BYU’s veteran leader propelling Sweet 16 run

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 12:24 PM ET

At 26 years old, Trevin Knell has defied expectations, playing a pivotal role for BYU as they advance to the Sweet 16 of March Madness. As the oldest player in all of Division I college basketball, Knell’s journey from taking a two-year mission trip in Uruguay to dominating on the court has captivated BYU fans.

Knell’s road to BYU was anything but conventional. After high school, he took a two-year break to serve a Mormon mission, making his return to the game later than most players. Then, just as he was gearing up for his first full season, a shoulder injury forced him to medically redshirt in 2022-23, adding even more years to his already extensive basketball journey. His persistence and love for the game have kept him in the mix, and this season, he’s shown why his experience is invaluable to the Cougars.

Meet Trevin Knell.

At 26 years old, he's not just the oldest player in March Madness. He's also the oldest player in all Division I college basketball.

And the BYU guard is also 5 months older than Luka Dončić, who's in his 7th NBA season.

After high school, Knell took 2 years… pic.twitter.com/0UrRUaUJeW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 25, 2025

At 26, Knell’s leadership on the floor is undeniable. With averages of 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, he’s been a reliable scoring option for BYU. His 47.9% shooting efficiency demonstrates his consistency, and his calm demeanor under pressure has made him a key figure in pivotal moments, like scoring 14 points in the Cougars’ second-round victory over 3-seed Wisconsin.

What makes Knell’s story even more fascinating is that he’s older than current NBA stars like Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, and LaMelo Ball. Yet, instead of fading out, he’s thriving. His experience has been invaluable to BYU’s Sweet 16 run, reminding fans that age is just a number when you have the drive and passion to succeed.

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Trevin Knell has shown that no matter the odds or the timeline, hard work and determination will always pay off. His story isn’t just about being the oldest player in March Madness—it’s about the heart and grit that make him an indispensable part of BYU’s journey. Now, with the Sweet 16 on the horizon, Knell is proving that a seasoned player can still make a huge impact when it counts most.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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