When No. 8 BYU and Villanova square off in Las Vegas on Monday, their season-opening clash will offer a barometer measuring where the two programs might be headed this season.

Fresh off its Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2011, the Cougars are positioned to contend for a Big 12 championship. BYU brought in AJ Dybantsa, a freshman forward widely projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Cougars also added several talented transfers, headlined by guards Robert Wright III (Baylor) and Kennard Davis, Jr. (Southern Illinois).

They join returning stars Richie Saunders, Keba Keita, and Dawson Baker, giving the Cougars a team that will be defined by a dynamic, potent offense again. It's one big reason why BYU was picked to finish second in the Big 12 behind

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