UConn is gearing up for one of its biggest early-season tests so far, but Dan Hurley’s Huskies won’t be at their full strength just yet. With the game just a few hours away, where the No.3 team will lock horns with AJ Dybantsa and the No. 7 BYU Cougars, the Huskies’ head coach has delivered two crucial injury updates.

During a pregame media availability, Hurley revealed that one freshman will remain out of the games while another is making progress. He said, “Braylon (Mullins) obviously still out but recovering well, that next week I think will be a big week for him to ramp things up and field nicely.”

During a preseason practice, star freshman Mullins suffered from a devastating ankle injury that has sidelined him for approximately six weeks. Mullins entered Storrs with sky-high expectations. The McDonald’s All-American, Indiana Mr. Basketball, and No. 12 recruit in the 2025 class was just voted Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year.

In a Huskies’ mid-October exhibition against Boston College, he dropped 12 points. However, for his regular college season debut, fans would still have to wait, with the realistic return window opening considered around early December. But that’s not all, as another freshman has become game-to-game after missing out on all three games Dan Hurley’s team has played so far, due to a sprained ankle.

“Jacob Furphy has returned to live action,” Hurley added. “He heads for the I’d imagine potentially game time decision category, but we’re happy that he’s recovering and back in practice, live, full go, so we’ll see about that one.”

However, as the season moves forward, fans will be keeping their eyes on the Huskies to see who will win their first loss of the season.

What to Expect from the Game Ahead

While Dan Hurley-led UConn is already 3-0 this season, the Huskies face a real challenge Saturday night at TD Garden against No. 7 BYU and star freshman AJ Dybantsa. The Cougars come in averaging wins over Villanova and Delaware, led by Dybantsa, who is already projected to be one of the top three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, thanks to his 18.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. With him are sharpshooter Richie Saunders and dynamic transfer Robert Wright III, forming one of the most potent wing tandems in the country.

UConn’s defensive efficiency has been strong, but slowing Dybantsa and BYU’s transition game will be a major test. On the offensive side, the Huskies have the firepower to match, though shooters like Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. will need to be more aggressive for UConn to stay ahead.

With the Cougars also 3-0 so far, one of them would take home their first loss of the season. With the match just around the corner, who are you rooting for? Tell us in the comments!