When BYU basketball landed AJ Dybantsa—the nation’s No. 1 recruit for the class of 2025—it wasn’t just a win on the court. It was a seismic shift that sent ripples through the entire college basketball landscape. With powerhouse programs like Kansas, Alabama, and North Carolina in hot pursuit, no one expected the 6-foot-9 forward to choose BYU. But he did. And the reason? A unique blend of NBA-caliber coaching and a jaw-dropping $7 million NIL deal.
Yes, you read that right. $7 million. That makes Dybantsa’s move not just historic for BYU, but one of the most lucrative in college hoops history.
Led by newly appointed head coach Kevin Young—fresh from the NBA sidelines—BYU has quickly become one of the most compelling destinations for elite talent. Young’s vision of a pro-style system, combined with the university’s growing NIL support, made BYU the perfect launchpad for Dybantsa’s “one-and-done” journey to the NBA.
But Dybantsa isn’t walking into this alone. He joins a rising squad that just finished the 2024–25 season 26–10, reaching the Sweet 16. Freshman point guard Egor Demin made waves as well, averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game—and he may return next season, giving the Cougars even more firepower.
With Dybantsa, Demin, and fellow top recruit Rob Wright potentially sharing the court, BYU’s 2025–26 season promises to be unforgettable. Whether you’re a diehard Cougar fan or just a college basketball junkie, you’ll want to keep your eyes on Provo. The storm is brewing, and AJ Dybantsa is at the center of it.
Are we witnessing the rise of a new powerhouse in college basketball? One thing’s for sure: BYU is done playing small.
