BYU Basketball Loses Talent But Collin Chandler's IMMINENT ARRIVAL Bolsters Them in Transfer Portal | Don't Fret Rob Wright, Moo Davis | Ezra Sanelivi Next BYU Star Running Back?

The BYU men's basketball program reloads with a major addition as former Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler enters the transfer portal, strongly expected to join Kevin Young’s roster in Provo. Can Chandler fill the void left by Richie Saunders and anchor the next era of BYU hoops? Jake Hatch breaks down how Chandler’s impressive sophomore stats at Kentucky—9.7 points per game, shooting 41% from three—could mirror Saunders’ own meteoric junior-year rise, fueling excitement for yet another LDS mission returnee who’s proven his talent on the big stage. As BYU eyes more consistent shooting and culture fits in the Big 12, Chandler’s arrival sets sky-high expectations with the promise of both elite production and locker-room leadership.

Roster turnover also dominates the conversation as BYU faces the departures of Rob Wright III, Kennard Davis Jr., and Dominique Diomande. Is this mass exodus cause for concern? Jake Hatch unpacks the realities of modern college basketball, where nearly half of all Division I scholarship players are entering the portal, most chasing lucrative NIL offers. He provides perspective on Wright’s move, referencing reports of multimillion-dollar offers for top guards and the strong likelihood that market forces—not a lack of program loyalty—drive such decisions. While challenging for coaches, BYU’s deep-pocketed boosters may give the Cougars an edge in retaining high-impact players or luring new talent ahead of the portal closure.

On the football side, recruiting momentum continues as BYU snags commitment number two for the 2027 cycle: running back Ezra Sanelivi from Liberty High School in Nevada. Could Sanelivi—built in the mold of Tyler Allgeier and LJ Martin—keep BYU’s NFL running back pipeline alive? Jake Hatch breaks down Sanelivi’s vision, size, and fit in BYU’s zone-heavy rushing attack, while highlighting the staff’s strategic focus on both high-upside prospects and plugging upcoming roster gaps. Discussion also turns to BYU’s ambitions for regular Big 12 contention and College Football Playoff berths, emphasizing how both culture and NIL are intertwined with on-field and on-court success.

Locked On Cougars delivers a fast-paced analysis of roster moves, recruiting wins, and big-picture trends shaping BYU’s future in the Big 12 and beyond.

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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