A packed November and December
The Cougars will play 12 nonconference games spread across November and December, a stretch that pits them against four power‑conference programs — Ohio State, Northwestern, Utah State and San Diego State — as well as a trio of contests in the Maui Invitational.
The Maui Invitational will bring the team to Hawaii for three games against similarly situated opponents, giving BYU a chance to accrue multiple Quad 1/2 wins while experiencing a quick turnaround in a neutral venue.
With seven likely Quad 1/2 matchups and five buy‑games that sit in Quad 3/4, the schedule is engineered to boost the Cougars’ résumé and improve their odds of an at‑large NCAA tournament bid.
BYU also retains the flexibility to add two more contests before the Big 12 season begins, and the slate was crafted to lessen the travel burden that plagued them in the previous year.
A second preseason exhibition against Nebraska is slated, echoing last season’s formula of scheduling ambitious opponents while keeping logistical hurdles to a minimum.
Coach Kevin Young emphasized that the plan reflects a deliberate effort to balance competitive challenges with realistic travel considerations, a strategy that the NCAA hopes will translate into stronger tournament positioning for the Cougars.