BYU Drops in AP Poll Amid 4-Game Losing Streak

Cougars remain ranked despite recent struggles against Big 12 opponents

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The BYU Cougars men's basketball team dropped from 16th to 22nd in the latest AP Top 25 poll after losing four consecutive games, including defeats to Oklahoma State and Houston last week. Despite the skid, BYU remains ranked as one of six Big 12 teams in the poll, along with Arizona, Iowa State, Houston, Kansas, and Texas Tech.

Why it matters

BYU's recent struggles have raised questions about the team's ability to maintain its strong start to the season and compete in the highly competitive Big 12 conference. The Cougars' ranking drop reflects their recent performance, but they still have an opportunity to bounce back and regain their footing in the national rankings.

The details

After starting the season 16-1, BYU has now lost four games in a row, dropping their overall record to 17-6. The Cougars are facing a challenging schedule, with two games this week against unranked opponents, including a matchup against a Baylor team that has played better in recent games.

  • The AP Poll was released on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • BYU lost to Oklahoma State and Houston last week.
  • BYU's next game is on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, against Baylor in Waco, Texas.

The players

BYU Cougars

The men's basketball team of Brigham Young University, a private university located in Provo, Utah.

Baylor Bears

The men's basketball team of Baylor University, a private university located in Waco, Texas.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

BYU's recent struggles highlight the challenges of maintaining a top ranking in the highly competitive Big 12 conference, but the Cougars still have an opportunity to bounce back and regain their footing in the national rankings.