Kevin Young and BYU hoops plan visit to elite LDS prospect in 2026 class

BYU is in hot pursuit of Austin Goosby.

For those unfamiliar, let’s introduce Austin Goosby. He’s a versatile 6-foot-5 guard from Melissa, Texas, who has been firmly on BYU basketball’s radar. Considered a prospect hovering between 4-star and 5-star status, Goosby ranks as a top-30 player nationally in the 2026 cycle, according to 247 Sports’ composite standings.

Adding to that, Goosby is a member of BYU’s affiliated faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the past, BYU had to rely heavily on local LDS recruits due to its strict honor code and limited basketball tradition, supplementing with non-LDS athletes willing to commit to the same rules.

During Mark Pope’s tenure, the Cougars began drawing talented non-LDS players, often putting lineups on the court with no LDS representation at all.

Still, attracting premier LDS athletes from around the country was never a given. Players like Jabari Parker and Frank Jackson took their five-star rankings and committed to powerhouse Duke instead. Understandable choices, but frustrating ones for BYU.

Now with Kevin Young leading and the Big 12 brand backing the program, BYU basketball carries a renewed profile. The impact of landing stars like AJ Dybantsa has transformed the program’s trajectory, shattering past limits and raising expectations dramatically.

So when Austin Goosby, one of the top high school players who also happens to be LDS, hears from BYU, he knows the offer includes NBA-level facilities and a schedule packed with the nation’s toughest competition every season.

According to Vanquish the Foe’s Robby McCombs, BYU’s coaches have arranged to visit Goosby at his home tonight, wasting no time.

His recruitment remains open, as several major programs are chasing him as well. But BYU is now in a far stronger position than it ever would have been before. The next step will be waiting to see how things unfold.