It wasn't that long ago that a matchup between Provo and Boulder felt like a random non-conference filler. Maybe a December game to round out the schedule? Fast forward to right now in January 2026, and BYU vs Colorado basketball is one of the most electric dates on the Big 12 calendar. Seriously. If you’ve been watching the standings this winter, you know the stakes have shifted.
The Cougars are currently sitting in the Top 15, riding the massive wave of the AJ Dybantsa era. On the other side, Tad Boyle has his Buffaloes scrappy as ever, trying to defend home court at the CU Events Center where the altitude usually does half the work for them.
The Night BYU vs Colorado Basketball Turned Into a Real Fight
Let's look back at January 21, 2025. That was the game that basically set the tone for this "new" rivalry. BYU went into Boulder and absolutely dismantled the Buffs 83-67. It wasn't just the win; it was how they did it. They shot the lights out and looked like they belonged in the Big 12 from the jump.
Historically, Colorado leads the all-time series 17-7. But honestly? Most of those wins are from the 1940s. In the modern era—the era of NIL, the transfer portal, and Kevin Young’s NBA-style offense—the script has flipped. BYU has won the last two meetings, including that 16-point blowout last season.
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The Buffs are desperate to stop the bleeding. When these two face off on February 1, 2026, in Boulder, it won't just be about points. It’s about cultural pride. You have the "Mountaineers of the Spirit" from Provo against the "Mountain High" energy of Boulder. It's a clash of vibes that actually translates onto the hardwood.
Why AJ Dybantsa is the X-Factor This Season
You can't talk about BYU vs Colorado basketball without mentioning AJ Dybantsa. The kid is a human highlight reel. He's currently a freshman at BYU, the former #1 recruit in the country, and he's living up to every bit of the hype.
I was looking at the box score from the TCU game just yesterday. Dybantsa dropped 25 points and basically willed the Cougars to a 76-70 win. He’s 6-foot-9, can handle the ball like a guard, and has a wingspan that makes life miserable for opposing shooters.
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Colorado’s defensive strategy for the February matchup is going to be simple: "Anyone but AJ." Expect Tad Boyle to throw a mix of zone and hard double-teams at him. If the Buffs can't contain Dybantsa’s mid-range game, it’s going to be a long night for the Boulder faithful.
Key Matchups to Watch
- AJ Dybantsa vs. Colorado’s Wing Depth: Look for someone like Isaiah Johnson or Bangot Dak to draw the assignment. It’s a thankless job.
- The Point Guard Battle: Robert Wright III has been a revelation for BYU. He’s the engine. Colorado’s Barrington Hargress needs to disrupt his rhythm early.
- The Paint: Keba Keita is a beast on the boards for BYU (he just had a 16-rebound game against Kansas State). Colorado's big men, including the 6'10" Elijah Malone, have to box him out or BYU will live on second-chance points.
The Altitude Myth vs. Reality
People always talk about the 5,300-foot elevation in Boulder. "It’s the thin air!" "The visiting team gasses out!"
Well, BYU plays in Provo at 4,500 feet. They aren't scared of the altitude. In fact, BYU’s conditioning under Kevin Young has been elite. They run a high-tempo, "NBA-lite" offense that actually benefits from thin air if the other team can't keep up.
Honestly, the bigger advantage for Colorado isn't the air—it's the crowd. The CU Events Center gets loud, and the students are right on top of you. For a freshman-heavy BYU squad, that noise is a bigger threat than the oxygen levels.
What Most Fans Miss About This Matchup
Everyone looks at the stars, but this game is usually won in the "mud." Last year, BYU dominated the glass. They had 21 offensive rebounds in their recent win over TCU.
If Colorado wants to win the 2026 installment of BYU vs Colorado basketball, they have to solve their rebounding deficiency. You can't give a team with Dybantsa and Richie Saunders two or three cracks at the rim every possession. It's math. You'll lose.
Also, keep an eye on Richie Saunders. He’s the heart and soul of this BYU team. He was just named Big 12 Player of the Week (January 12, 2026) after leading the Cougars past Utah in a thriller. He’s the kind of guy who gets a bloody nose, wipes it on his jersey, and then hits a corner three. Every team needs a Saunders.
Survival Guide for the Next Game
If you're planning on betting this or just watching as a die-hard, here's the reality:
- Check the 3-point percentage early. If BYU starts 4-for-6 from deep, Colorado is in trouble.
- Watch the foul count. BYU is aggressive. They shot 29 free throws against TCU. If Colorado gets into foul trouble in the first ten minutes, their bench isn't deep enough to hold off a Cougar run.
- Don't ignore the "LDS Factor." Every time BYU travels, the local fan base shows up in droves. Expect a surprisingly large contingent of blue and white in Boulder.
Final Insights for the Big 12 Race
This game has massive implications for the Big 12 tournament seeding. BYU is hunting for a top-3 finish, while Colorado is fighting to stay in the middle of the pack to avoid a Tuesday game in Kansas City.
The Cougars are the more talented team on paper, no doubt. But the Big 12 is a meat grinder. There are no easy nights. Whether it's the star power of Dybantsa or the gritty coaching of Boyle, BYU vs Colorado basketball has officially become "must-see TV."
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Tickets: If you're heading to Boulder for the Feb 1st game, buy tickets now. The Dybantsa effect has sold out almost every road arena BYU has visited this season.
- Broadcast: The game is likely slated for ESPN2 or Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Set your reminders; tip-off is usually late for East Coast viewers.
- Stat Tracking: Keep an eye on Keba Keita’s rebound totals. If he hits double digits in the first half, BYU almost always wins.