BYU Basketball Big 12 Expectations: Preseason Poll Analysis and Utah’s Uphill Battle

The anticipation for the 2025-26 Big 12 men’s basketball season is palpable, especially with new additions like BYU and Utah joining the fray. The preseason coaches’ poll has dropped, and as expected, it paints a contrasting picture for the Utah schools.

According to the Deseret News report, BYU is predicted to land somewhere near the top of the conference standings. This isn’t entirely shocking. BYU has a strong basketball tradition and has consistently performed well in the WCC. They bring a potent offense and a dedicated fanbase to the Big 12, making them a formidable competitor right out of the gate. The poll likely reflects confidence in their coaching staff’s ability to adapt to the tougher competition and in their returning players’ skills. Look for BYU to potentially challenge established Big 12 powerhouses and make a run at the NCAA tournament.

Utah, on the other hand, is facing a steeper climb. Predicted to finish near the bottom of the Big 12, the Utes have a significant challenge ahead. While they possess a rich basketball history, recent seasons haven’t lived up to expectations. Rebuilding takes time, and the Big 12 is not a forgiving league. The coaches’ poll likely reflects concerns about their roster composition, coaching stability, and the sheer depth and talent of the other conference teams. Utah will need to focus on developing young talent, improving their defense, and finding consistent offensive production to prove the poll wrong.

The Big 12 coaches also released their preseason player of the year pick, and identified Houston as the team to beat. While the specific player was not named, their return underscores the conference’s strength and competition for BYU and Utah.

It’s important to remember that preseason polls are just predictions. The actual season is a long and winding road filled with upsets, injuries, and unexpected performances. BYU will need to prove it can translate its WCC success to the Big 12 level, while Utah will need to defy expectations and show significant improvement to climb the conference ladder.

For BYU, key to success will be navigating the increased physicality and defensive intensity of the Big 12. They’ll need to maintain their offensive efficiency while tightening up on defense. For Utah, establishing a strong team identity and finding consistent scoring options will be crucial. The upcoming season promises exciting storylines and compelling basketball as BYU and Utah navigate their new Big 12 landscape.