Get ready for a thrilling Big 12 men’s basketball season, because the predictions are in—and they’re bound to spark some heated debates! BYU is poised to dominate near the top, while Utah is expected to struggle near the bottom. But here’s where it gets controversial: BYU isn’t just aiming for a strong finish; they’re projected to land second in the league, according to the preseason Big 12 coaches poll released Thursday. That’s right—the Cougars snagged one first-place vote and are sitting pretty in their highest-ever preseason ranking in their third year in the conference. And this is the part most people miss: BYU’s rise comes on the heels of a stellar 26-10 overall record last season, including a Sweet Sixteen appearance under first-year head coach Kevin Young. With freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa—the highest-rated recruit in school history—and Baylor transfer Rob Wright III joining the mix, the hype is off the charts.
But let’s not forget Utah. The Runnin’ Utes, projected to finish 13th, are actually improving from last season’s last-place prediction. Under new head coach Alex Jensen, a former Utah great, the team has overhauled its roster with 12 new players. Led by forward Keanu Dawes and key transfers like Jahki Howard, they’re aiming to defy expectations. Still, the question lingers: Can Utah climb out of the basement in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences?
Here’s the real controversy: While BYU’s AJ Dybantsa is a unanimous selection to the preseason All-Big 12 team, he was edged out for Preseason Freshman of the Year by Kansas’ Darryn Peterson. Both are the top-rated players nationally in the 2025 class—but who’s truly the better bet for the future? And let’s not overlook Richie Saunders, BYU’s All-Big 12 performer, who’s ready to lead this experienced squad to new heights.
The season tips off with high-profile matchups: BYU faces Villanova on November 3 in a neutral-site showdown, while Utah hosts San Jose State the same day. By January 3, conference play begins, with BYU at Kansas State and Utah hosting Arizona. Will BYU live up to the hype, or will Utah surprise everyone? One thing’s certain: this season is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Preseason Big 12 Coaches Poll:
1. Houston (14 first-place votes) — 224 points
2. BYU (1) — 204
3. Texas Tech — 200
4. Arizona (1) — 179
5. Iowa State — 170
6. Kansas — 163
7. Baylor — 137
8. Cincinnati — 120
9. K-State — 117
10. TCU — 90
11. West Virginia — 79
12. Oklahoma State — 77
13. Utah — 50
14. UCF — 39
15. Colorado — 37
16. Arizona State — 34
Big 12 Preseason Awards:
- Player of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
- Newcomer of the Year: LeJuan Watts, Texas Tech
- Freshman of the Year: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
All-Big 12 Preseason Team:
- AJ Dybantsa, BYU* (unanimous)
- Richie Saunders, BYU
- Emanuel Sharp, Houston
- Joseph Tugler, Houston
- Milos Uzan, Houston* (unanimous)
- Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
- Darryn Peterson, Kansas* (unanimous)
- P.J. Haggerty, Kansas State
- Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
- JT Toppin, Texas Tech* (unanimous)
*Indicates unanimous selection
Thought-provoking question for you: With BYU’s star-studded roster and Utah’s roster overhaul, which team will defy expectations this season? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
