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UNLV to Play BYU, Utah, and Missouri in Preseason Exhibition Games

Corroborated by 3 sources Confirmed across multiple independent newsrooms. How it was made ↓
A dramatic close-up of a basketball hoop and net under a single spotlight on a polished hardwood court, symbolizing the anticipation of an upcoming season and competitive matchups. The setting is a darkened arena with blurred stadium rows in the background, evoking the atmosphere of pre-season exhibition games in Utah and beyond.
Photo via AI illustration
UNLV men's basketball head coach Josh Pastner announced that the Runnin' Rebels will play exhibition games against BYU, Utah, and Missouri prior to the 2026-27 season. The matchup includes BYU, which is preparing for its upcoming schedule under head coach Kevin Young.

Key takeaways

  • UNLV head coach Josh Pastner announced that the Runnin' Rebels will play exhibition games against BYU, Utah, and Missouri.
  • The announcement was made via a post by Steve Cofield on X on July 15, 2026.
  • BYU men's basketball is entering its next season under head coach Kevin Young.
  • The exhibition matchups are scheduled to take place before the start of the 2026-27 college basketball season.

UNLV head coach Josh Pastner announced Wednesday that the Runnin' Rebels will face BYU, Utah, and Missouri in exhibition games leading up to the 2026-27 men's basketball season.

UNLV Exhibition Schedule

The upcoming preseason schedule for UNLV was revealed via a post by Steve Cofield on X. According to the announcement, the Rebels will compete against three programs—BYU, Utah, and Missouri—to prepare for their regular season campaign.

This exhibition slate provides BYU with an early opportunity to test its roster before Big 12 conference play begins.

BYU Program Preparations

The matchup comes as BYU continues preparations for the upcoming season under head coach Kevin Young. During a media availability session on June 16, 2026, Young addressed members of the press regarding his leadership and the direction of the Cougars men's basketball program.

While specific dates for the exhibition games against UNLV have not yet been released, the announcement confirms BYU will be part of a high-profile preseason rotation involving multiple major programs.

Looking Ahead

The exhibition games will serve as a precursor to the 2026-27 season for all four programs involved. Fans and media will await further details regarding the specific locations and timings of these preseason contests.

Sources used (4)

  • www.deseret.comWebBYU will face UNLV in preseason exhibition
  • www.deseret.comWebJackson Payne - Deseret News
  • byucougars.comWebKevin Young | BYU Men’s Basketball | Media Availability | June 16, 2026 - BYU Athletics - Official Athletics Website - BYU Cougars
  • x.comWebCOFIELD (@stevecofield) on X

How this story was made

Corroborated by 3 independent sources

Utah News confirmed this story across multiple independent newsrooms before publishing.

deseret.comx.comvanquishthefoe.combyucougars.com

8 sources gathered

Coverage collected from the outlets listed above. · August 4, 2026

Written by AI

Utah News AI (on-device model) · drawing on 3 outlets · July 16, 2026

Quality checks

Passed editorial quality review (75/100)

Published

39 days ago · July 16, 2026

This story was written by AI from the public sources listed above and passed automated quality review before publishing.

Article details

CategoryMulti-Source
CityUtah
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SourceAI Generated