BYU has added another big body to its frontcourt, reportedly landing Serbian center Petar Ostojic, according to Robby McCombs of Vanquish the Foe.
The 19-year-old stands seven feet tall and becomes the latest international player to join the Cougars under Kevin Young. He arrives with a background that runs through Serbia’s pro pipeline, including a short stop in the KK Mega Basket junior system, the same academy that produced players such as Nikola Jokic and Nikola Jovic. Ostojic later signed his first professional contract with FMP Beograd this past season.
His path last season was spread across three levels of Serbian basketball. Ostojic played in the KLS with KK Dynamic, the Adriatic Junior League with FMP’s junior team, and the ABA League in limited appearances with FMP’s senior squad. In 38 games across those three teams, he averaged 3.8 points and 2.6 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field.
The moment that really put him on the radar came at the U18 European Championship last summer. In Serbia’s 89-59 win over North Macedonia, Ostojic posted 25 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks.
He is now the second Serbian player to commit to BYU during the Kevin Young era. He also becomes the second Serbian Cougar to have played for KK Dynamic, the same club where former BYU big man Mihailo Boskovic spent two seasons.
For now, Ostojic looks set to give BYU depth behind Jaxon Kohler. Jakub Urbaniak will not be available for the Cougars this upcoming season because of eligibility concerns, and he is headed back to his former club, Gran Canaria, in Spain.
That leaves Khadim Mboup as the likely backup at center, though both Mboup and Ostojic could end up with larger roles depending on how the roster situation shakes out.
Kohler’s own status is the big variable. His fifth season of eligibility is still unresolved.
He has a preliminary injunction in California and is currently eligible to play, but that hearing is set for September 29. If the injunction is paused, his future with BYU could change.
Preliminary injunctions in Ohio, Tennessee and Georgia were paused over the past few weeks, which makes the California case especially important as the season nears.
So the picture is still fluid. Kohler could remain eligible and suit up for BYU this season, or the situation could swing the other way and leave the Cougars without him. Nothing is final yet, but the next couple of weeks could matter a lot.
If that hearing goes against Kohler, Ostojic’s role could grow well beyond a deep reserve spot. Like most international players making the jump to college basketball, he’ll have an adjustment period, but BYU may need him to be ready sooner rather than later.
Either way, the Cougars have added a young seven-footer with pro experience and room to grow. For a team trying to deepen and diversify its frontcourt, Ostojic gives Young and his staff another development piece to work with as they look ahead to the 2026-27 season.
In Other News...
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There is at least a timeline now, and it gives BYU some reason for patience. Poppinga indicated Damuni is aiming to get back after the bye week, with the possibility of returning for either TCU or Notre Dame, while Tommy Prassas has moved into a starting safety spot in the meantime. For a defense trying to stay steady with quarterback Noah Fifita on deck, the next stretch will say plenty about how well the Cougars can hold the line until one of their most important pieces is ready again. [Read more 🡒]
Treyson Bourguet Just Shared Why BYU Means More Than Football
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Bourguet, who said he is spiritual even though he is not a member of the sponsoring faith, spoke openly about football and BYU bringing him closer to Christ. He also pointed to the people around him, thanking teammates and coaches for creating an environment built around a shared desire to be disciples of Christ through football. For BYU, it is the kind of reminder that the programs pull often reaches well beyond the depth chart. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Frontcourt Plans Just Shifted At A Crucial Time
BYUs frontcourt picture took another turn this week when Jakub Urbaniak opted not to join the Cougars for the upcoming season, instead signing with CB Gran Canaria. The move arrives at a time when the roster is still coming together, even after BYU added Serbian big man Petar Ostojic, who is already on campus and is expected to be eligible.
The timing matters because Jaxon Kohlers eligibility is still unresolved, leaving some uncertainty around how the Cougars will sort out minutes and responsibilities inside. BYU also has one scholarship still open, and it could be saved for a mid-year international addition if the right fit emerges, giving the staff at least one more option as the frontcourt situation continues to evolve. [Read more 🡒]