BYU Finds Momentum Despite Setbacks in Post-Saunders Era

BYU’s 2025-26 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by highs, lows, and unexpected challenges, but head coach Kevin Young sees his team hitting its stride at the most crucial moment. The Cougars’ recent surge comes in the wake of star guard Richie Saunders suffering a season-ending ACL injury, forcing the team to adapt quickly and redefine its identity.

Young, 44, has framed the season as a three-chapter journey, with the current chapter being BYU’s post-Saunders era. He emphasized the resilience the team has shown, calling their progress “rewarding” after enduring moments of adversity that tested both players and staff.

“Very, very rewarding,” Young said after the Houston loss. “I can see it on the guys. Everyone in our locker room is extremely competitive. We had some dark times, even recently, but we were able to just push through it. There’s always a way… It’s been rewarding because when you go through adversity, it really does bring groups together. I think it’s brought our group closer together; I think it’s brought our fan base closer together… It’s really galvanized Cougar Nation. It’s galvanized our locker room, our coaching staff.”

Saunders, who was averaging a career-high 18 points per game, had been the emotional leader and second-leading scorer for BYU. His injury in the opening minute of a win against Colorado on February 14th forced the team to lean on its depth and develop new leaders, reshaping the team’s identity in the process.

1. Adapting to Life Without Saunders

BYU struggled initially after Saunders went down, going 1-4 in the first five games without their star. His leadership on and off the court had been a stabilizing factor, and adjusting to his absence required both strategic and emotional adjustments from the coaching staff and players. Despite the early setbacks, the Cougars began to find their rhythm as other players stepped into larger roles. Kevin Young praised the competitiveness of his roster, noting that players had embraced the challenge and come together as a unit. The team’s resilience was on display during its Big 12 Tournament run, entering the Houston matchup on a three-game winning streak. Wins over Kansas State and West Virginia highlighted BYU’s ability to respond to adversity, with younger players and role players rising to the occasion. Young sees these developments as vital for building a culture of accountability and depth, which will be crucial as the Cougars head into the NCAA Tournament. The adversity may have been difficult, but it has also forged a more cohesive and battle-tested team.

2. Key Performances and Emerging Leaders

Without Saunders, BYU relied on a mix of veteran experience and emerging talent to carry the team. Role players have stepped into scoring and leadership roles, demonstrating the depth that Young has emphasized throughout the season. Several players contributed significantly during the Big 12 Tournament. While no individual could fully replace Saunders’ production, the collaborative effort allowed the team to remain competitive against top opponents. Young highlighted the importance of these contributions in keeping the team’s postseason hopes alive. The three-game win streak entering the Houston matchup underscored the team’s ability to rebound after difficult stretches. Historic victories, such as the one over Kansas State, reinforced the notion that the Cougars were capable of competing at a high level even without their star guard. Young’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating this period, balancing the need for tactical adjustments with a focus on morale and team cohesion. His guidance has helped the players understand their roles and step up when opportunities arise.

3. Looking Toward March Madness

As BYU awaits Selection Sunday, the focus shifts to the NCAA Tournament, where the team hopes to build on its late-season momentum. Kevin Young’s experience guiding the Cougars to the Sweet Sixteen in 2025 provides a blueprint for success, even without Saunders in the lineup. The post-Saunders era has forced BYU to cultivate new leadership, and Young believes this experience will serve the team well in March. The players who have stepped up under pressure have developed confidence that could be decisive in single-elimination play. BYU’s final record and recent performance have put the team on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and Selection Sunday will determine its path. Young emphasized that, regardless of seeding, the team’s resilience and adaptability position them to compete with any opponent. Ultimately, the Cougars’ late-season surge reflects not only talent but also character. Overcoming the loss of a star player and remaining competitive in a tough conference has strengthened the team’s identity and prepared them for the high-stakes environment of March Madness.