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Provo Today
By the People, for the People
BYU Star Saunders Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury
Potential 2026 NBA Draft pick out for remainder of campaign after tearing ACL.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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BYU senior Richie Saunders, a standout wing player who was expected to be a 2026 NBA Draft prospect, has suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury. Saunders was averaging 18 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game this season for the Cougars, who are having one of their best campaigns in recent memory.
Why it matters
Saunders' injury is a major blow to BYU's hopes of making a deep NCAA Tournament run, as he was a key part of their talented trio alongside Baylor transfer Robert Wright III and highly touted freshman AJ Dybantsa. The 6'5" wing's NBA draft stock has also taken a hit, as he may now have to try to make a roster as an undrafted free agent.
The details
Saunders suffered the torn ACL during BYU's 90-86 overtime win against Colorado on February 15th. Prior to the injury, he had scored at least 15 points in three of his last four games, including a 33-point outburst against Kansas in which he shot 11-of-19 from the field, 6-of-14 from 3-point range, and added 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block.
- Saunders suffered the torn ACL on February 15, 2026 during BYU's game against Colorado.
- Prior to the injury, Saunders had been on a strong stretch, scoring 15+ points in 3 of his last 4 games.
The players
Richie Saunders
A senior wing player for the BYU Cougars who was having a standout season and was considered a potential 2026 NBA Draft pick before suffering a season-ending torn ACL injury.
Robert Wright III
A Baylor transfer who has had some head-turning performances this season as part of BYU's talented trio alongside Saunders and freshman AJ Dybantsa.
AJ Dybantsa
A highly touted freshman who has taken most of the headlines for BYU this season and is considered a potential top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
What’s next
Without Saunders on the floor, BYU will be forced to lean even more heavily on Dybantsa, the potential top pick in this summer's NBA Draft, as the team looks to make a deep postseason run.
The takeaway
Saunders' season-ending injury is a major blow to both BYU's NCAA Tournament hopes and the player's own NBA draft aspirations, as he may now have to try to make a roster as an undrafted free agent rather than being selected in the 2026 NBA Draft.
