BYU basketball enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 6 seed, set to face No. 11 seed Texas on March 19, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The team has recorded a season record of 23-11, with a conference performance of 9-9 in the Big 12.
A key player for BYU is AJ Dybantsa, who is currently leading college basketball in scoring with an impressive average of 25.3 points per game. His performance has raised expectations, with former player Jimmer Fredette noting that the arrival of a talent like Dybantsa has led many to think, ‘Final Four or bust.’
BYU has a storied history in the NCAA Tournament, having made 33 appearances. However, the team is still in pursuit of its first Final Four appearance, with its last Elite Eight run dating back to 1981.
Kevin Young, who was appointed as BYU’s head coach in April 2024, expressed the team’s desire to compete at a high level, stating, “I think BYU’s always wanted to be able to prove they can play with the big boys.” This sentiment reflects the program’s ongoing efforts to enhance its competitiveness, particularly in recruiting non-LDS athletes.
In their last meeting, BYU secured a victory against Texas, winning 84-72 on January 27, 2024, which adds to the anticipation for their upcoming matchup. However, BYU faced a setback in the recent Big 12 men’s basketball tournament, losing to Houston 73-66 in the quarterfinals.
As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on how BYU will leverage its strengths and the skills of players like Dybantsa to advance further in the competition. Coach Young remarked, “What we did wasn’t that much rocket science,” indicating a straightforward approach to their game strategy.
With the tournament drawing near, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if BYU can capitalize on its potential and make a significant run in the NCAA Tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s final preparations and strategies as they gear up for the challenge ahead.
