National Outlets Project BYU Basketball in the Top 25 Next Season

National outlets are high on the BYU basketball program going into next year

Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Dallin Hall (30) drives against Duquesne / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

The Final Four wrapped up earlier this week and national outlets are already starting to look ahead to next season. BYU, who finished 5th in the Big 12 last year, has been projected in the top 25 by various national outlets.

USA Today has BYU basketball at no. 10 in their preseason top 25. The Athletic and ESPN have BYU in the top 15 at 13th and 14th, respectively. Sports Illustrated, FOX, and Yahoo! Sports have BYU in the top 25.

So why are national outlets so high on BYU? Returning production has a lot to do with it.

BYU brings back a lot of experienced, talented players that will be back on the roster next season.
Spencer Johnson is the only contributor that will definitely not be on the roster next season. Jaxson Robinson is still mulling a decision on whether to turn pro or not. If Robinson does not return, BYU will miss his scoring punch and will need to replace some of that production via the transfer portal. Outside of those two, everyone else is expected back.

Historically speaking, BYU requires a veteran roster to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The returning production from this group would give BYU a solid foundation to build on with the potential to advance in the NCAA Tournament.

That is contingent, however, on another productive offseason of personal development. BYU exceeded expectations last season thanks to the individual development of players up and down the roster. BYU needs more of that to take a step forward next season.

BYU also adds a pair of four-star freshmen in Isaac Davis and Collin Chandler to the roster. Chandler was one of the highest-rated signees in BYU basketball history. He is set to return home from his mission in a couple weeks.