The Brigham Young University Cougars have made a splash in the offseason, welcoming former Michigan State center Jaxon Kohler and Polish big man Jakub Urbaniak to a roster that was previously thin at the center position.
A Revamped Roster Sparks Optimism
College Basketball Reports currently places the Cougars just outside the top ten for the 2026‑27 season, a reflection of both the excitement and the uncertainty surrounding the new lineup.
At the heart of the projected starting five are point guard Robert Wright III, wings Collin Chandler and Bruce Branch III, and the newly arrived Kohler, who together form an attack that analysts describe as among the most potent in the nation.
While the offensive outlook is bright, the team’s defensive depth remains a question mark, with Branch III emerging as the primary bright spot on that end of the floor.
The ranking conversation also brings former head coach Mark Pope into the mix, as his name surfaces in discussions about the Cougars’ trajectory and potential ties to other programs.
If the Cougars can translate their offensive firepower into consistent performances, the early projections could quickly shift from just outside the top ten to a genuine contender status.