As Kevin Young and the BYU Cougars continue their run through the Big 12 Conference, they have become more and more dangerous with each passing moment.
The group is currently on a four-game winning streak with wins over West Virginia, Kansas State, No. 23 Kansas, and No. 19 Arizona. On Saturday evening, they received their flowers from the Field of 68.
BYU Labeled the ‘Most Dangerous Team Outside the Top 25’ by Field of 68
Last updated: February 23, 2025 | 5:33 PM
Image – Dec. 3, 2024 – Providence, RI: BYU head coach Kevin Young signals to his players during the first half against the Providence Friars at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The BYU Cougars are on a mission, and it’s catching national attention.
Led by first-year head coach Kevin Young, BYU has quickly transformed into one of the hottest teams in the Big 12. Despite being left outside the AP Top 25, their recent performances have left analysts and fans alike buzzing — and now, the Cougars are being labeled as the “most dangerous team outside the Top 25.”
During a recent episode of The Field of 68, analyst Rob Dauster didn’t hold back his praise.
“I think BYU’s the most dangerous team in college basketball outside of the Top 25,” Dauster said. “They’ve got size, they’ve got veterans, they can defend, they can shoot, and they’ve got a kid in Egor Demin who’s a Top 10 talent in college hoops.”
That’s not just media hype — BYU’s resume backs it up. The Cougars are riding a four-game winning streak, having taken down West Virginia, Kansas State, No. 23 Kansas, and No. 19 Arizona. Each win has added momentum to a team that was once on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. Now? They’re surging into March with confidence and clarity.
Since being listed in Joe Lunardi’s “Last Four Byes” in his bracketology update, BYU has done everything right to secure its spot in the NCAA Tournament. That 4-0 stretch against tough Big 12 competition has dramatically changed the narrative around their postseason potential.
Kevin Young’s coaching debut in college basketball has been nothing short of impressive. BYU’s roster is a blend of experienced returners, smart transfer portal additions, and high-upside freshmen. That balanced formula has turned them into a complete team — one that can shoot, stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play with pace.
Freshman phenom Egor Demin has become a key catalyst in their rise. His versatile skill set and poise under pressure have elevated BYU’s offensive game, and he’s becoming one of the most talked-about young players in the country.
The Cougars will look to extend their win streak when they return to action on Wednesday, February 26, at 8:30 PM CT, taking on Arizona State. With four regular season games left, they’re not just playing for seeding anymore — they’re a team no one wants to face in March.
“I think BYU’s the most dangerous team in college basketball, outside of the Top 25,” Rob Dauster said. “They have size, they’re veterans, they can guard a little bit, they can shoot a lotta bit, and they have a guy in Egor Demin that is a Top 10 talent in college basketball.”
Despite hanging around the bubble in Joe Lunardi’s bracketology updates, BYU has found a way to mount some really impressive wins. Since being listed in the last four byes category, the team is 4-0 with wins over multiple Top 25 teams.
Under first-year head coach Kevin Young, the Cougars have basically stamped their ticket to the Big Dance with four games to go. Built through an even mix of returning production, transfer portal prospects, and talented freshmen, the team has become one of the best teams in the Big 12 heading into March.
They return to action on Wednesday, February 26th, at 8:30 p.m. central against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
