BYU Basketball 2024-25 Schedule Breakdown
The Brigham Young University Cougars men's basketball team is set for an exhilarating 2024-25 season, their second in the competitive Big 12 Conference. After a solid debut year that saw them notch 24 wins and make a strong showing in the conference tournament, head coach Mark Pope returns with a mix of veterans and fresh talent. The schedule, released by the Big 12 and BYU Athletics, promises high-stakes rivalries, marquee non-conference games, and plenty of opportunities for the Cougars to climb the national rankings. Fans at the iconic Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, can expect an electric atmosphere as BYU aims for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Non-Conference Slate: Building Momentum Early
BYU kicks off the season with a robust non-conference schedule designed to build chemistry and confidence. The Cougars open at home on November 4, 2024, against Portland State, a solid warm-up game that should allow starters like Trey Stewart and Dawson Baker to find their rhythm. Following that, BYU travels to face UC Irvine on November 8, testing their road mettle early against a gritty Big West opponent.
One of the highlights comes during the Thanksgiving break with the BYU Thanksgiving Classic from November 25-27, hosted at the Marriott Center. The Cougars will welcome South Dakota State and Mississippi State, both teams with potent offenses. Beating the Bulldogs would be a resume-booster, especially after their SEC pedigree. The non-con conference wraps with a blockbuster matchup against Gonzaga on December 7 in Spokane—a neutral-site revenge game from last year's thriller. BYU's defense will need to contain the Zags' high-powered attack led by players like Ryan Nembhard.
Other key non-con games include a home tilt versus Wyoming on November 14, renewing the in-state rivalry, and a road trip to face North Carolina State on December 14. This ACC matchup could propel BYU into the top 25 if they pull off the upset. Overall, the non-con portion features eight home games and four away, giving the Cougars a favorable start to rack up wins and fine-tune their fast-paced style.
Standout Non-Con Matchups
- Nov. 25: vs. South Dakota State - Jackrabbits' three-point shooting will challenge BYU's perimeter defense.
- Dec. 7: at Gonzaga - A potential top-20 clash; Cougars seek to even the series.
- Dec. 21: vs. Utah - Holy War on the hardcourt returns to Provo, always a fan favorite.
Big 12 Conference Grind: Tough Road Ahead
Entering conference play on January 4, 2025, against Kansas State at home, BYU faces one of the nation's deepest leagues. The Big 12 schedule includes 20 games, split evenly between home and away, with no protected rivals but plenty of marquee opportunities. The Cougars will host powerhouses like Kansas (January 21), Baylor (February 1), and Houston (February 15), games that could define their season.
Road challenges loom large, starting with a trip to Ames to face Iowa State on January 7—a team known for suffocating defenses. The February 8 visit to Lawrence against Kansas will be a gauntlet, pitting BYU's up-tempo offense against the Jayhawks' loaded roster featuring talents like Hunter Dickinson. Closing out conference play, BYU travels to West Virginia on March 8 before hosting Texas Tech on March 11, setting the stage for the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City from March 12-16.
With the expanded 16-team league, BYU's schedule avoids some back-to-backs but includes a grueling stretch from January 18-25: home vs. Oklahoma, away at TCU, and home vs. Arizona. This could make or break their seeding. Analysts predict BYU to finish in the middle of the pack—around 9-11 in conference—but with their home-court advantage (18-2 last season at the Marriott Center), they could surprise.
Key Big 12 Rivalries and Dates
- Jan. 21: vs. Kansas - Phog Allen Fieldhouse vibes in Provo; a win catapults BYU nationally.
- Feb. 22: at Baylor - Rematch of last year's epic overtime battle.
- March 1: vs. Arizona - New conference foe; Wildcats' size will test BYU's frontcourt.
Player Spotlights and Tactical Analysis
At the helm is guard Richie Saunders, who averaged 12.5 points last season and will be the engine of BYU's motion offense. Forward Noah Waterman adds versatility with his 6'11" frame, perfect for the Big 12's physicality. Newcomer Atanas Varelov from Bulgaria brings international flair and sharpshooting from deep.
Tactically, expect Pope to emphasize transition play and three-point volume—BYU shot 36% from beyond the arc last year. Defensively, improving rebounding margins will be crucial against rebounding machines like Kansas and Texas. Offseason transfers like Jeremy Jenkins from Texas A&M bolster the bench, providing depth for the 31-game slate.
Tickets are already in high demand via BYU Athletics' site, with season passes starting at $250. Streaming options include ESPN+ for non-con games and Big 12 Now for conference tilts. For Cougars faithful, this schedule offers a blend of winnable games and statement opportunities, positioning BYU for a deep postseason run.
Season Outlook and Fan Guide
With 17 home games, Provo becomes a fortress once more. The schedule's balance—fewer true road marathons—favors BYU's style. If they split the top-tier games (Kansas, Houston, Arizona), a 22-9 record isn't out of reach, earning a No. 6-8 NCAA seed. Watch for momentum builders like the Utah rivalry and Gonzaga tilt to spark social media buzz.
For fans planning attendance, check BYU's official athletics website for updates, as dates are subject to TV scheduling tweaks. Whether you're tailgating in Provo or streaming from afar, the 2024-25 BYU basketball schedule is primed for excitement. Go Cougars!
