Utah's Rising Talent
The 2026–27 college basketball season is already generating buzz as analysts turn their attention to Utah’s emerging talent. Six players with strong ties to the Beehive State are featured on national watchlists, each bringing a distinct skill set that could reshape conference dynamics.
Robert Wright III, a BYU point guard, occupies the No. 4 spot on Kevin Sweeney’s top 10 point guard rankings for the class of 2024. In his debut season with the Cougars he averaged nearly 18 points per game and shot 41 percent from beyond the arc, numbers that position him to contend for the Big 12 scoring title — provided he can tighten his defensive contributions.
Mason Falslev of Utah State holds the No. 5 position on Sweeney’s shooting guard list. The guard is celebrated for his loyalty to the Aggies, having guided the team to the NCAA tournament in each of the past three seasons, and his reputation for efficient scoring continues to grow.
Collin Chandler, a native of Utah who transferred from Kentucky to BYU, appears on the same watchlist as shooting guards to monitor. His journey from the Wildcats to the Cougars adds a narrative of resilience that could translate into a breakout performance on the national stage.
Freshman phenom Bruce Branch III is already drawing attention as one of the top small forwards to watch. His physicality and versatility have made him a fixture in early projections for BYU’s frontcourt.
Kanon Catchings, formerly a BYU standout now playing at Georgia, also appears on the small forward watchlist. His transition to the Bulldogs has kept his reputation as a crafty scorer alive, and coaches are eager to see how his game evolves against new competition.
Keanu Dawes, a former Utah player who now suits up for Kansas, rounds out the group on the power forward watchlist. His rebounding instincts and mid‑range game are seen as assets that could help the Jayhawks contend for a deep tournament run.