Utah Utes Basketball Roster Shaping Up for 2026-27 Season

Returners, departures, and newcomers as the Runnin' Utes look to bounce back from a tough 2025-26 campaign.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:50pm

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The Utah men's basketball team is facing a pivotal offseason as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw them finish last in their conference. With several key players potentially departing and a promising recruiting class coming in, head coach Alex Jensen and general manager Wes Wilcox will need to navigate the transfer portal and retain core talent to put the Utes in a position to compete in the Big 12 next year.

Why it matters

After over 50 years of consistent success, the Utes hit rock bottom last season, raising questions about the direction of the program under Jensen's leadership. Rebuilding through the transfer portal and developing young talent will be crucial if Utah wants to avoid another last-place finish and restore its reputation as a perennial contender.

The details

The Utes are facing significant roster turnover, with leading scorer Don McHenry and starting center James Okonkwo graduating, while Jahki Howard and Elijah "Choppa" Moore have already entered the transfer portal. Retaining standout guards Terrence Brown and Keanu Dawes would be a major priority, while complementary pieces like Seydou Traore, Jacob Patrick, and Kendyl Sanders could also play key roles moving forward. Incoming freshmen like Styles Clemmons, Jaxon Johnson, and Fynn Schott provide an infusion of young talent, but their ability to contribute immediately will be crucial.

  • The 15-day transfer window opens on April 7, 2026.
  • The 2026-27 college basketball season tips off in November 2026.

The players

Terrence Brown

A standout guard who led the team in points, assists, steals, field goals, and free throws made last season.

Keanu Dawes

A physical forward who led the team in rebounds and 2-point field goal percentage.

Don McHenry

The team's leading scorer last season, who graduated after averaging 17 points per game.

James Okonkwo

The team's starting center who graduated after averaging 2.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1 block per game.

Fynn Schott

A 19-year-old, 6-foot-10 forward from Austria who brings international experience and a strong post presence to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Rebuilding through the transfer portal and developing young talent will be crucial if Utah wants to avoid another last-place finish and restore its reputation as a perennial contender.”

— Alex Jensen, Head Coach

“Retaining standout guards Terrence Brown and Keanu Dawes would be a major priority, while complementary pieces like Seydou Traore, Jacob Patrick, and Kendyl Sanders could also play key roles moving forward.”

— Wes Wilcox, General Manager

What’s next

The Utes will be active in the transfer portal once it opens on April 7, looking to add experienced talent to complement their returning core and promising incoming freshmen. The team's performance and roster decisions in the offseason will be crucial in determining their competitiveness in the Big 12 next season.

The takeaway

After a disastrous 2025-26 campaign, the Utah Utes men's basketball program faces a critical offseason in rebuilding their roster and restoring their reputation as a perennial contender. The team's ability to retain key players, add impact transfers, and develop their young talent will be pivotal in determining whether they can bounce back and compete in the Big 12 next season.