American Fork native Jaxon Kohler is set to anchor the No. 25 BYU basketball team in its season opener against Ohio State at the Delta Center on Monday, Nov. 2. Kohler transferred to BYU in August after a court injunction granted him a fifth year of college eligibility.
Kohler previously played at American Fork High, where he was named the Deseret News Utah 6A Player of the Year in 2021, and also played at Wasatch Academy. During four seasons at Michigan State, he appeared in 127 games and contributed to eight NCAA Tournament wins, including an Elite 8 run in 2025. Last season, he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors, averaging 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the field and 39% from 3-point range.
In a preseason exhibition against Nebraska, Kohler recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, including two 3-pointers and four offensive rebounds, according to the Deseret News. He finished that game with a +16 plus/minus. Kohler has also played for the Utah Jazz Summer League team.
Head coach Kevin Young stated on Oct. 30 that the roster's balance will be a strength for the Cougars. Young noted that Kohler is a perfect pairing with Rob Wright because he opens up the lane, adding that the team spent the offseason searching for a specific type of center.
The Cougars roster includes several new additions, such as Kentucky transfer Collin Chandler, Clemson transfer Jake Wahlin, and freshman Bruce Branch III. Returning players include Rob Wright III, who averaged 18.1 points and 4.6 assists per game last season, and AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders.
Kohler's eligibility is tied to the Glancey v. NCAA case. He is part of the high school class of 2022 that received an additional season through a preliminary injunction, the Deseret News reported in October. While a California judge granted him a separate injunction to enter the transfer portal, his continued eligibility depends on whether the injunction holds through the case's final trial date.
BYU tips off against Ohio State at the Delta Center on Monday, Nov. 2.
