A heartbreaking torn ACL suffered in February marked an abrupt end to Richie Saunders’ season and, in turn, his BYU Cougars career. The BYU senior will not take part in the NCAA Men’s Tournament as a result. His absence is a significant blow to BYU’s hopes of making a deep March Madness run.
Richie Saunders’ Injury Heartbreak Ahead of March Madness
In his final season with BYU, Saunders was expected to lead the team’s charge in its bid to repeat last year’s Sweet Sixteen run. But during the Cougars’ win over Colorado on Feb. 14, the guard suffered an injury that ended his final year with the program
The 24-year-old sustained the injury less than a minute into the game, and tests later revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“To end my BYU career like this is heartbreaking. I’ve loved every moment and every challenge that came with representing the school I love. These past four years have shaped who I am – on and off the court,” Saunders wrote on Instagram after the news of his injury became official.
“My story has never been one of ease. And while I didn’t plan for this, my career is not over. I will return with more fight and more grit than before. My goals haven’t changed,” he added.
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
Saunders became a full-time starter for BYU in his junior year, establishing himself as an elite shooter and earning Big 12 Most Improved Player honors in 2025. He was enjoying a strong 2026 season before his injury, averaging 18.0 points while shooting 48.9% from the field.
In total, Saunders played 128 games for BYU, scoring more than 1,500 points. He established himself as one of the most efficient wings in college basketball and a crucial leader for the Cougars.
Saunders’ absence has been felt in the BYU lineup, as the team has gone 4-5 since his injury. The Cougars were beaten by Houston in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Conference Tournament and enter March Madness as a sixth seed.
With Saunders sidelined, AJ Dybantsa will be tasked with leading BYU at the NCAA Tournament. Regarded as one of the top NBA prospects, Dybantsa could lead the team on a deep run this month.
But Saunders’s ability to lead from the front and make winning plays will certainly be missed by the Cougars as the NCAA Tournament unfolds.
