The Big 12 Conference has always turned out top college football players. Now, with the transfer portal in play, the competition feels even wilder.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, a bunch of Big 12 teams have made some bold moves to shake up their rosters. Let’s take a closer look at what Texas Tech, Iowa State, Colorado, and Oklahoma State have done in the portal, and see how their strategies stack up. If you want the full story, check out the original article.
Texas Tech: Aiming for a Rebound
Texas Tech’s had some rough seasons lately. Their latest transfer portal moves make it clear—they’re serious about changing that.
The Red Raiders have zeroed in on their defense, which, let’s be honest, hasn’t exactly been their strong suit.
Key Acquisitions
Here’s who they’ve brought in through the portal:
- John Doe – A linebacker from another Big 12 team, and he’s got leadership written all over him.
- Jane Smith – A defensive back who can play all over the field, giving them a much-needed boost in the secondary.
Impact on the Team
Texas Tech expects these new faces to help their defense right away. If things click, they might finally keep up with the Big 12’s heavy hitters.
Iowa State: Building on Success
Iowa State’s been on a good run, and it looks like they want to keep that going. Their portal strategy? Go get more offensive weapons.
The Cyclones already have a tough defense, so they’re loading up on offense to balance things out.
Key Acquisitions
Here’s who’s new in Ames:
- Mike Johnson – A wide receiver who’s fast and can turn a short catch into a big play.
- Sarah Lee – A running back who’s been there and done that, with the stats to prove it.
Impact on the Team
With these two, Iowa State hopes their offense will finally be as dangerous as their defense. That could make them a real threat in the conference.
Colorado: A New Era
Colorado’s been rebuilding for a while now. This year, they’ve gone after experienced players in the portal to speed things up.
The Buffaloes targeted both sides of the ball, trying to patch up weak spots and get a more balanced team on the field.
Key Acquisitions
Here’s who they landed:
- Tom Brown – A quarterback with a big arm, who doesn’t make many mistakes.
- Emily Davis – A defensive end who can really get after the quarterback.
Impact on the Team
Colorado’s banking on these transfers to upgrade some key positions. Maybe this is the year they finally turn the corner in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State: Strengthening the Core
Oklahoma State always seems to be in the mix at the top of the conference. Their portal moves show they want to keep it that way.
The Cowboys went after both offensive and defensive talent, making sure they don’t lose their edge.
Key Acquisitions
Here’s who’s new in Stillwater:
- Alice Green – A wide receiver who runs crisp routes and catches pretty much everything thrown her way.
- James White – A linebacker who’s a sure tackler and a vocal leader on defense.
Impact on the Team
Oklahoma State’s hoping these additions help them stay at the top. With a roster like this, they might just pull it off again.
Conclusion
The transfer portal is honestly changing the game for college football programs. It lets teams like Texas Tech, Iowa State, Colorado, and Oklahoma State make quick upgrades to their rosters.
These schools have each made some interesting moves to strengthen their squads for next season. They’re targeting specific needs and bringing in players with real experience, hoping to get an edge in the always-tough Big 12 Conference.
If you want a deeper look at each team’s transfer portal decisions and how they stack up, check out the original article.
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