In an exciting turn of events, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars and the University of Utah Utes are set to reignite their historic basketball rivalry as both teams find themselves in the newly formed Big 12 Conference. This comes after a series of conference realignments and shifting allegiances that have kept the two teams apart for over a decade.

The journey to this much-anticipated reunion has been quite convoluted. Back in July 1, 2011, both programs bid farewell to their former conference, the Mountain West Conference. BYU moved on to join the West Coast Conference (WCC), while Utah secured a spot in the prestigious Pac-12. However, the tides of change once again swept through college athletics, and on July 1, 2023, both teams found themselves accepting invitations into the Big 12.

The upcoming reunion holds great significance for fans, players, and recruiters alike. While the basketball rivalry may not hold the same magnitude as its football counterpart, the games between the Cougars and the Utes still carry weight in terms of bragging rights, recruiting opportunities, and conference standings. With the potential for a home-and-home series during the regular season, and even a third meeting in the conference tournament, fans can look forward to witnessing some thrilling basketball matchups.

Interestingly, outside of conference affiliation, organizing games between these two rivals has proven challenging. Factors such as the relationships between administrators and coaches, the quality of teams, and even the venues have played a significant role. For instance, when BYU joined the Big 12, their longtime rivalry with Utah State dissipated, as it no longer made sense for the Cougars to play in Logan's formidable Smith Spectrum. Similarly, Utah had not ventured to Provo's Marriott Center since 2014. However, with the merger into the Big 12, the terms and conditions of the BYU-Utah series will be dictated by the conference, ensuring that this storied rivalry is protected and promoted.

As the teams gear up for their 264th overall meeting on Saturday, excitement levels are at an all-time high. The Cougars currently hold a slight edge in their head-to-head matchups, leading the series against Utah 134-129, with victories in 12 of the last 16 contests. Adding to the anticipation is the fact that BYU finds itself atop the NET rankings for the first time in program history. This milestone comes as a testament to the team's prowess, even during the years when RPI was used to determine NCAA Tournament teams.

While player turnover may introduce new faces to the rivalry, fans can rest assured that the passion and intensity will remain unchanged. Only a select few players, such as Utah's Branden Carlson and BYU's Spencer Johnson, Trevin Knell, and Fousseyni Traore, have experienced the thrill of competing in this rivalry before. However, injuries cast doubt on the availability of some of these key players for Saturday's game.

As the final blast of the Pac-12 vs. Big 12 era approaches, Saturday's game marks the end of a prolonged separation for both programs. It signifies the dawn of a new chapter as the BYU-Utah rivalry is set to be restored to its rightful place as one of college basketball's most storied rivalries. Fans on both sides eagerly await the showdown at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake, ready to witness the clash of two basketball powerhouses in this long-awaited reunion.