The crowd begins to buzz. Blue and white T-shirts fill the Marriott Center as music blares through the arena. The BYU basketball team breaks onto the court, ready to play. As the referee tosses the ball into the air, the game begins. Whether you’re court-side or watching from your couch, you can feel the nerves, energy and hope.
March Madness, the most exciting time of the year in college basketball, is a single-elimination tournament. One loss and you’re out. One win and you move one step closer to victory. In its “anything can happen” games, a mix of pressure, passion, and unforgettable moments turn college players into legends.
On March 16, 2025, during the highly anticipated Selection Sunday broadcast, BYU fans erupted as the Cougars were announced as a No. 6 seed in the East Region. Conversations immediately followed this announcement on social media, with fans, alumni and sports analysts reacting to BYU’s placement and matchups. This announcement came during a season of renewed energy under new head coach Kevin Young, who brought NBA coaching experience to Provo, Utah. A wave of excitement ignited among fans, who were thrilled by the chance to see their team make a deep and meaningful run in the tournament.
In past seasons, the Cougars have faced tough matchups, but this year, every game felt like a step forward. Now, as the team prepares for the next season, two key questions emerge: Why should you keep watching, even during the off-season? And what makes Kevin Young such an exciting piece of BYU’s future?
Let’s dive in.
What People Are Saying
Over 1,300 individuals searched to see if BYU would be participating in March Madness this year, an early sign of the growing buzz surrounding the team. That excitement only intensified as BYU secured its first NCAA tournament win since 2012 and made its first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2011. BYU’s impressive run sparked national attention, becoming a hot topic across major platforms like ESPN, NCAA.com, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, and Deseret News. The team’s performance reignited conversations around BYU athletics and signaled a powerful resurgence on the national stage.
The New York Post recently shined a national spotlight on Kevin Young, declaring that he “has resurrected BYU basketball.” The publication went even further, suggesting that under Young’s leadership, BYU basketball could become bigger than ever before. It’s clear that Young has infused new energy into the program, and people are taking notice. With a bold vision to elevate players to the NBA and foster a strong, unified sports culture, Kevin Young is more than just a coach, he’s a catalyst. As the Post put it, “Young brought BYU back to prominence,” and the buzz around him is only growing.
Key Trends
We analyzed tone, volume and trending topics across social media during BYU’s emotionally charged March Madness run. This was highlighted by thrilling victories and a tough ending against Alabama. The buzz online shows that fans are already looking ahead with excitement and high hopes for next season. Check out the insights below to see how the conversation unfolded!
Sadly, the winning streak came to an end as BYU ran into the Crimson Tide. That night, Alabama shot the lights out, setting an all-time NCAA Tournament record for made three-pointers in a single game. But this wasn’t the end of the excitement and praise—it was only the beginning. As Deseret News put it, “Instead of the end of a season, it may be the start of a new era for Cougar Basketball.” AOL added, “BYU would be one of next season’s must-see teams for the arrival of incoming freshman AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top-ranked recruit after reclassifying into the 2025 class.” One fan on X said, “Losing in the Sweet Sixteen in 2011 felt like the end of an era. Losing tonight feels like the beginning of a new era in BYU basketball.”
Conclusion
BYU’s 2025 March Madness journey was more than just a postseason run—it was a defining moment that signaled a bold new chapter for Cougar Basketball. From the electric Selection Sunday reveal to the unforgettable victories over VCU and Wisconsin, the program captured national attention and reignited fan enthusiasm. Despite falling to Alabama in the Sweet 16, the season was marked by growing admiration, a surge in positive sentiment, and widespread media coverage that positioned BYU as an emerging powerhouse. Under Kevin Young’s leadership and with top recruit AJ Dybansta on the way, the program is entering a new era. The legacy of this tournament isn’t just about how far the Cougars went—it’s about where they’re headed next.
GO COUGS!
Who We Are
The BYU PR Intelligence Lab turns data into stories. Our team of student analysts is passionate about sports, culture, and the moments that shape campus life and beyond. By analyzing media coverage, public sentiment, and social trends, we transform data into information that matters.
Sources Cited
Drew, J. (2023, March 17). BYU determined to meet the moment in biggest basketball game in 14 years Saturday against Big Ten’s Wisconsin. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/byu-determined-to-meet-the-moment-in-biggest-basketball-game-in-14-years-saturday-against-big-ten-s-wisconsin/ar-AA1BqeSx
Drew, J. (2025, March 28). Final Four future: BYU poised for deep run. AOL. https://www.aol.com/final-four-future-byu-poised-030602973.html
Gordon, J. (2025, March 26). Kevin Young, a one-time top NBA assistant coach, has resurrected BYU basketball. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/03/26/sports/march-madness-kevin-young-has-resurrected-byu-basketball/
Harmon, D. (2025, March 28). BYU’s loss to Alabama will sting, but Kevin Young’s future is bright. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/03/28/byu-sweet-16-loss-to-alabama-will-sting-but-kevin-young-future-is-bright/
Myerberg, P. (2025, March 28). Final Four future? BYU poised for bigger things after March Madness exit against Alabama. USA TODAY. https://www.aol.com/final-four-future-byu-poised-030602973.html
