A different kind of energy filled the Marriott Center Thursday night as thousands of BYU fans, many dressed in white jerseys, gathered to tip off the 2025–2026 men’s and women’s basketball seasons.
“Driving in and seeing all the students flooding the surroundings of the Marriott Center gets you excited for the basketball season,” said men’s coach Kevin Young. “Just seeing the whole lower bowl feels like it was all filled with students. It was great.”
The crowd roared and smoke filled the arena as both teams and their coaching staffs were introduced publicly for the first time this year, setting the tone for a high-energy night and the season to follow.
Young and women’s head coach Lee Cummard got the crowd fired up to start the night.
“We’ve been putting in the work. It’s an exciting season for us,” Young said.
Marriott Madness gives fans a close-up look at the players and a taste of the season ahead, featuring a 3-point contest, dunk team stunts, Cougarette dance performances, cheer routines, a live DJ, and a Blue-White scrimmage from the men’s team, turning the Marriott Center into a party-like atmosphere.
Photo by Courtnie Jex
“I am mostly excited for our student section,” said BYU women’s team freshman Lauryn Pahulu. “I feel like we have one of the most fun student sections in all of college basketball. We are so fun. We are so hyped andI feel like it is going to be a great season.”
The Blue-White scrimmage gave fans their first glimpse of this year’s team chemistry, along with an early look at the Cougars’ highly anticipated freshman class, including the nation’s No. 1 recruit, AJ Dybantsa. Upon Dybantsa’s entrance onto the court, fans roared.
“I am so excited for this season because we have Kevin Young as the coach and he is such an amazing coach,” said freshman student Madeline Dustin. “All the basketball players that they have recruited this year are amazing, so I am excited to see the chemistry on the team.“
With each point scored by both teams, the crowd erupted with cheers. For many players, this was their first true introduction to the BYU fan base and the energy did not disappoint.
When asked his first impression of the ROC, BYU’s student section, junior Kennard Davis Jr. described it in one word: “Wow.”
Davis admitted to having “first game jitters,” but ultimately called it a “good experience.”
Photo by Courtnie Jex
With all the excitement around BYU athletics in general, fans are eager to see what this season of BYU basketball holds.
“I don’t know if we are going to have a season like this again in 10 years,” said sophomore student Jack Helmer.
Thursday night, Cougar Nation had a glimpse of what lies ahead for the Cougars.
The men’s team will open their exhibition season against Nebraska on Oct. 18 in Lincoln.
“I am glad that everyone could just see some of our guys tonight,” said Young.