AJ Dybantsa, the #1 recruit in the nation for the 2025 basketball class, has committed to BYU!! I dont know if there are enough exclamation marks to show how excited and happy I am!

AJ Announcement

AJ announced on ESPN’s show, First Take, yesterday morning that he was going to BYU. My favorite part of the whole show was when Stephen A Smith, the main guy from the show, said that he thought AJ was going to North Carolina. He then went on to say that he thought AJ would have picked North Carolina because of being able to play in the ACC and against teams like Duke. AJ then responded saying “who says BYU cant play Duke?” It was amazing. Also, does Stephen A Smith not realize that BYU is in the Big 12? AJ gets to play programs like Baylor, Houston, Kansas, Arizona, and Iowa St.

Possible Non Conference Matchups with AJ

One other interesting note is that BYU hasnt announced what their non conference schedule is going to be next year for basketball. Thats because AJ could change a lot of that. ESPN is going to want to put BYU in some prime time tournaments and games I believe. There is also noise and rumors that ESPN is trying to set up a Duke and BYU matchup since 3 of the top 5 recruits in the 2025 class play for these two teams. Carlos Boozer’s two twin sons who are both ranked in the top 5 committed to Duke. So I am sure that would be a very hyped matchup.

AJ also talked in one of his interviews after his announcement that he has been committed to BYU for three weeks now. He apparently committed to BYU and signed his NIL agreement on November 20th, the last day for the early signing period. AJ, his dad, and the coaching staff have kept it quiet since then! Thats pretty impressive. That is also why AJ decided to announce now, in December, when his original plan was to announce in February.

Why AJ Chose BYU

Lastly, I love the reasons that AJ gave for why he committed to BYU. He talked about the coaching staff knowing the NBA, from the dietician, strength and conditioning coach, analytics coach, and the coaches on the bench to all having NBA experience. And his goal is to go to the NBA so why not go and play for a staff that knows the NBA and has experience with it.

He also said that he felt super wanted when he came to BYU on his official visit. Thats huge! I also think thats why he committed to BYU. At BYU, he will be a mega star. If he goes to Kansas or North Carolina, he will just be one of the guys.

The last thing that is still unproven and doesnt really have a great outlook for yet, is AJ saying that he wants to win. Alabama and Kansas are ranked in the top 10 right now. North Carolina was ranked last week but isnt this week. BYU was close to being in the top 25 until they lost to Ole Miss and Providence. So BYU is probably last right now on the winning totem pole. They have never gone to a Final Four. BYU’s last March Madness win came in 2012.

Alabama is pretty similar but they have had a great past couple of seasons and went to their first Final Four last year. But thats also why I think AJ chose BYU. He gets to be a mega star and possibly be a legend forever by helping this team go to their first Final Four.

What’s Next for BYU Basketball?

You’re probably thinking, a Final Four for BYU? Seriously? Seriously. Let me tell you how it could happen. This year, I expect BYU to make March Madness. Right now, they are projected to be one of the last teams in since their recent two losses. They dont look amazing right now. But they will get better. The chemistry will improve and the Big 12 gives a lot of opportunities for big wins.

I expect BYU to make the Big Dance and win one game. That will create some momentum. Egor Demin will enter the draft and I know that Kanon Catchings is projected to go at the end of the first round/beginning of the second round, but he could benefit from another year. If he stays, you could have Hall, Catchings, AJ, Saunders, and Keita as your starting 5 for next year.

But, AJ isnt alone in this top class for 2025. Side note, BYU is now #11 in the country for their 2025 class. Wow! The 2025 class has AJ, top 25 recruit, the #2 C, and 4 star, Xavion Staton, and top 150 recruit and 4 star, Chamberlain Burgess. Burgess will serve a mission before he comes so itll be AJ and Xavion immediately on campus and on the team. Your bench could be Xavion, Baker, Crawford, Boskovic, and Kozlowski. Thats pretty good! The big key is if Catchings comes back or not. I think he will put BYU over the top if he comes back.

Upcoming Games for Basketball

BYU has two games this week. The first one is tonight, against Fresno St, in Provo. The game starts at 7pm MT on ESPN+. BYU is a 27 point favorite in this game and I dont expect it to be very close. Fresno St is only has a 2% chance to beat BYU according to ESPN Analytics. Fresno St is a real team though, its no longer teams from conferences and places that you havent heard of before.

So BYU has to start strong. BYU has not started very well in their last two losses. I also want to see more movement on offense to be more aggressive on both offense and defense. Egor looks like hes the only guy doing something on offense and Saunders looks like hes the only guy doing something on defense.

The next game is on Saturday against Wyoming. This game will be in Salt Lake at the Delta Center. This game also starts at 7pm MT and will also be on ESPN+. BYU should win this game by 20 too. Again, its another team that we have all heard of and from a real conference and could actually put up a fight. So BYU has to be ready. Wyoming only has a 7% chance to beat BYU, though. These two games against real teams and colleges are going to be a great way for BYU to get the flow of their offense and work hard on defense.

BYU Football Transfer News

BYU had a couple of freshman enter the transfer portal in Dane Christensen, a QB rated an 82, and Dallin Havea, a LB rated an 80. They aren’t huge pieces for BYU so while its sad to see them go, I am sure they are just looking for something that would give them more playing time.

The most recent shocking transfer is S Crew Wakley. He was really good for BYU at the end of the season. He ended the game against Baylor with his interception. But, BYU has a log jam at Safety. I just detailed what their outlook would be in last weeks post, but it looks like three freshman in Satuala, Damuni, and Prassas are going to be the main playing time getters for BYU at the Safety position.

Wakley was also a walk on and not on scholarship, so I am sure that Wakley wants to see whats out there and if he can get a scholarship and possibly some more NIL money. Not too concerning for BYU, but he also gave BYU experience and depth at the Safety position. Now, 3 freshman will get the playing time at Safety. They will all be Sophomores next year.

BYU Football Recruiting Update

BYU is sure to be busy this offseason as the transfer portal officially opened on Monday. The transfer portal is now the lifeblood of college football and is a great way to find immediate impacts. Whenever a BYU or Utah player transfers, the other team is linked to that player because BYU and Utah are not very far from each other. There have been a ton of transfers from some key players at Utah that BYU is sure to keep an eye on:

• Carsen Ryan. A TE for BYU that could instantly start for BYU after their TE room seems to be a little slim.
• Cameron Calhoun. A CB who could fit really well with Jay Hill’s defense. This one is really a transfer to watch. He was possibly Utah’s best corner this last year.
• Vili Taufatofua. Hes an edge that could start right away for BYU as BYU loses both of their starting edges this year in Batty and Bagnah to graduation. He also was recruited by BYU out of high school.
• Simote Pepa. Hes a defensive tackle that was recruited by BYU out of high school. He could make an immediate impact for BYU.

BYU Transfer Targets

BYU should also target some transfers this cycle that will help with the OL, TE, DL, WR, CB, and RB. The 3 guys above, fit right into these needs in their respective positions, but lets look at some other guys who BYU has offered or been linked to:

• OL – BYU loses 3 starters this year as Etienne, Keim, and Pay all graduate. BYU should target at least 2 guys to come in and push for a starting position. One offer that we already know of is to Tulsa transfer Jack Tanner.
• TE – I expect BYU to sign 2 TEs from the transfer portal. They have been linked to Ryan from Utah but another name to watch and who has been offered already by BYU is another Tulsa transfer in Luke McGary.
• Defensive Line – Ive talked about the two Utah guys above. Those are the two guys BYU seems to focusing on.
• WR – If Chase Roberts decides to come back, then a WR isnt a must grab from the portal. If he doesnt come back, then WR is a must grab from the portal. Some of the guys that BYU is focusing on is Tre Spivey. He is a transfer from Kansas St. BYU recruited him hard before he committed to Kansas St. He is speedy and quick and would help in the WR room.
• CB – BYU is losing three corners to graduation this year in Robinson, Bamba, and Collins, BYU’s top 3 corners. Thats why I think Calhoun from Utah makes a ton of sense.
• RB – BYU loses Davis and Ropati to transfer and graduation. But they do bring in Cale Breslin. Martin is the undisputed starter with incoming freshman Breslin and 2 sophomores in Haunga and Moa behind him. Martin has been plagued by injuries a lot the past couple of seasons, and while BYU doesnt need to add a RB, if Martin goes down, there isnt a ton of experience behind him.

BYU Football Making Waves for 2026 Recruits

The last update for football is Brock Harris. Harris is a 4 star tight end for 2026. He is the #2 TE in the nation from St George, UT, and is a huge priority for BYU. He announced his top 6 teams and BYU is in it along with Utah, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, and Miami. Yes, you read those teams right! Basically the top teams in the nation and BYU and Utah. It would be massive if BYU is able to land him!