BYU and Texas Coaches Discuss Upcoming NCAA Tournament Matchup

BYU's Kevin Young and Texas' Sean Miller share their thoughts ahead of the first-round clash.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:51pm

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BYU and Texas will face off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with BYU coach Kevin Young and Texas coach Sean Miller both sharing their perspectives on the matchup. Miller discussed the challenges of playing two games in four days and the advantages of already having a tournament game under their belt, while also praising BYU star AJ Dybantsa. Young emphasized the importance of relying on what the team has done all season and highlighted the keys to BYU's recent success that they hope to carry into the tournament.

Why it matters

This first-round matchup between BYU and Texas features two well-respected coaches in Kevin Young and Sean Miller, who have both led their teams to the NCAA Tournament. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both programs as they look to advance deep into the tournament.

The details

BYU and Texas will face off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night. BYU is led by coach Kevin Young, who is looking to guide the Cougars to a second consecutive tournament win. Texas, coached by Sean Miller, earned a spot in the First Four after a difficult stretch to close the regular season. Miller discussed the challenges of playing two games in four days, as well as the potential advantages of already having a tournament game under their belt. He also offered high praise for BYU star AJ Dybantsa, calling him a "generational" talent. Young emphasized the importance of relying on what the team has done all season and highlighted the keys to BYU's recent success that they hope to carry into the tournament.

  • BYU and Texas will face off on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Texas secured a spot in the First Four after a win over NC State on Tuesday night.

The players

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU Cougars basketball team.

Sean Miller

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns basketball team, with an impressive coaching career that includes 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and four Elite 8 finishes.

AJ Dybantsa

The star player for the BYU Cougars, who Sean Miller praised as a "generational" talent.

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What they’re saying

“I do think there's power in playing a game in this tournament. I don't want to say jitters, but March Madness looms large. I think our nerves can settle through game one. You can gain confidence. You already have one game to your advantage.”

— Sean Miller, Texas Longhorns Head Coach

“He's an amazing player and talent. I would call him generational. AJ is a position-less player—I don't really know what position you want to call him. He can do it all.”

— Sean Miller, Texas Longhorns Head Coach

“I'm big this time of year on 'you can't just make stuff up.' You have to rely on what you've done throughout the course of the season. For our team, that season has been somewhat shortened in terms of the iteration of this group that's playing now.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Cougars Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the BYU-Texas matchup will advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament to face the winner of the game between Gonzaga and Montana.

The takeaway

This first-round clash between BYU and Texas features two experienced and respected coaches in Kevin Young and Sean Miller, who will both be looking to lead their teams to victory and advance in the NCAA Tournament. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both programs as they seek to make a deep run in March Madness.