Skip to main content
Cougs Daily

BYU-Utah State Basketball Rivalry Renewal Draws Mixed Reviews From Fans

BYU and Utah State announced a new two-game series on Tuesday
Casey Lundquist|
Dec 8, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) drives against Utah State Aggies forward Brandon Horvath (4) in the second half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2021; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Te'Jon Lucas (3) drives against Utah State Aggies forward Brandon Horvath (4) in the second half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images

In this story:

BYU Cougars

The BYU-Utah State basketball rivalry is back. On Tuesday, BYU and Utah State announced a two-game series that will begin in December of 2026. The first game will be played in Provo at the Marriott Center. The second game of the series will be played in Salt Lake City at the Delta Center. The ticket allotment for that game will be split 50/50, per the release.

After BYU accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 in 2021, the BYU-Utah State rivalry was put on hold. After five years without playing each other, the rivalry will be renewed later this year.

The announcement drew mixed reactions, particularly from Utah State fans. Aggie fans were frustrated that the second game will be played at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City instead of in the Spectrum in Logan.

Some Utah State fans felt like the series shouldn't have been scheduled without a game in Logan.

Some BYU fans were neutral towards the news. Another segment of fans appreciated the announcement, noting that embracing an old rivalry is "appreciated" is the current era of college athletics.

Other BYU fans were excited for the opportunity to extend the 10-game winning streak.

There were other BYU fans that poked fun at Utah State fans complaining about the lack of the return game to Logan, referring to the old joke that Utah State is in Ogden instead of Logan.

BYU declining to make the return trip to Logan is not unique to the relationship between the two schools. High-major teams avoiding true road games against mid-major teams has become common scheduling practice in the sport. Given how true away games, neutral games, and home games are evaluated by the NCAA selection committee, high-major teams are disincentivized to play those games. BYU is no exception.

BYU History vs Utah State Basketball

The last time BYU and Utah State played each other was back in 2021, when Alex Barcello led BYU to an 82-71 win over Utah State. That marked BYU's 10th consecutive win over the Aggies. BYU's winning streak over Utah State dates back to 2012.

Since then, BYU and Utah State have played various times in Provo, Logan, and Salt Lake. BYU has found ways to win every game.

The last time the Aggies beat BYU was in 2011, when the Aggies took down the Cougars in the season opener.

The BYU-Utah State rivalry will be renewed on December 9th, 2026 in the Marriott Center.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published | Modified
Casey Lundquist
CASEY LUNDQUIST

Casey Lundquist is the publisher and lead editor of BYU On SI. He has covered BYU athletics since 2020. During that time, he has published over 3,500 stories that have reached millions of readers.

Share on XFollow casey_lundquist
Home/Basketball