BYU Basketball Transfer Portal Activity Under Coach Kevin Young: 2026 Offseason Updates

BYU men’s basketball head coach Kevin Young has been actively reshaping his roster through the 2026 transfer portal, managing both departures and additions as he enters his third offseason leading the Cougars program. With several key players leaving and strategic transfers arriving, Young is working to rebuild a competitive roster for the upcoming season in the Big 12 Conference.

Player Departures from BYU Basketball

According to verified tracking reports, eight players have entered the transfer portal from the BYU men’s basketball program during the 2026 offseason. Notable departures include star point guard Robert Wright III and starting forward Kennard Davis Jr. Richie Saunders has exhausted his eligibility, and AJ Dybantsa is presumed to be departing for the 2026 NBA Draft, though he has not yet officially declared.

These losses have created significant roster gaps, particularly at the point guard and forward positions, prompting Young and his staff to prioritize replacements through the transfer market.

Incoming Transfers to BYU Basketball

Despite the departures, BYU has secured commitments from three transfer players who are expected to play crucial roles in the 2026 season. Among them is Colin Chandler, a Utah native and former top local prospect who spent two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats. Chandler appeared in 66 games for Kentucky, averaging 9.7 points per contest as a sophomore and shooting 46% from three-point range in SEC play.

Coach Kevin Young praised Chandler’s shooting ability and competitive mindset, stating: “His passion for the game and his ability to create winning plays all over the floor is going to make everyone around him better.” Young added that Chandler “showed that he is one of the premier 3-point shooters in the country last season and wasn’t afraid to take and make big-time shots.”

Another addition is Tyler Betsey, whom Young described as “a great fit” for addressing BYU’s need for improved shotmaking. Betsey is expected to contribute immediately on the wing, helping to offset the loss of Richie Saunders.

The third incoming transfer has not been explicitly named in the available verified sources, but reports confirm that Young and his staff have added three intriguing transfers who appear poised for significant contributions.

Retention of Key Players

In a positive development for roster stability, BYU managed to retain star point guard Robert Wright III after his brief entry into the transfer portal. His decision to return provides the Cougars with a dynamic keystone to build their team around, particularly in backcourt leadership and playmaking.

Roster Needs and Outlook

Although the early offseason moves have been encouraging, Coach Young acknowledged that BYU still needs to address several roster deficiencies. Specifically, the team requires a pair of big men and likely another guard to achieve full competitiveness in the Big 12 and secure an NCAA Tournament berth.

The upcoming weeks are expected to be active in the transfer portal, with additional commitments possible and the potential for further departures. BYU’s ability to fill remaining voids will be critical to its success in the 2026–27 season.

Key Takeaways

• Eight BYU men’s basketball players have entered the transfer portal in the 2026 offseason, including Robert Wright III and Kennard Davis Jr.
• Three transfers have been added so far, highlighted by Kentucky wing Colin Chandler, a premier 3-point shooter.
• Star point guard Robert Wright III has been retained after briefly entering the portal.
• BYU still needs to add two big men and likely another guard to complete its roster.
• Coach Kevin Young is in his third offseason leading the program and continues to rebuild through the transfer market.

As the 2026 offseason progresses, BYU basketball fans will be watching closely to spot how Coach Young navigates the transfer portal to build a roster capable of competing for Big 12 titles and March Madness success.