BYU men's basketball faces a transformative portal season as head coach Kevin Young navigates one of the most decisive offseasons in program history. With former four-star prospect Xavion Staton announcing his intent to transfer, the Cougars find themselves re-evaluating roster priorities and the backbone of next year’s team. Jake Hatch spotlights the “keep at all costs” group—Rob Wright, Aleksej Kostic, Khadim Mboup, and Dawson Baker—while examining which other players, including KJ Perry and Nate Pickens, could stay in Provo if the NIL price is right. As Young works to retain his brightest prospects, several names could be on the way out, leaving BYU with a thin frontcourt and new holes to fill in the Big 12.

The portal’s opening creates an arms race for elite big men, and BYU’s frontcourt pipeline is under scrutiny. With Keba Keita graduating and both Abdullah Ahmed and Staton evaluating their futures, the Cougars could be eyeing rim protectors like Magoon Gwath from San Diego State—a defensive standout with three-point range. Will Young land a true five who can anchor BYU’s paint defense while stretching the floor offensively? The search doesn’t stop there: consistent perimeter shooting and tenacious wing defenders headline the Cougars’ recruiting blueprint. As Young points out, shooting woes and lackluster defense hampered BYU’s Big 12 hopes last season. Can the staff attract top shooters and “3-and-D” specialists ready to raise the program’s physical and competitive ceiling?

Off the court, a new executive order from President Donald Trump threatens to shake up traditional NCAA eligibility, potentially impacting BYU athletes who serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With mission deferrals for student-athletes now in question, could BYU have to adjust its recruiting model and long-term athlete development strategies? Jake Hatch breaks down the lingering uncertainty, the role of congressional action, and how the Cougars can safeguard their pipeline of mission-driven talent.

As BYU basketball steps into a period of flux, booster support and recruiting acumen will determine whether the Cougars can adapt and thrive. Who stays and who goes? Which new faces might define Kevin Young’s second season in Provo? The stakes have never been higher in Cougar Nation

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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