BYU men's basketball moved up two spots to No. 23 in the latest AP Poll announced Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, following a 2-0 start to the season. The Cougars' recent successes include a victory over Ohio State and a 108-point offensive performance against Omaha.
Strong Opening Performance
The Cougars' ascent in the rankings follows a strong opening performance against Ohio State. On opening night, Robert Wright III recorded a game-high 35 points to lead BYU to a 94-83 victory over the Buckeyes at the Delta Center. Wright's performance marked the first time since 1996 that an NCAA Division I player recorded at least 35 points, five assists, and one or fewer turnovers in a season opener, and he is the only player to achieve that feat against a major conference opponent.
Dominant Offensive Displays
During the win over Ohio State, BYU overcame a three-point deficit at halftime by outscoring the Buckeyes 60-46 over the final 20 minutes. The Cougars shot 64.5 percent from the field, 63.6 percent from three-point range, and 86.7 percent from the free-throw line.
In their second game, BYU defeated Omaha 108-67, marking the program's 21st consecutive win in a home opener. Six players scored in double figures during the blowout, which saw the Cougars shoot 55.7 percent from the field, 45.7 percent from three-point range, and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line.
Key Individual Contributors
Key contributors in the win over Omaha included Tyler Betsey and Collin Chandler, both of whom scored 18 points. Betsey tied a career-high by going 6-of-8 from three-point range, bringing his season total to 10-of-14 from behind the arc. Chandler, a junior from Farmington, went 6-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range.
Upcoming Schedule
The Cougars are currently one of five teams from the Big 12 ranked in the AP Poll, joining Houston, Arizona, Kansas, and Texas Tech.
BYU is scheduled to host Queens at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Following that contest, the team will face Montana State on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars are preparing for the Maui Invitational, which begins on Nov. 23. During that tournament, the team is scheduled to play Washington and could potentially face Arizona in the finals.
Coaching Strategy
The Cougars' offensive strategy under head coach Kevin Young has focused on achieving elite spacing and shooting, a goal that has been realized through the team's first two games of the season.
Season Context
BYU's recent momentum follows an exhibition win over UNLV earlier in the season.
