This article originally appeared in the Resolutions print issue, in stands February 2026. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
A new year often brings optimism, new routines and new goals. For the Runnin’ Utes, the start of the year does not solve every challenge, but it does provide room for change.
The University of Utah knew there would be a challenge in joining the Big 12 Conference in 2024. This conference tests a program’s depth, toughness and consistency on every given night. Utah has proven it can compete, but as conference play continues, it is clear that competing and winning are not the same in this conference.
The effort is evident, but results have not always followed. This leads to frustration, especially as close games slip away in the final moments. As the season enters a new year, Utah needs more than patience to achieve growth.
The Big 12 grind is legit
There are no real easy games in the Big 12. Even matchups that can appear to be manageable on the stat sheet become competitive. Utah has experienced that firsthand this season.
The Utes have remained competitive against strong teams this season, like BYU and Texas Tech, but maintaining that level for a full game, every game, has been the challenge. Depth and experience are crucial in this conference. Utah must prioritize developing players who can take control late in games when it matters most.
When fatigue sets in and shots are missed, Big 12 teams capitalize on mistakes. A missed rotation leads to an open three, and a rushed possession results in a fast break. Suddenly, a close game slips away. Effort is not the issue. Utah plays hard, but needs the personnel to keep pace when the tempo remains high. This is the reality of the conference, and Utah is still adapting.
In his first year as head coach for the Runnin’ Utes, Alex Jensen has provided stability. The team is more organized this season, defensive communication has improved and key players are starting to understand their roles. These improvements are significant, especially in a season where the win-loss record does not reflect the full story. Utah appears more connected this season than last year, which is meaningful progress.
However, the structure has its limits. The Big 12 quickly exposes teams with limited depth, making Jensen’s challenge extend beyond strategy. Building a competitive team in this conference requires not only time but major support. The foundation is established, but now it requires reinforcement from the university.
A plan for the program
The new year is an opportunity for honest reflection. For Utah basketball, the resolution is straightforward but demanding. Backing the program has to go beyond words. In today’s environment, NIL support plays a major role in retaining players and attracting new ones. Utah doesn’t need to chase the biggest numbers in the conference, but it does need to stay competitive in it.
Roster continuity matters. Keeping players from transferring out every off-season matters. Building chemistry matters. This requires a strong backing from university donors and the broader support network. Clear direction and transparency are essential for building trust, especially with recruits considering multiple options.
Jon M. Huntsman Center should be an asset again, as it once was. It has the space, the location and the potential. What it needs is consistency. Home-court energy can influence outcomes. When the arena is loud, defensive stops feel more significant and momentum shifts quickly. When it is quiet, Big 12 opponents remain unfazed.
Utah’s players respond to crowd energy, which is evident in their body language and confidence. While a strong crowd does not guarantee victory, it can narrow the margin, which is significant in this conference. The resolution for fans is simple: show up, stay engaged and treat conference games like they mean something, because they do. This league doesn’t give away freebies, especially at home.
Where it goes from here
Utah is not broken; it is simply early in a challenging transition.
The Big 12 does not allow for slow rebuilding, but it rewards programs that are fully committed. Coaching, resources, and fan support all influence the pace of progress.
As the new year begins, Utah Basketball has a chance to reset expectations without lowering its standards. The effort is there. The structure is there. What comes next? That depends on how much support surrounds it.
In this conference, improvement is only the first step. Commitment is what leads to wins.
