New addition to the Cougars
Jakub Urbaniak, a towering 6-foot-9 player from Poland, is joining the BYU men's basketball team for the 2026-27 season. His arrival fills a key need for the Cougars, who have been working to add depth to their roster in recent months.
Coach Kevin Young spoke highly of Urbaniak, emphasizing his size, skill, and overall ability to contribute to the team. 'We were seeking to add specific qualities, and Jakub checks all those boxes,' Young said. He believes Urbaniak's versatility, particularly his contributions on both ends of the floor, makes him an ideal fit for the system the coaching staff wants to implement.
Before coming to BYU, Urbaniak spent the past season with WKS Slask Wroclaw, where he played 29 games in total. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest while shooting an impressive 55 percent from the field. One of his most memorable games came in a victory over Dziki Warszawa, where he posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
In the EuroCup competition during the 2025-26 season, Urbaniak started 18 games and averaged 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. He reached double figures in scoring four times, with a notable 17-point effort in a win over Hamburg Towers. His performance in these matches shows his ability to adapt to international competition at a high level.
International and domestic success
Urbaniak made his debut with the Polish National Team this year, playing a crucial role in a 84-82 win over Latvia in the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. Just days later, he added to his credentials by scoring 11 points in a 123-77 victory over Austria, going 4-of-4 from the field. These outings highlight his readiness for high-stakes games.
His experience isn't just limited to senior national teams. Urbaniak also helped Poland compete in the 2023 FIBU U20 European Championships, where he averaged 8.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His contributions were vital, especially in the knockout rounds, where he recorded consecutive double-doubles, including a standout performance with 19 points and 15 rebounds in a win over Estonia.
Looking ahead, the Cougars still need to finalize a few roster additions. One of the names being discussed is Jaxon Kohler, a former Skyridge and Michigan State standout. Kohler has been granted a fifth year of eligibility through a legal settlement with the NCAA and has already been in contact with Young. He is also said to be having meetings with the Kentucky coaching staff, which includes former BYU head coach Mark Pope. These interactions suggest Kohler could be in the running to join the Cougars next season.
Other Cougars shine in honors
BYU running back LJ Martin received significant recognition this season. He was named second-team Preseason All-America by Sporting News, following a 2025 campaign in which he rushed for 1,305 yards, ranking 11th nationally. He was also recognized as the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and received second-team All-America honors from Pro Football Network. This year, Martin has been named the 2026 Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, a clear sign of the respect he has earned across the conference.
Tight end Walker Lyons also made headlines when he was named to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, an honor that goes to the best tight end in college football. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he is one of only 43 players nationally on the list. Before joining the Cougars for the 2026 season, he played 23 games at USC, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the 2025 season. With his background and recent experience, Lyons is expected to be a key contributor for the Cougars this season.