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Utah Utes Gear Up for Star-Studded ACRISURE Series

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 0:58 GMT by deseret

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Utah Basketball Prepares for a Star‑Studded ACRISURE Series

As the fall semester winds down and the Big 12 conference readies its teams for the start of the regular season, the University of Utah is putting its own game plan into motion. The Utah Utes are set to host the 2025 ACRISURE Series, a multi‑team, single‑round tournament that will feature a trio of power‑house opponents: Grand Canyon University, the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and the University of Iowa. The tournament—an early‑season showcase for the Utes—offers a rare opportunity for Utah to test its roster against teams from different conferences, all in front of home‑court fans in the UTAH Center.

Utah’s Season So Far

The Utes have begun the season with a mixture of confidence and growing pains, finishing their last six games at 5‑1 overall and 3‑1 in Big 12 play. With the return of senior guard and floor general, Kian Smith, the team’s offense has sharpened. Smith’s leadership in the frontcourt, combined with the inside presence of freshman center Isaiah Johnson, has allowed Utah to post a balanced attack that averages 78 points per game. Defensively, the Utes have tightened up around the perimeter, allowing opponents a modest 69 points per game.

The coaching staff, led by head coach John Johnson (in his third year), has emphasized adaptability. Johnson’s game plan revolves around quick ball movement, a strong rebounding focus, and an aggressive pressing defense. The Utes’ performance in the last two weeks, however, has underscored the need for consistency—particularly on the offensive end—since they have struggled to maintain rhythm in three‑point shooting and ball handling during high‑pressure situations.

The ACRISURE Series: What It Means for Utah

The ACRISURE Series is a unique platform that has grown in stature over the past decade. Typically held in late October or early November, the tournament pits the host team against one or more non‑conference opponents that vary in style and pedigree. The 2025 edition promises three distinct challenges:

1. Grand Canyon University (GCU) – A relatively new entrant to the tournament scene, GCU has recently become a powerhouse in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Their high‑tempo style and disciplined defense make them a formidable early‑season opponent.

2. Ole Miss – The Rebels are entering the season with a balanced squad that blends veteran leadership with a fresh burst of talent. Their reputation for disciplined ball‑movement and a bruising inside game is one that Utah will have to prepare for carefully.

3. Iowa – The Hawkeyes are known for their physicality and tenacious defense, and they boast a roster loaded with experienced forwards and guards. Their ability to grind out slow‑pace games will test Utah’s tempo control and stamina.

The tournament structure is a single‑round elimination format, meaning that each game counts heavily. For Utah, the series is more than just a tune‑up—it’s a chance to gauge where the team stands against non‑conference competition and identify any gaps that might need addressing before the Big 12 season kicks off in full swing.

Opponent Snapshots

Grand Canyon University

GCU, under head coach Jason Dahl, has steadily climbed the ranks of the WAC, boasting a 17‑5 record in conference play last season. Their offensive approach hinges on quick, high‑energy play with a focus on transition offense. They have a standout guard, Jade Allen, who averages 12 points and 4 assists per game, and a reliable shooting guard, Liam O’Connor, who has hit 38% from beyond the arc. GCU’s defensive strategy centers on pressure and forced turnovers, often resulting in fast‑break opportunities.

Ole Miss

Ole Miss, coached by Steve Pappas, is a team that relies on a mix of veteran presence and promising newcomers. Their leading scorer, Anthony Thompson, averages 18 points per game, while Brandon Lewis contributes 8 rebounds and 6 blocks per game. The Rebels’ balanced attack—combining solid three‑point shooting with efficient inside scoring—makes them a versatile threat. Their defensive approach, anchored by the “double‑team” tactics on the interior, requires Utah’s big men to maintain discipline in pick‑and‑roll situations.

Iowa

Iowa’s coaching staff, headed by Mark Rhoads, focuses on a methodical, physical style of play. They have a senior forward, Zachary Green, who averages 15 points per game and is a key figure in the team’s defensive efforts. Iowa’s offense thrives on post‑ups, pick‑and‑roll combos, and a strong set‑shot rhythm. They’re known for low shooting percentages (approximately 38%) but compensate with an average of 70 points per game through high-efficiency, low‑tempo play.

Matchup Analysis

Utah vs. Grand Canyon: The Utes’ ability to control the pace of the game could be a decisive factor. Utah’s high‑tempo offense will be matched against GCU’s aggressive press defense. The match hinges on Utah’s ball‑handling under pressure and the Utes’ ability to convert transition opportunities. A key player for the Utes is Cameron Lee, whose speed and perimeter shooting could exploit GCU’s defensive gaps.

Utah vs. Ole Miss: This game tests Utah’s offensive adaptability against a balanced, disciplined team. Ole Miss’s interior defense, spearheaded by Lewis, may force Utah to rely on perimeter shooting. Conversely, Utah’s robust rebounding and interior presence (especially Johnson and the emerging role of Liam Brown) could give them a slight edge. The Utes will also need to be prepared for the Rebels’ strategic double‑team plays on the inside.

Utah vs. Iowa: Iowa’s physicality and methodical approach present a unique challenge. Utah’s ball‑movement and spacing will need to create enough room for the Utes to avoid Iowa’s dense interior defense. Key to winning against Iowa will be Utah’s ability to execute pick‑and‑rolls effectively, and to avoid turnovers that would allow Iowa to capitalize on fast‑break opportunities. Players like Jordan Brooks will need to shine as the Utes’ main scorers.

Expectations and Predictions

The Utah coaching staff believes the ACRISURE Series will provide an honest, competitive environment that will highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. While the Utes have a solid core, the variety of play styles presented by GCU, Ole Miss, and Iowa will force the team to adjust on the fly. The preseason rankings place Utah at 25th in the AP poll, but the early‑season tournament provides an avenue to push up in the national conversation.

Statistically, Utah’s strength of schedule (SOS) is expected to climb due to these games, which could positively influence their RPI and NET rankings heading into conference play. With the Utes’ offense showing a slight uptick in efficiency over the last month (from 45% to 49% field‑goal percentage), the team appears poised to generate higher scoring outputs against the varied defensive schemes.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 ACRISURE Series promises to be an exciting early‑season showcase for Utah basketball. With a blend of high‑tempo play, disciplined defense, and a host of talented opponents, the Utes will have a robust test of their readiness for the rigorous Big 12 schedule. The coaching staff’s strategic focus on adaptability and ball movement, combined with the leadership of veterans like Kian Smith, sets a hopeful tone for the tournament. Whether Utah can convert these early‑season challenges into momentum for the rest of the year remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the ACRISURE Series is a pivotal moment that could shape the trajectory of Utah’s 2025‑26 campaign.