BYU going all-in for 2026 national title with reportedly massive NIL spending spree

Kevin Young’s BYU Cougars quickly emerged as the favorites for Robert Wright III after the talented point guard entered the transfer portal, and there are reportedly over three million reasons for the Baylor transfer to head out to Provo for his sophomore season. 

As with most NIL dealings, it’s nearly impossible to confirm what the player will actually be paid by the school and through endorsements, but rumors have swirled about BYU extending a $3.5 million offer to Wright. He was a player that Scott Drew expected to keep at Baylor, but the Cougars are shifting the balance of power in the Big 12 with their deep pockets and going all-in on next season with this massive spending spree. 

Baylor transfer Robert Wright III commits to BYU

If the $3.5-3.8 million number is correct for Wright, he still won’t be the highest-paid player on the roster. BYU has already spent big on 2025 five-star AJ Dybantsa, who was the top player in the high school class into a recent rankings update by 247Sports that dropped him to No. 2. Dybantsa is still the highest-rated recruit to ever head to BYU, as the big-money program begins to thrive in the NIL era. 

Wright, who averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 assists in Waco while sharing a backcourt with fellow freshman VJ Edgecombe, will pair nicely with Dybantsa and returning star Richie Saunders in Young’s wide-open NBA-style offensive system. Wright is more of a slasher than a shooter, so he’ll thrive with the space that Young is able to create by surrounding him with shooting. 

Point guard may have been the major missing piece for the Cougars with Egor Demin heading to the NBA following his fantastic freshman year in Provo. The arrival of Dybantsa, a surefire one-and-done player, seems to be creating a sense of urgency to spend big and win-it-all next season.