national spotlight with wins over Wisconsin, a Big Ten champion, and a repeat over Kansas, Arizona and Iowa State.
Challenges on the March Madness Stage
Despite the regular‑season success, the Cougars have struggled to translate that form into deep tournament runs. Early exits have left fans yearning for a breakthrough, but the consistent ability to beat ranked opponents suggests that a Final Four appearance may be closer than many think.
The program’s rise is also reflected in its national ranking, sitting 37th in the country for ranked wins since 2020, with 15 such victories to its name. Each win adds to a growing narrative that BYU is no longer a peripheral player but a legitimate contender.