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BYU basketball recently released its nonconference schedule for the 2026-2027 season. Just days later, the college basketball website Hoops HQ came out with a list which suggests positive outcomes for the Cougars in that noncon slate.
Hoops HQ identified Ohio State and Utah State, two of BYU's more prominent nonconference opponents, as teams likely to regress this coming season.
"Ohio State has a good amount of talent on the roster, thanks to multiple double-digit scorers and two top-30 incoming freshmen prospects," Hoops HQ wrote. "However, the loss of four-year starter, all-time leading scorer, and 6-foot-2 guard Bruce Thornton (20 points per game) could prove to be massive for the program. Considering how close to the margins they already were with Thornton leading the way, there’s a real chance Ohio State struggles more than expected."
On Utah State, Hoops HQ wrote that "The Aggies are in a similar situation to Saint Mary’s, losing their head coach this offseason. Yes, new coach Ben Jacobsen brought back Mountain West Player of the Year and 6-foot-3 senior guard Mason Falslev (16 points per game), but the move to the Pac-12 makes things harder for the program, which now has to play Gonzaga at least twice. Utah State should still be in the postseason mix, but winning close to 30 games is unlikely."
Ohio State loses by far its best player. Utah State is going through another coaching transition. BYU might be catching both teams at the right time.
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This article originally appeared on BYU Cougars Wire: BYU basketball gets good news about two nonconference opponents
