NFL
By: Kevin Lucas
Houston’s steady dominance
Since joining the Big 12 the Houston Cougars have a record of 34-4 in Conference play with 2 outright regular season championships and 1 Conference Tournament title. Heading into the ’25-’26 season, Houston returns 3 starters from a team that reached the National Championship game and brought in one of their best recruiting classes in the coach Sampson era. Kelvin Sampson’s program continues to transcend college basketball with a healthy mix of love, family ties and elite defensive principles. The ascension of Milos Uzan in addition to the development of Chris Cenac Jr. will help the cougars maintain their winning ways. Do not be shocked if we see Houston back at the Final Four in the spring of 2026.
Kevin Young’s sequel with AJ Dybantsa
In Kevin Young’s first season leading BYU, the cougars finished the year with an overall record of 26-10 and got back to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 14 years. For his second act, coach Young brings in the most highly touted recruit in the history of this program who goes by the name of AJ Dybantsa. Dybantsa is a skilled 6’9 wing that can score the ball in a variety of ways and is projected to be a top 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. BYU also brings back a seasoned veteran in Richie Saunders to pair in the backcourt with Baylor transfer Rob Wright, where they will wreak havoc upon opposing defenders. Expect BYU to remain in the upper echelon of the Big 12 for a long time under Kevin Young’s tutelage.
Can Kansas reclaim their throne?
In the last 2 seasons the Kansas Jayhawks have finished outside of the top 5 of the Big 12 standings which is abnormal for Bill Self and company. Darryn Peterson joins this historic program as, “the best player we’ve recruited since we’ve been here” in coach Self’s own words. The 6’6 shooting guard out of Ohio is a complete 3-level scorer that never gets too high or too low. The Jayhawks’ frontcourt tandem of Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller will help tremendously take the weight off of Peterson’s shoulders for this upcoming season. It’s time for Kansas to start making real noise in the Big 12 again.
Do not sleep on Iowa State
Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert are gone but Josh Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic are all back in the fold for the Iowa State Cyclones. TJ Otzelberger has shown us time and time again that he is a wizard at finding players that fit his system no matter the ranking or level previously played at before. Ames’ chosen son Tamin Lipsey is already ISU’s all-time steals leader and shall continue to cement himself as a legendary point guard apart of a program that has a litany of historic floor generals. Joshua Jefferson at 6’9 proved to be one of the best transfers in the country last year after averaging 13 points per game and 7 rebounds while shooting 52 percent from the field. Milan Momcilovic’s upward trajectory is the main factor that’ll keep the Cyclones in the mix when it’s all said and done.
Is Wes Miller built for Cincinnati?
Wes Miller is headed into Year 5 at Cincinnati without a single NCAA Tournament Appearance under his belt. For a program that has had high-level coaches like Bob Huggins and Mick Cronin, that’s just not going to cut it. Coach Miller has been able to bring in talent to the 513, so now it’s all about making sure the puzzle pieces fit. True freshman Shon Abaev and senior guard Day Day Thomas will set the table for the Bearcats this upcoming winter. It’s now or never for coach Miller to get this ship headed back in the right direction.
