BYU Cougars Host Colorado Buffaloes in Highly Anticipated Matchup Featuring Jimmer Fredette's Jersey Retirement
Provo, UT – The Marriott Center is set to be electric this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as the BYU Cougars welcome the Colorado Buffaloes for a significant Big 12 conference clash. Beyond the crucial conference standings implications, the game is steeped in history and emotion, as it marks the highly anticipated jersey retirement ceremony for BYU basketball icon, Jimmer Fredette.
BYU enters this contest looking to build on momentum from a much-needed midweek victory over Baylor. A comfortable win against the Buffaloes would not only solidify their position in the Big 12 but also provide a perfect backdrop for celebrating one of the program's most beloved figures. This matchup is classified as a Quad 3 game for BYU, a welcome respite before a challenging stretch of remaining schedule that includes multiple Quad 1 and a Quad 2 contest.
Colorado Buffaloes: A Team in Transition
The Colorado Buffaloes, under head coach Tad Boyle, have experienced a rollercoaster season. After a promising 12-3 start and a 2-0 opening in Big 12 play, the team has struggled, losing eight of their last ten games. Their road performance has been particularly concerning, with five consecutive losses by margins ranging from nine to a staggering 34 points. The recent lopsided 78-44 defeat at Texas Tech prompted a stern public critique from Coach Boyle, suggesting a potential turning point or, conversely, a sign of deeper team fragmentation.
Colorado boasts one of the youngest rosters in the Big 12, often featuring up to eight true freshmen in their rotation, with only one senior contributing. Offensively, they are a middle-of-the-pack team within the conference, but they excel at protecting the basketball, ranking fourth in the Big 12 in turnover percentage. However, their shooting efficiency and offensive rebounding are areas where they struggle. Defensively, the Buffaloes have shown vulnerability, particularly from beyond the arc, allowing opponents to shoot a concerning 37% from three-point range. They are also prone to fouls, frequently sending opponents to the free-throw line.
Key Players to Watch: Colorado
- Isaiah Johnson (Guard): The freshman guard leads Colorado in scoring with 16.1 points per game, showcasing a well-rounded offensive game with impressive shooting splits (50/39/81). Johnson consistently reaches double-digit scoring in Big 12 games and is a frequent visitor to the foul line.
- Barrington Hargress (Guard): The junior guard complements Johnson in the backcourt, averaging 13.9 points and a team-leading 4.3 assists. Hargress is an efficient scorer (54% FG, 48% 3PT) and was a notable performer against BYU last season while at UC Irvine.
- Bangot Dak (Forward/Center): The athletic 7-footer anchors the paint for Colorado, contributing 10.4 points and leading the team in rebounds (6.5) and blocks (1.4).
- Sebastian Rancik (Forward): Standing at 6-foot-11, Rancik provides a stretch-four presence, averaging 12.6 points and shooting 36% from three-point range.
BYU Cougars: Seeking Consistency and Celebration
BYU, ranked 22nd in the AP Poll and 21st in NET rankings, has a more established presence on the national stage, with a KenPom rating of 21. Their record stands at 18-6 overall and 6-5 in the Big 12. The Cougars are looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage and the emotional boost from Jimmer Fredette's jersey retirement.
The KenPom prediction favors BYU heavily, forecasting a 90-76 victory with a 90% win probability. The point spread of BYU -14.5 reflects this confidence, with the over/under set at 163.5 points.
Jimmer Fredette: A Legacy Honored
The game's undercurrent is the celebration of Jimmer Fredette, a player who electrified college basketball and left an indelible mark on the BYU program. Fredette's prolific scoring and dazzling play during his tenure at BYU made him a national sensation, culminating in numerous player of the year awards. His jersey retirement is a fitting tribute to a player whose impact transcended statistics and inspired a generation of Cougar fans.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Saturday's contest presents a unique dynamic. While Colorado is struggling, the potential for a team to rally after a harsh coach's critique is always present. However, BYU's superior ranking, home-court advantage, and the emotional resonance of Jimmer Fredette's jersey retirement create a formidable challenge for the Buffaloes. BYU's defense, while inconsistent at times, will aim to exploit Colorado's offensive weaknesses, particularly their shooting struggles and occasional defensive lapses.
The energy in the Marriott Center will undoubtedly be through the roof, fueled by the special occasion. For Colorado, this game is an opportunity to shock the nation and find some much-needed positive momentum. For BYU, it's a chance to secure a vital conference win, honor a legend, and continue their push towards a strong finish to the season.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 PM Mountain Time and will be broadcast on FS1.
