The High Stakes of the Big 12 Grind
Trying to figure out when does BYU play isn't as simple as it used to be. Remember the West Coast Conference days? You basically just checked if it was a Thursday or Saturday and assumed they were playing a school with "Saint" in the name. Those days are gone. Now that the Cougars are fully entrenched in the Big 12, the schedule is a chaotic, high-stakes gauntlet that shifts constantly.
Honestly, the energy around Provo right now is electric. Whether you're hitting the Marriott Center for hoops or waiting for the next gridiron clash, the schedule is packed. If you're looking for the immediate answer: the men’s basketball team is the main attraction right now.
Men’s Basketball: The Road Through Lubbock and Beyond
Right now, everyone is asking about the showdown in Texas. The No. 11 BYU men’s basketball team (16-1) is currently on a tear, and their next big test is tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026. They are taking on No. 15 Texas Tech at the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM CST (6:00 PM MST). You can catch this one on ESPN. This isn't just another game; it’s a battle for the top of the conference standings. The Cougars are riding a 13-game winning streak, which is kind of insane given how tough this league is.
If you’re planning ahead, here is what the next couple of weeks look like:
- January 24 (Saturday): BYU vs. Utah at the Marriott Center. 4:30 PM MST. This is the big one. The rivalry is back, and tickets are already going for nearly $200 on the secondary market.
- January 26 (Monday): BYU vs. Arizona. 7:00 PM MST. Big Monday on home turf.
- January 31 (Saturday): BYU at Kansas. Time is still TBA, but expect a late afternoon slot at the historic Allen Fieldhouse.
Don't Sleep on the Women’s Team
The women’s program is also in the thick of conference play. If you're wondering when they take the court, they actually have a home game today, January 17, against Baylor at 2:00 PM MST in the Marriott Center.
They’ve got a tough stretch coming up too. They’ll host Texas Tech on Wednesday, January 21, followed by West Virginia on January 24. The home-court advantage in Provo is real, and the atmosphere for these Saturday afternoon games is surprisingly rowdy.
Football Recap: Where We Stand
Since it’s January, the football pads are mostly tucked away. BYU just finished a wild 2025 season with a 12-2 record. They capped it off with a gritty 25-21 win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl back on December 27.
While we don't have the 2026 kickoff times yet, we know the season usually starts the last week of August. The 2025 season was a massive leap forward, despite that tough loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship game. Fans are already looking toward spring ball to see who takes the reins at QB for the next campaign.
Volleyball and Other Sports
BYU is more than just a basketball school in the winter. The No. 8 ranked men’s volleyball team is currently hosting No. 10 UC San Diego. They play tonight, January 17, at 7:00 PM MST in the Smith Fieldhouse. If you’ve never been to a volleyball match at the Smith Fieldhouse, you’re missing out. It’s loud, cramped, and awesome.
Also, for the niche fans:
- Men’s Tennis is hosting Weber State today at noon at the Indoor Tennis Courts.
- Swimming & Diving will host Air Force and CMU next Friday, January 23.
How to Watch and Stay Updated
Basically, if it’s a big Big 12 matchup, it’s going to be on ESPN, ESPN2, or FOX. For the smaller matchups or non-conference games, ESPN+ is your best friend.
You’ve got to be careful with the local start times. BYU’s website usually lists everything in Mountain Time, but away games in the Eastern or Central time zones can catch you off guard if you aren't paying attention. I always recommend double-checking the BYU Cougars app about two hours before tip-off because TV networks love to flex games into different windows at the last minute.
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Practical Steps for Fans
If you're trying to clear your calendar for the rest of the month, here’s how to handle the "when does BYU play" dilemma effectively:
Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official BYU Athletics website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. It automatically updates for time changes and TV assignments so you don't have to manually edit your Google or Apple calendar.
Monitor the Big 12 Standings: Because the Cougars are currently ranked No. 11, their games are increasingly being moved to "prime" windows. Expect more Monday and Saturday night slots on major networks.
Check Ticket Availability Early: For the Utah game on the 24th and the Arizona game on the 26th, don't wait. The Marriott Center is selling out fast, and prices are only going up as the winning streak continues.