🏆 A Dual-Sport Powerhouse in the Big 12
For the 2024–25 academic year, BYU made history as the only Big 12 school to finish inside the top 15 in both football and men’s basketball . The Cougars’ football team wrapped up the season ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll, while the basketball squad also clinched the No. 13 spot—a feat unmatched by any other program in the conference . Their unique blend of consistency and excellence across major sports signals a seismic shift in BYU’s athletic trajectory.
🏀 Basketball’s Sweet 16 Surge & National Buzz
Under first-year coach Kevin Young, BYU posted a 26–10 record, secured a 14–6 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the Sweet 16—their first tournament win since 2011 . Their season included historic highlights:
- A 91–57 rout of Kansas—Kansas’s worst home loss in years.
- Road victories at ranked Arizona and Iowa State .
National publications have responded in kind:
- Preseason CBS Sports Top 25: BYU at No. 3 .
- ESPN projection: Top 5, fueled by recruiting wins like top recruit A.J. Dybantsa and heavy-hitting transfers .
Young’s NBA-style overhaul has earned acclaim, placing BYU among college basketball’s elite .
🏈 Football: Consistency Fuels Contendership
On the gridiron, BYU maintained elite form with an 11–2 record, including a dominant Alamo Bowl victory, and held firm at No. 13 in final AP rankings . Their roster remains loaded with returning stars—QB Jake Retzlaff, RB LJ Martin, WR Chase Roberts—and fortified by portal additions .
Early projections place BYU among the top Big 12 contenders, as ESPN, CBS and others underscore the program’s upward trajectory .
🌐 National Recognition & Momentum
BYU now surfaces frequently in national power rankings:
- ESPN’s two-year football outlook places BYU in the Top 25, projecting sustained excellence .
- Vanquish the Foe hails BYU as the undisputed best football/basketball combo in the Big 12 .
- SBNation showcases BYU among the Sweet 16 elite, emphasizing program-wide growth .
This cross-sport impact is rare and showcases BYU’s growing national brand appeal.
🌈 Beyond Wins: Legacy & Infrastructure
This breakout season follows BYU’s deep legacy of excellence: 13 NCAA team national championships (including men’s and women’s cross-country) and decades of high-level competition across sports .
Their transition into the Big 12 in 2023 has brought tougher competition—but BYU has met it head-on. From historic football heights (1984 national title) to new basketball heights, the program is flourishing .
🔍 Why This Matters
- Dual-threat dominance shows athletic and financial depth.
- Coaching excellence: Rising stars like Kevin Young and Kalani Sitake prove BYU’s ability to lead and build impactful programs.
- Recruiting leverage: High-profile talent continues to flock to Provo—both on the court and field.
- Elevated brand identity: Viral wins, conference records, and national buzz make BYU a model for rising athletic programs.
💡 The Road to Sustained Supremacy
If BYU sustains this momentum—leveraging recruiting, resources, and national exposure—they could firmly establish themselves as the most well-rounded athletic powerhouse in college sports.
