Published by Paul Ivinskas
Saturday, October 24, 2026

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Sports

Big 12 coaches pick BYU sixth and Utah last in preseason basketball poll

Arizona was picked first in the league's preseason poll, released Thursday.

Published Mountain Time · Source / event date: Original report: October 15, 2026

Based on reporting by Deseret News. Read the original story →

Big 12 coaches picked BYU to finish sixth and Utah last in the conference's preseason basketball poll, released Thursday, the Deseret News reported. Defending champion Arizona was picked first, followed by Houston, Kansas, Iowa State and Texas Tech. [1]

KenPom's preseason ratings have BYU at No. 33 and Utah at No. 84, with Utah rated above Colorado and Kansas State. BYU returns point guard Rob Wright III, a preseason first-team All-Big 12 selection, and added transfers Collin Chandler, Tyler Betsey and Jaxon Kohler plus freshman Bruce Branch III. [1]

Utah coach Alex Jensen has built a nearly new roster for his second year. BYU is seeking a fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, and Utah has not reached the tournament since 2016. Both coaches speak at Big 12 media days in Kansas City next week. [1]

Sources

  1. Deseret News: Where BYU and Utah have been picked to finish in the Big 12

This story was written by AI from the report by Deseret News, which has the full story. How we write stories.

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