“She’s kind of the big boss,” Dybantsa said of his mom to the press, following his team’s elimination. “Just talk to her and see what she says.”

Although there is still ample time before the next NBA Draft, this talented player is clearly poised to be a top prospect for what’s ahead.

Dybantsa’s numbers this season

In his standout freshman season with the BYU Cougars, AJ Dybantsa lived up to his status as the nation’s top recruit by leading the country in scoring with an impressive 25.5 points per game.

Over 35 games, the 6’9″ forward also averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, shooting 51% from the field. Dybantsa’s historic campaign included a 40-point performance against Kansas State—breaking the Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record—and a dominant 35-point, 10-rebound double-double in his NCAA Tournament debut against Texas.

His elite production earned him Consensus First-Team All-American honors and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award.

Which teams could draft Dybantsa in the NBA?

With the NBA regular season nearing its end in March 2026, the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets currently hold the best lottery odds (14% each) to land the No. 1 pick and draft AJ Dybantsa.

Other major contenders in the “sweepstakes” include the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz, both of whom are eyeing the BYU superstar as a franchise-altering wing.

2026 NBA Draft: Date and location

The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place over two days, with the first round on Wednesday, June 24 and the second round on Thursday, June 25.

Continuing its long-standing tradition, the event will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Kalani Sitaki’s team finished the regular season with an impressive 11–1 record, capped off by a resounding 41–21 victory over UCF in its most recent game. Momentum will be key in this pivotal showdown in Arlington.

On the other hand, the Red Raiders have been a pleasant surprise this NCAAF season, also finishing with a strong 11–1 record, highlighted by a dominant 49–0 win over West Virginia in their most recent game.

What happens if BYU beats Texas Tech?

If BYU beats Texas Tech, the Cougars will win the Big 12 Conference title, a major accomplishment in their first year in the conference. The victory would also guarantee them a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff as a conference champion.

While this program currently boasts 23 conference titles, this would be the first time in history that the Cougars could be crowned Big 12 champions, marking a major milestone for the program.

What happens if BYU and Texas Tech tie in regulation?

If BYU and Texas Tech finish the Big 12 Championship Game tied at the end of regulation, the game will immediately proceed to overtime to determine a winner. College football rules do not allow for tie games and mandate the use of the NCAA overtime procedure until one team has a higher score than the other after an equal number of possessions.

What happens if the Cougars lose to the Red Raiders?

If the BYU Cougars lose to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, they would not win the Big 12 title and would therefore not secure the automatic bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff that goes to the conference champion. They would likely be eliminated from playoff contention entirely.

The head coach pointed directly at execution as the biggest problem. “Sometimes it felt like the moment was just too big for some of our athletes and they’ve got to do something about that,” he told reporters. “We’ve got to do better, as a staff, as a team, and I’ve got to do better.”

Sanders was particularly sharp about his defense’s struggles against mobile quarterbacks. “We’re just not doing our jobs. It’s not like it’s a surprise what they’re going to do. We’ve got to do a better job of preparing these young men to do their jobs in front of the multitudes.”

The coach added that Colorado missed chances were not about schemes or scouting but about accountability. “They’re prepared, they’re studying film… It was a great scouting output for the staff, we’ve just got to step up. We’ve got to make the plays that were there. We had tremendous opportunities, we just didn’t.”

Sanders Sends Warning but Respects BYU

Even as he warned his own team to improve, Sanders gave credit to BYU for how they performed. “Disciplined team, fundamentally sound team. They played their b—- off. Young quarterback is phenomenal. Proud of him. He made the plays that he was supposed to make to win the game.”

Sanders also praised BYU’s leadership and coaching. “Utmost respect for the coaching staff over there, especially Sitake and his wonderful father that I’ve had the pleasure to meet twice now. They did what they had to do.”

For Colorado, the focus quickly shifts to next week’s matchup against TCU. The Buffs edged the Horned Frogs 45-42 in 2023, but Sanders made it clear his team cannot afford the same lapses.

AJ Dybantsa has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in prep basketball. Known for his blend of size and skill, the young Utah standout is already attracting attention from college scouts and basketball insiders.

His physical presence stands out on the court, combining a rare combination of height and athleticism. But it’s his work ethic and basketball IQ that have truly set him apart in a competitive Utah prep scene.

Beyond the hardwood, family plays a key role in his journey. As he prepares to take his game to BYU next season, the support behind the scenes fuels his ambitions and sets the stage for what could be a remarkable future in the sport.

How old is AJ Dybantsa?

Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa Jr. was born on January 29, 2007 in Brockton, Massachusetts, making him 18 years old during his senior prep season in 2025. Despite his age, he carries the poise of a seasoned prospect.

He reclassified from the Class of 2026 into 2025, accelerating his journey and positioning himself as the top recruit in the country—a bold move that reflects both confidence and ambition.

By the time he steps onto a college campus at BYU in Fall 2025, he will already be entering adulthood under a spotlight usually reserved for seasoned athletes, according to BYU Athletics.

How tall is AJ Dybantsa?

Standing at 6‑foot‑9, or 2.06 meters, with a wingspan reported to exceed 7 feet, AJ Dybantsa combines size and skill in a rare package for a high school wing. Weighing around 200–210 pounds, his frame adds physicality to his versatility—allowing him to play inside or space the floor with an NBA‑ready build.

AJ Dybantsa’s family and love life

AJ Dybantsa comes from a rich cultural background: paternal ties to France’s Grigny, with Congolese and Jamaican heritage shaping his identity. He’s the son of Ace and Chelsea Dybantsa and has a younger sister, Jasmyn, a rising volleyball talent.

He credits strong family support for helping him stay grounded amid national hype. His father and mother moved with him to Utah Prep to maintain that foundation. As for a romantic life, nothing public has surfaced. Focused on basketball and academics, he keeps most off-court chapters private—for now.

Which team will AJ Dybantsa play for in 2025?

After transferring to Utah Prep for his senior year in 2024–25, AJ Dybantsa verbally committed to Brigham Young University on December 10, 2024, choosing the Cougars over Kansas, UNC and Alabama.

He becomes BYU’s first-ever five-star recruit, bringing high expectations to Provo as coach Kevin Young’s marquee signee in a recruiting turnaround. The plan is for a one-and-done path: after his final prep year at Utah Prep, he’s ready for BYU in Fall 2025 before potentially entering the 2026 NBA Draft.

AJ Dybantsa’s career highlights

• FIBA U19 World Cup MVP & Gold Medal (2025): Led Team USA to a 109–76 final victory over Germany in Lausanne. Averaged 14.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 1.1 SPG—earning tournament MVP honors for his all-around dominance.

• Back-to-Back Youth World Champion: Previously guided the USA to gold at the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas and 2024 U17 World Cup. In each, he played a key role early in his rise.

• Prep Stat-Stuffer at Utah Prep: Averaged a double-double (approx. 17.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 APG) this season, solidifying his dominance in Utah’s prep circuit and earning top national rankings.

• Prolific Prep & MaxPreps Recognition: At Prolific Prep (2023–24), he posted 21.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, earning MaxPreps All-America and watchlists for National Player of the Year.

• EYBL Peach Jam Star: Led his AAU squad, Expressions Elite, in 2023 with 25.8 PPG at Peach Jam, showcasing his offensive versatility and playmaking.

• High School Gatorade Player of the Year (Massachusetts, 2023): As a freshman at Saint Sebastian’s, posted 19.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 2.5 BPG—earning top state honors.

• High-Flying Highlight Reel: His jaw-dropping “double between-the-legs” dunk in a Utah Prep tournament became a viral sensation and highlighted his elite athleticism.

[Watch BYU vs Colorado online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The BYU Cougars will take on the Colorado Buffaloes in the Alamo Bowl, with the Cougars coming into the game as 4-point underdogs. The matchup features an over/under total set at 54.5 points, promising an exciting showdown between two high-energy teams.

Colorado are coming off a dominant 52-0 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. BYU, on the other hand, enters the game fresh off a 30-18 victory against the Houston Cougars.

When will the BYU vs Colorado match be played?

BYU play against Colorado this Saturday, December 28th, in the highly anticipated 2024 Alamo Bowl. The game will kick off at 7:30 PM (ET).

BYU vs Colorado: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM

CT: 6:30 PM

MT: 5:30 PM

PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch BYU vs Colorado in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between BYU and Colorado live on Fubo (free trial). Alternatively, you can tune in to ABC.

[Watch BYU vs Arkansasonline free in the US on Fubo]

The Cougars have two consecutive victories after two successful weeks where they won against Sam Houston 14-0 and against Southern Utah 41-16. This will be the first on the road game of the current season for them.

Arkansas are also enjoying a winning streak of two consecutive weeks, they won against Western Carolina 56-13 and against Kent State 28-6. They will play the first SEC game against LSU on September 23.

When will BYU vs Arkansas be played?

BYU and Arkansas play for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season today, September 16 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Both teams want to preserve their records but one offensive line is much more promising than the other.

BYU vs Arkansas: Time by state in the US

ET: 6:30 PM
CT: 5:30 PM
MT: 4:30 PM
PT: 3:30 PM

How to watch BYU vs Arkansas in the US

This game for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season, BYU and Arkansas at the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday, September 16, will be broadcast in the US by Fubo (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPN2.

The Cougars won every game in November against Boise State, Utah Tech and Stanford, it was a perfect month for them compared to October where the Cougars lost every game in a painful four week losing streak. The Cougars have a record of 7-5 overall.

The Mustangs couldn’t do anything to fight for the conference championship this year, at least they finished the regular season with a good record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 (ACC).

BYU vs SMU: Kick-Off Time

BYU and SMU play for the 2022 New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, December 17 at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

Australia: 10:30 AM (AEDT) December 18
Canada: 7:30 PM (EST)
China: 8:30 AM (GMT) December 18
Germany: 1:30 AM (CET) December 18
Ireland: 12:30 AM (GMT) December 18
Mexico: 6:30 PM (CST)
US: 7:30 PM (ET)
UK: 12:30 AM (GMT) December 18

BYU vs SMU: TV Channel and Live Streaming

The College Football season is available on Television, Radio and Live Streaming on the Internet, this New Mexico Bowl matchup and other games will be broadcast in the United States by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ABC. Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone.

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

BYU vs SMU: Predictions And Odds

BYU Cougars are underdogs with +3.5 ATS and 2.45 moneyline that will pay $245 bucks for a $100 bet on BetMGM, they are on a hot streak. SMU Mustangs are favorites with -3.5 spread and 1.57 moneyline. The totals are offered at 64.5 points. The best pick for this College Bowl game is: BYU Cougars +3.5.

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* Odds via BetMGM

BYU made an amazing final run to clinch bowl elegibility with a 7-5 record. The Cougars were on the verge of failure after four consecutive losses mid-season. Then, BYU came back beating Boise State, Utah Tech and Stanford. BYUhave lost two of their last three bowl appearances, but they lead 3-0 the all-time series with SMU. QB Jaren Hall is questionable with an ankle injury and that could be huge for the outcome of this matchup. The Brigham Young Cougars record in bowl games is 16-22-1.

In the final game of the regular season, SMU won a 34-31 thriller against Memphis to post a 7-5 record. Even though the Mustangs had crushing defeats against then ranked-teams like Cincinnati or Tulane, they managed to accumulate five victoriesin their last seven games. SMU averaged 38 points on offense and that’s why many experts predict this will be a high-scoring battle. WRRashee Rice, a starduring the season and a big NFL prospect, is out (toe injury). The Mustangs are 1.5-point underdogs and have a7-9-1 mark in bowl games.

BYU vs SMU:Date

The Brigham Young Cougarswill play against the SMU Mustangs in the2022 New Mexico Bowlas partof theNCAA College Football SeasononSaturday, December 17 at 7:30PM (ET). The 17th edition of the game will be played at UniversityStadiumin Albuquerque, New Mexico.

BYU vs SMU: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30PM
CT: 6:30PM
MT: 5:30PM
PT: 4:30PM

How to watch BYUvs SMUin the US

BYU and SMU go for the2022 New MexicoBowlas part oftheNCAA College Football Season. The game will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you canclick here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss this long awaited matchup in the United States is ABC.

The Oregon Ducks started their season with a devastating 49-3 blowout loss against the reigning champions, Georgia. After that shocking game, Dan Lanning’s team got an easy 70-14 win at home over Eastern Washington. That victory gave Oregon some breathing roomputting them back in the rankings at No.25. Also, the Ducks are carrying an impressive 20-game winning streak at home.

Last week, BYU got a tremendous boost for their aspirations outlasting Baylor 26-20 after an epic double overtime battle. Now, the Cougars are the No.12 ranked team in the country and the sky is the limit (they climbed nine spots in the AP Poll). Still, there’s a new challenge for Brigham Young this weekend with a pretty tough visit against a Pac-12 classic like Oregon.

Oregon vs BYU: Date

The Oregon Ducks will host the Brigham Young CougarsinWeek 3of the2022 NCAA College Football Seasontoday, September 17at 3:30PM (ET). The game will be played at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Oregon vs BYU: Time by State in the US

ET:3:30 PM
CT:2:30PM
MT:1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Oregonvs BYUin the US

The long awaited clash between the Oregon Ducks and BYU in Week 3 ofthe2022 NCAA College Football Season will be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (Free Trial)for the US. Another option to tune the broadcast in the United Statesis FOX.

The South Florida Bulldogs were a disaster last season, the team came close to finishing in the last spot of the standings with a record of 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the American Athletic Conference.

BYU won ten games in 2021 and lost another three, one of those losses coming late in the season during the Independence Bowl 28-31 against UAB. At the end of the season BYU’s record was 10-3 overall and they were ranked No. 19.

USF vs BYU: Date

USF and BYU play for a Week 1 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, September 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The home team plays in the same stadium where Tom Brady and the Buccaneers play but that doesn’t help them at all.

USF vs BYU: Time by state in the US

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch USF vs BYU at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 1

This game for the Week 1 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, USF and BYU at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, September 3, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPNU

Brigham Young Cougars lost just two games in the regular season to Boise State and Baylor. But despite those two losses, the team won 10 games in two winning streaks of five consecutive weeks each.

AUB Blazers could not conquer the West Division in CUSA as they lost an important game against UTSA (Division winners) in Week 11 of the 2021-22 NCAA College Football season and that was the end of the division title aspirations for them.

BYU vs UAB: Match Information

Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021.
Time: 3:30 PM (ET)
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Live Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial)

BYU vs UAB: Times by State in the US

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

BYU vs UAB: Storylines

Brigham Young Cougars won the first five games of the regular season against Arizona, No. 21 UTAH, No. 19 Arizona State, South Florida and Utah State. Those weeks were important to lift the spirits of the Cougars offense, but then the team lost two straight games to Boise State 17-26 and to Baylor 24-38. Those were the only two losses of the season for the Cougars as they closed out the regular season with another five winning weeks. The Cougars’ offense is scoring an average of 33.5 points per game and the defense is allowing 24.2 points.

Jaren Hall is the Cougars starting quarterback with a 63.9% ERA for 189/296 passes completed, 2583 passing yards, 8.7 yards per attempt, 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

UAB Blazers have a positive record with 8-4 overall, they won the first game of the season against Jacksonville State 31-0 and then lost in Week 2 against No. 2 Georgia 7-56. The offense never gave up during the regular season and the team had three winning streaks of two wins each one. The Blazers came close to winning the CUSA West Division, but the team lost a couple of games in the conference for a 6-2 record and that wasn’t enough to win the division title. The Blazers’ offensive line is averaging 29.4 points per game.

Dylan Hopkins is the starting quarterback for the UAB Blazers with 136/212 passes completed for 64.2%, 2085 yards, 9.8 yards per attempt, 15 touchdowns with 6 interceptions. The team has a running back with 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns, his name is DeWayne McBride.

How To Watch Or Stream Live Free BYU vs UAB in the U.S.

This 2021-22 NCAA College Football season Independence Bowl game will be available for TV and smartphones and will be broadcast in the United States by: FuboTV (Free Trial) and other options available in the US are ABC, ABC.com, ABC App. Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone, table or computer.

BYU vs UAB: Predictions And Odds

Brigham Young Cougars are favorites with -6.5 points to cover and -245 moneyline at FanDuel, the team has a solid record during the regular season and the offense is strong. UAB Blazers are underdogs with +6.5 ATS and +225 moneyline. The totals are fixed at 55 points. The best pick for this College Football Bowl game is: BYU -6.5.

* Odds via FanDuel