Utah Fans Weigh In on Alex Jensen's First Year as Head Coach

Feedback on the new direction of the Utes' men's basketball program.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:58pm

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After a decade-long drought, the Utah men's basketball team is looking to turn things around under new head coach Alex Jensen. The Salt Lake Tribune reached out to Utes fans to get their thoughts on Jensen's first season leading the program.

Why it matters

Utah basketball has struggled to find consistent success in recent years, missing the NCAA Tournament for the past 10 seasons. The hiring of Alex Jensen as the new head coach represents a fresh start and renewed hope for the program to regain its former glory.

The details

In his first year as head coach, Alex Jensen has focused on instilling a new culture and playing style within the Utah men's basketball team. Fans have provided mixed reviews, with some praising Jensen's emphasis on defense and player development, while others have expressed concerns about the team's lack of offensive firepower and continued losing record.

  • Alex Jensen was hired as Utah's new head coach in March 2025.
  • The 2025-26 season was Jensen's first year leading the Utes.

The players

Alex Jensen

The new head coach of the Utah men's basketball team, hired in March 2025 to turn around the program's fortunes.

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What they’re saying

“I'm encouraged by the defensive intensity and discipline Jensen has brought to the team, but we need to see more progress on the offensive end if we want to start winning games again.”

— Sarah Williamson, Utah basketball season ticket holder

“It's been a tough first year, but I trust that Jensen knows what he's doing and will get this program back on track. Rome wasn't built in a day, and I'm willing to be patient as he implements his vision.”

— Michael Chen, Utes alumni

What’s next

The Utes will look to build on the lessons learned in Jensen's first season as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, with high hopes of returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade.

The takeaway

While Utah fans are eager to see more immediate results, the general consensus is that Alex Jensen has laid a solid foundation for the future of the men's basketball program. With patience and continued development, the Utes could be poised for a resurgence in the coming years.