BYU Freshman Sensation AJ Dybantsa Turns Heads with Jaw-Dropping Vertical Jump During Practice
As the countdown to the 2025–26 college basketball season begins, all eyes are on Brigham Young University’s newest phenom, AJ Dybantsa—a player already making national headlines before playing a single collegiate game. Widely regarded as the top recruit in the nation for his class, Dybantsa’s remarkable athleticism and raw talent were on full display during a recent BYU basketball practice, giving Cougar fans a thrilling preview of what’s to come.
In a video clip that quickly gained traction across social media, Dybantsa is seen performing a vertical jump that has since been described as nothing short of superhuman. The footage captures the freshman leaping with such ease and elevation that his head is fully above the rim, sparking amazement from fans, scouts, and analysts alike. For a program like BYU, which has not always been considered a blue-blood in college basketball, the arrival of a player with Dybantsa’s star power feels like a seismic shift.
A New Era at BYU
While BYU doesn’t have the same storied basketball history as schools like Duke, Kentucky, or Kansas, the program is beginning to carve out a unique identity—one that embraces the changes brought by the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. The Cougars have become increasingly competitive in the recruiting landscape, and Dybantsa’s commitment is proof that elite prospects are seriously considering BYU as a destination.
According to 247Sports, BYU boasts the 13th-best recruiting class in the nation heading into the new season. That’s no small feat for a program often overlooked in favor of larger-market or more traditional basketball schools. Much of that ranking is thanks to the addition of three standout prospects, including two other four-star recruits, all of whom are expected to make significant contributions. But there’s no denying that Dybantsa is the centerpiece of this class—and perhaps even the program’s immediate future.
Dybantsa’s Sky-High Potential
Coming out of high school as the consensus number-one recruit in the country, Dybantsa entered the national conversation early. Scouts and recruiting experts have long raved about his complete skill set, noting that he brings a rare blend of size, speed, and explosiveness to the floor. But what sets him apart from his peers is his vertical leap, which has now been visually confirmed as something close to extraordinary.
The viral clip of Dybantsa leaping high above the rim wasn’t just a cool moment during practice—it was a statement. It sent a clear message to the rest of the NCAA: the Cougars may be a relative newcomer to the top recruiting scene, but they now have a generational talent leading the charge.
Some onlookers were quick to joke that Dybantsa might not even be human, a playful nod to just how effortless he made the leap appear. Even NBA-level athletes often struggle to get their head entirely above the rim during a jump. For Dybantsa, it seemed almost routine.
The Buzz Around Pro Potential
Dybantsa’s showing in practice has only intensified speculation that he could be a one-and-done player, with NBA scouts reportedly already eyeing him as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His blend of elite athleticism, polished skills, and high basketball IQ makes him a tantalizing prospect for any professional team looking for a future star.
But for now, the focus is on what Dybantsa can bring to BYU this season. Coaches and fans are hoping that his arrival will help usher in a new era of success for the Cougars, both within the Big 12 and nationally.
Building a Program Around a Star
The excitement surrounding Dybantsa isn’t limited to fans and media. Inside the BYU locker room, coaches are said to be ecstatic about not just his raw ability, but also his attitude and work ethic. Known for being a gym rat with a relentless motor, Dybantsa has already been described as a “culture-changer”—someone who could help set the tone for the entire team both on and off the court.
And BYU seems to be leaning into that identity. The Cougars have taken full advantage of the momentum generated by Dybantsa’s commitment, boosting their visibility on social media and using NIL opportunities to attract more top-tier talent. If they continue this trajectory, it’s very possible that BYU could position itself as one of the rising programs in college basketball over the next few years.
NIL Era Helps Programs Like BYU
The Cougars’ ability to land a prospect of Dybantsa’s caliber is also a reflection of how the college basketball landscape has evolved. In the NIL era, players are no longer confined to choosing traditional powerhouse schools in order to gain national exposure or secure financial opportunities. BYU has leveraged its resources and connections to create an attractive ecosystem for young athletes, and Dybantsa is now the face of that strategy.
His commitment could be the first of many as other top high school recruits begin to see BYU as a legitimate contender—not just on the court, but in terms of career development, branding, and off-court opportunities.
Fan Frenzy and Community Connection
Beyond the court, Dybantsa is already forging a strong bond with the BYU community. In a recent game against West Virginia, he was spotted joining the student section, cheering alongside fans and energizing the crowd. That moment, shared widely on social media, highlighted his willingness to embrace the school and its culture.
It’s not every day that a projected NBA lottery pick immerses himself so willingly into the college experience. That type of engagement doesn’t just build goodwill—it strengthens the relationship between the team and its supporters and sets the tone for a special season ahead.
A Star in the Making
Though we’re still months away from seeing Dybantsa in a regular season college game, the signs all point to a breakout freshman campaign. If the practice footage is any indication, he’ll be dunking over defenders, swatting shots, and igniting fast breaks with ease—and doing it all while bringing a level of athleticism rarely seen in the college game.
For BYU, this is an opportunity to capitalize on something truly special. The program has a potential star on its hands, and if everything clicks, Dybantsa could help lead the Cougars to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
In a sport often dominated by familiar names and schools, AJ Dybantsa’s emergence at BYU is a reminder that new powerhouses can emerge at any time—and sometimes all it takes is one spectacular athlete to change everything.
