BYU vs Colorado Preview: Cougars Look to Close Easy Stretch on Jimmer Fredette Day
No. 22 BYU returns to the Marriott Center on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with tipoff set for 4: 00 PM ET. The Cougars aim to build on a key win at Baylor and will celebrate a halftime jersey retirement for Jimmer Fredette — a moment expected to juice the home crowd. Colorado arrives mired in a slump and will try to snap a tailspin that has seen its form dip badly in recent weeks.
Game info and context
The matchup pairs an offensively gifted BYU club with a Colorado roster that has struggled since a hot start to the season. BYU has fared well at home this year and still ranks among the nation’s most efficient offensive teams, though its defense has slipped in recent weeks. Advanced projections heavily favor the Cougars, with analytics models giving BYU roughly a 90% chance to win and a projected final around 90-76. For Colorado, the remainder of the schedule offers few easy nights — and this road trip is another stiff test.
Colorado's struggles and roster profile
Colorado has lost eight of its last 10 games and has dropped multiple road outings by wide margins. The Buffaloes are one of the youngest teams in the league, often leaning on freshmen in the rotation, and that inexperience shows in consistency and defense. They rank near the bottom nationally in three-point defense and have been foul-prone, which gives opponents frequent trips to the free-throw line. On offense, Colorado is middle of the pack in conference scoring but hasn’t dominated on the glass or at the rim.
Key matchups to watch
Guard Isaiah Johnson is the Buffaloes’ leading scorer and the season’s most reliable offensive option. The 6-foot-1 freshman has shown a knack for scoring from all three levels and getting to the foul line. Junior Barrington Hargress pairs with Johnson to form a tough backcourt; he’s efficient from deep and creates for others. Inside, 7-foot Bangot Dak provides length and rim protection, while Sebastian Rancik stretches the floor from the forward spot. Their combination of interior size and perimeter shooting can create matchup problems if Colorado gets hot.
BYU strengths and lingering defensive questions
BYU’s offense can score in bunches and the Cougars average well into the 80s. Guards who can shoot and create — plus a productive interior presence — give BYU the firepower to overwhelm teams. But defense has been the concern of late. After a solid defensive profile earlier in the season, the Cougars have slipped and allowed larger-than-ideal scoring totals across several recent games. If BYU’s defense fails to rebound, a streaky Colorado backcourt could make the game closer than the numbers suggest.
What to watch and the likely outcome
Home-court energy will be a real factor on a day when the program honors one of its greats at halftime. That extra atmosphere should favor the Cougars early and help them weather any Colorado runs. Watch foul trouble and three-point defense for both teams — Colorado rarely turns teams over, so BYU will need to limit open looks and control the glass to put this game away. Given the gap in recent form, BYU’s depth and scoring balance make it the clear favorite, while Colorado will hope a stern coaching message and a reset can stop the skid.
Expect BYU to control tempo and use its offensive depth to separate in the second half. If the Cougars defend with intensity and limit easy looks from beyond the arc, the final margin should reflect the analytics edge — but an early emotional surge for Colorado or a lethargic defensive night for BYU could keep the game competitive for longer than many expect.
