The Kevin Young era at BYU has officially arrived on the big stage. In a month typically reserved for tune-up games at the Marriott Center, the No. 10 Cougars (7-1) find themselves under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden tonight to face the Clemson Tigers (7-2) in the prestigious Jimmy V Classic.
This invitation highlights a rapid transformation for the program since Young replaced Mark Pope in 2024. Armed with a new roster headlined by AJ Dybantsa, BYU looks to showcase its new identity against a physical ACC opponent that, ironically, features two starters from Utah. Here is a breakdown of the matchup, key players to watch, and a prediction for this showdown in the “Mecca of Basketball.”
Clemson vs. BYU Prediction
When Clemson and No. 25 BYU take the floor, all eyes will be on freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa, who could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Cougars’ star is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season. The trio of Dybantsa, Richie Saunders, and Robert Wright III causes problems for opposing defenses.
BYU is 7-1, with its only loss to UConn. The Cougars boast quality wins over Villanova, Wisconsin, and Miami (FL). Ranked No. 9 by KenPom, they are battle-tested with one of the most challenging schedules to begin the year. BYU ranks in the top 25 in efficiency on both ends of the floor, and this team is 2-1 in close games.
MORE: College Basketball Top 25 Predictions
Clemson is off to a 7-2 start, with wins over Georgia and West Virginia. The Tigers also played Alabama and Georgetown fairly close. However, their schedule has been soft compared to that of BYU.
Clemson’s defense could struggle with the versatility that BYU presents. The Cougars have also played well on neutral floors this season. They’ll just be too much.
Clemson vs. BYU Prediction: BYU 78, Clemson 72
IT’S GAMEDAY!
📺 https://t.co/NpiNLJbPk3
📻 https://t.co/hGRNAShpOT pic.twitter.com/qAjIviay41— BYU Men’s Basketball (@BYUMBB) December 9, 2025
Clemson vs. BYU How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9
- Time: 6:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN
December. Madison Square Garden. What can be better? BYU’s head coach spoke about how important this tournament is to the school.
“It is humbling for this event to want us to participate in it, particularly out here in New York City, and in the venue of Madison Square Garden,” Young said Monday in a Zoom call with reporters who cover the program. “It is great for our guys to be able to do it in a cool, marquee-type college event.
“It is great for just where BYU is trending, in all things, not just basketball. … It has only been several years since we’ve been in the Big 12, and it is really showing what the future of BYU athletics can look like.”
