BYU Lands Top 2026 Basketball Recruit with $7M NIL Deal, Setting New Standard in College Sports

BYU just landed the nation’s top basketball recruit, AJ Dybantsa, with a record-breaking $7 million name, image, and likeness deal. This move is making waves and really shows how college basketball is shifting—money now plays a starring role in recruiting. Programs used to lean on tradition and team legacy, but now, NIL deals are changing the rules.

Dybantsa, who was the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, reclassified to 2025 and still holds that top spot. He picked BYU over blue bloods like Kansas and North Carolina, putting BYU front and center in the national conversation. This huge NIL deal really highlights how important name, image, and likeness rights have become for top players.

Anyone following college sports can see this story mixes high-stakes recruiting, NIL realities, and the ongoing shift in athlete compensation. BYU’s move is going to impact the NCAA for a long time. If you want the details, check out the BYU NIL deal with AJ Dybantsa and see how it’s shaking up recruiting.

AJ Dybantsa’s Commitment to BYU

AJ Dybantsa, the top recruit in the 2026 basketball class, committed to BYU and made college basketball history. He made his choice after some serious recruiting from blue-blood schools and secured an unmatched NIL deal.

Announcement and Reactions

When Dybantsa announced his decision, it sent shockwaves through the basketball world. On December 10, 2024, BYU confirmed he signed with their program, making him their first-ever five-star high school commit.

News of his nearly $7 million NIL deal spread fast and caught everyone’s attention. People across the country—fans, media, analysts—reacted with a mix of surprise and respect.

Dybantsa’s commitment put BYU in the national spotlight in a way they’ve never experienced at this level. Former NBA coach Kevin Young, now leading BYU, got a lot of credit for bringing in Dybantsa. His NBA background and recruiting savvy made a big difference.

Stat	Detail
Height	6’8″
Position	Wing
Recruiting Rank	No. 1 (2026 class)
NIL Deal Value	Close to $7M

Why BYU Was Chosen

Dybantsa had offers from big names like Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama. But he picked BYU for some clear reasons.

Kevin Young’s NBA experience really mattered—Dybantsa and his family wanted a coach who could help him get to the pros. Young’s time in the NBA reassured them he could develop top prospects.

The record NIL deal definitely played a part. BYU’s collective put together a package that beat out other schools and set a new standard in the NIL era.

Dybantsa also liked BYU’s pitch—they promised to build the program around him, not just make him another face in a crowd of top recruits.

Comparison with Other Top Programs

UNC, Kansas, and Alabama have always been magnets for elite high school talent. They offered Dybantsa strong traditions, deep NCAA runs, and big-time exposure.

But none of them matched BYU’s financial offer or their developmental plan. Even though blue-blood programs like Kansas and North Carolina have landed top-10 prospects, a $7 million NIL deal is just unheard of—even for them.

BYU’s offer might have changed the game for future recruits, both at traditional powerhouses and up-and-coming programs. Now, schools outside the blue-blood circle can compete for top talent by offering major NIL deals and real NBA pathways.

Details of the $7 Million NIL Deal

BYU’s deal with AJ Dybantsa stands out in college basketball for its size and impact. This agreement really shows how college sports are changing—NIL opportunities now matter as much as anything else for top recruits.

Overview of NIL Offer

AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 basketball prospect, signed an NIL deal with BYU worth close to $7 million. He’ll earn money by promoting brands, making appearances, and using his social media to endorse products while at BYU.

Multiple reports say BYU put together a package that outshone other major programs. The deal includes direct financial compensation, exclusive marketing opportunities, and performance incentives.

Dybantsa can work with businesses both nationally and locally, giving him plenty of flexibility.

Highest Annual NIL Figure

Dybantsa’s deal is one of the highest annual NIL figures ever reported in college sports. Most of the $7 million is expected to come during his freshman year—he’ll probably enter the NBA Draft after just one season.

This deal puts him in the same league as the biggest NIL agreements, even rivaling the rumored eight-figure deals for top football recruits.

Recruit	Sport	NIL Deal Value	Duration	School
AJ Dybantsa	Basketball	$7 million	1 year (est)	BYU
Bryce Underwood	Football	up to $10M (projected)	1 year (est)	Michigan (offer)

This record-setting offer really ups the ante for high-profile college athletes and signals a new era in college sports.

Historic Context for College Basketball

Before NIL, top basketball recruits usually picked programs for tradition, coaching, and NBA connections. Now, NIL opportunities matter just as much as winning or development.

AJ Dybantsa’s package is a game-changing benchmark for future negotiations. The new NIL rules created an open market where elite talent can get paid like NBA rookies.

Dybantsa’s $7 million deal with BYU doesn’t just raise the bar for basketball—it encourages other schools and athletes to treat NIL as a crucial asset when picking a college.

Impact on BYU Basketball and the Cougars

BYU’s new addition, AJ Dybantsa, brings huge talent and national attention to the Cougars. His $7 million NIL deal signals a fresh era for BYU basketball and raises expectations for what’s next.

Rise as a Powerhouse in Men’s Basketball

With Dybantsa joining, BYU looks ready to move past its mid-tier reputation. The former No. 1 recruit puts a national spotlight on BYU and could attract other elite players.

Dybantsa’s commitment, tied to that reported $7 million deal, shows BYU is serious about challenging the blue-bloods. The Cougars have usually relied on gritty, team-first play and the occasional star. Now, they’ve got a future NBA prospect, and that changes everything.

Year	BYU Top Recruit	National Ranking	Reported NIL Deal
2025	AJ Dybantsa	1	$7 million

Team Projections for the 2025 Class

The 2025 BYU class, led by Dybantsa, is expected to make a big splash in the Big 12 and nationally. Scouts think BYU could be a preseason Top 25 team, thanks to Dybantsa’s scoring, defense, and the extra media buzz he brings.

Other recruits like Chris Washington Jr. are also coming in for 2026, adding size and depth. Washington, at 6-foot-9, brings rebounding, while Dybantsa offers elite skill and vision.

They give BYU a core that can compete for conference titles and possibly make a deep NCAA tournament run. These moves are pushing BYU closer to national relevance and raising the bar for fans and analysts.

AJ Dybantsa’s High School Career and Prolific Prep

AJ Dybantsa made a name for himself as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country. He stood out with Prolific Prep and shined at elite tournaments, drawing plenty of attention from colleges and NBA scouts.

Achievements and Statistics

At Prolific Prep, Dybantsa impressed with his size, athleticism, and scoring. He regularly outperformed other top recruits in his class.

As a junior, he averaged over 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He kept up his production, showing he was ready for the next level.

Season	Points Per Game	Rebounds	Assists	Blocks
2023-24	21.6	7.2	3.1	1.9

He earned consensus five-star status and picked up All-American honors at multiple showcases. Coaches and scouts saw him as a player with the tools and mindset to make it big.

Utah Prep and Peach Jam Success

After Prolific Prep, Dybantsa kept leveling up at Utah Prep, taking on some of the best high school players in the country. He stepped into a leadership role and kept impressing.

On the Nike EYBL circuit with the Oakland Soldiers, he led his team at Peach Jam—one of the top summer tournaments. Dybantsa put up big numbers and helped his team go deep.

His ability to shine on a national stage boosted his ranking and made him a top college target. By dominating high-level competition, Dybantsa became the No. 1 high school basketball recruit for 2025 after reclassifying, as covered by College Net Worth.

His achievements at Utah Prep and in national tournaments made him one of the most-watched prospects in years.

Recruiting Landscape and BYU’s Newfound Success

BYU just changed the recruiting game by landing a top 2026 basketball recruit with a $7 million NIL deal. The program is now going toe-to-toe with the big basketball schools by using financial incentives.

Trends in Top Recruits Choosing BYU

Not long ago, most top recruits barely glanced at BYU. The landscape shifted when Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals entered the scene.

Now, schools that can pull together big NIL packages suddenly have a real shot at elite prospects.

AJ Dybantsa picked BYU and, by all reports, locked in a $7 million NIL deal. That’s a huge statement.

He’s the consensus top basketball recruit for 2026.

Duke and Kentucky used to get these guys almost by default. Suddenly, BYU’s in the conversation.

Money isn’t everything, but in recruiting, it’s right up there with tradition now. That’s not just a BYU thing—the whole sport is changing.

Comparison to Other Recruiting Classes

It’s hard to overstate how rare a player like Dybantsa is for BYU. Not just his ranking, but the NIL value blows anything else out of the water.

Other schools have landed big names, sure, but this deal stands alone.

Here’s how BYU’s recent top basketball recruits stack up:

Year	Recruit Name	National Rank	Committed NIL Value	Recruited By
2026	AJ Dybantsa	1	$7 million	BYU
2023	Collin Chandler	28	Not disclosed	BYU
2016	Yoeli Childs	110	Not applicable	BYU

No one before Dybantsa came close to this kind of hype or payday at BYU.

Alabama and Kentucky have offered similar headline deals, but BYU’s leap into this tier is new.

Schools that figure out NIL are grabbing more top recruits. The balance of power is shifting, and Dybantsa’s signing proves it.

Kevin Young’s Leadership and NBA Experience

Kevin Young has quickly become a central figure at BYU.

His NBA background and leadership style have raised the bar for the program.

Background as Head Coach

BYU named Kevin Young head coach in April 2025. He’d spent years as an NBA assistant, most recently with the Sixers and Suns.

Young hit the ground running. BYU made the Sweet 16 in his first season.

Players credit him for motivating them and bringing in NBA-level systems.

He focuses on player development and building a winning culture.

People around the program mention his steady presence and clear communication as big factors.

BYU Recent Performance under Young

Season	NCAA Tournament	Notable Achievements
2024-25	Sweet 16	Signed top recruit

Role in Recruitment

Young played a hands-on role in landing AJ Dybantsa, 2026’s top basketball recruit.

He handled everything from early scouting to the final $7 million NIL negotiations.

Dybantsa and his family liked Young’s honest approach and NBA experience.

Young convinced them BYU could lead to the NBA, using real examples from his career.

His style is straightforward—he builds trust and lays out the program’s vision without fluff.

Players seem to connect with his mix of pro know-how and genuine investment in their futures. That’s a big reason BYU has started landing elite talent, as many outlets have noticed.

NBA Connections and Coaching Style

Young’s NBA career isn’t just a résumé bullet—it shapes his whole approach.

He brings in drills and strategies straight from the pros, focusing on spacing, pace, and defense.

He stays in touch with NBA coaches and scouts, making sure his methods stay up-to-date.

His coaching style mixes technical details with giving players freedom to shine.

Young designs his systems to highlight talent and prep guys for the next level.

That’s resonated with recruits who see BYU as a place that connects them to pro basketball’s future.

Potential NCAA and NBA Draft Implications

A.J. Dybantsa’s $7 million NIL deal with BYU is a game-changer.

His move could sway other top recruits and shake up the competitive landscape in both college hoops and the NBA Draft.

Expectations for the 2026 NBA Draft

A.J. Dybantsa looks like a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Scouts love his size, skill, and athleticism. BYU landing him is a big deal.

Alabama and Kansas tried to sign him too, but the NIL offer made the difference.

If Dybantsa keeps developing, he’ll go head-to-head with other elite prospects—both in the U.S. and overseas.

Expectations for him are sky-high, given his talent and the investment BYU made.

NBA front offices will watch him closely. His draft stock will ride on performance, health, and how his game evolves.

2026 NBA Draft: Top Prospects (Early Projection)

Player	Position	College/Team
A.J. Dybantsa	Forward	BYU
Cam Boozer	Forward	Undecided
Koa Peat	Forward	Undecided
International TBD	Guard	TBA

Future Projections and Player Development

The size of Dybantsa’s NIL deal with BYU is setting a new bar for college athletes.

People will watch both his play and BYU’s ability to develop top talent.

He’ll need to step in and contribute right away, maybe even as the main scorer.

For Dybantsa, growth at BYU means improving his outside shot and defense.

The coaching staff, with their pro experience, will prep him for NBA systems.

Scouts will look for better decision-making and playmaking as he matures.

If he excels and stays healthy, Dybantsa might inspire other top recruits to look beyond the usual powerhouses—especially if the money’s right.

Broader Impacts on College Basketball

BYU’s $7 million NIL deal for A.J. Dybantsa has rattled college basketball.

This isn’t just about money—it’s changing how schools recruit, especially with high school stars and big-name programs.

Significance of NIL Deals for High School Prospects

NIL deals are flipping the script for high school athletes.

Now, a lot of top prospects look at financial offers as a major factor.

The $7 million for Dybantsa is the biggest yet for a basketball recruit.

Elite players and their families are starting to negotiate NIL terms even before picking a school.

Financial packages are right up there with tradition and coaching.

With NIL money rising fast, even younger players are paying attention.

Schools have to offer serious deals or risk losing out to more aggressive programs.

The process is more public now, ramping up pressure on athletes and administrators alike.

Year	Top Reported NIL Deal (M)	Athlete	Sport
2021	$1.5	Bryce Young	Football
2023	$3.2	Bronny James	Basketball
2025	$7.0	A.J. Dybantsa	Basketball

Influence on Blue-Blood Programs and Recruiting Strategies

Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas have always leaned on their history and NBA pipelines.

BYU’s move shows that’s not enough anymore.

With NIL offers climbing, blue-bloods have to step up.

They’ll need stronger NIL collectives and more alumni support to keep pace.

More schools will probably team up with brands and local businesses, trying to match or beat these new offers.

Recruiting is shifting; it’s not just about wins and draft picks now.

Coaches need to explain their NIL frameworks in detail.

If blue-bloods don’t adapt, they could lose out on the very best recruits—even to programs they never saw as competition.

With BYU and others making bold moves, recruiting is more competitive and money-driven than ever.

For a closer look, check out the Cougars’ $7 million NIL deal for Dybantsa.

Media Coverage and National Attention

AJ Dybantsa’s BYU commitment and $7 million NIL deal made national headlines.

Suddenly, everyone’s talking about BYU basketball and even Dybantsa’s hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts.

Provo isn’t usually the center of big college hoops stories, but that’s changed overnight.

First Take and Sports Media Response

ESPN’s First Take jumped on the story right away.

Analysts debated whether a seven-figure NIL deal could reshape recruiting for BYU and beyond.

Some wondered if this sets a new standard for high school prospects.

Others focused on how it could change the balance of power in college basketball.

Major outlets like FOX Sports and the New York Post called it one of the biggest deals ever for a college basketball recruit.

Commentators pointed out that Dybantsa choosing BYU over Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina signals a shift toward financial incentives and a new program vision.

Media Coverage Table

Media Outlet	Focus of Coverage	Main Point Highlighted
ESPN First Take	Future of NIL in College Sports	Recruiting trends, player choices
FOX Sports	Size of NIL Deal and Commitment	Record-setting offer, national impact
New York Post	BYU’s Program-Changing Moment	Historic deal, effect on college landscape

Spotlight on Provo and Massachusetts

BYU’s home city, Provo, just grabbed some rare national attention after the announcement. Local fans, boosters, and students packed the campus, celebrating a basketball commitment that felt bigger than anything in recent memory.

People now see this move as a huge boost for BYU’s basketball profile. Provo suddenly looks like a real destination for top basketball recruits from all over.

Meanwhile, Dybantsa’s roots in Brockton, Massachusetts, caught the eye of East Coast outlets. A lot of stories zeroed in on his journey from Massachusetts to Utah, showing just how many different paths elite players can take when big NIL money comes into play.

Now that Dybantsa’s heading west, both Provo and Brockton will probably stay in the media spotlight for his whole college career.

Want to dig deeper? Check out national coverage on BYU’s historic NIL offer to Dybantsa and the reasons he picked BYU over other powerhouse programs in the 2025 recruiting class.

Other Influential Names and Mentors

Mentorship shaped AJ Dybantsa’s path to BYU in a big way. He grew as a player thanks to connections with NBA stars and advice from respected basketball legends.

Influences from NBA Stars

AJ Dybantsa looks up to players who now shine in the NBA. He’s talked a lot about how much he studies the moves of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Both of those guys have a knack for versatile scoring and smooth shooting. Dybantsa also admires Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his creative playmaking.

Watching these athletes helps him get a feel for decision-making under pressure. He even tries to model some of his drills after their workout routines.

Here’s a quick table with some traits Dybantsa wants to pick up from each star:

NBA Star	Main Trait/Skill
Kevin Durant	Scoring Versatility
Devin Booker	Shooting Consistency
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Playmaking and Creativity
Tracy McGrady	Size and Athleticism

Focusing on these details has already made Dybantsa a more complete player, even at his age.

Relationships with Basketball Legends

Personal mentorship has really shaped Dybantsa’s progress. He’s worked closely with retired star Tracy McGrady, who’s offered some unique insight into both the physical and mental sides of the game.

McGrady often tells him how to use his length and timing more effectively, and honestly, that advice seems to stick.

Dybantsa also chats with veterans from teams like the 76ers. These conversations help him adjust to the intensity of high-level competition.

Having those relationships makes it a bit easier for him to handle big moments and all the expectations that come with them.

He doesn’t hesitate to reach out to past and present college stars for advice, either.

By learning from both superstars and experienced college players, Dybantsa has built a pretty solid support system as he steps into his college basketball career.