Texas Tech’s football program has landed in the spotlight for reasons they’d rather not discuss. A gambling scandal involving their star quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, has thrown the team into disarray.
That shakeup has already hit their post-spring top 25 ranking pretty hard. The Red Raiders have slipped, and the outlook for their upcoming season is suddenly a lot less rosy.
This article takes a look at how things have changed for Texas Tech, and what it could mean for other teams as the 2026 season creeps closer.
Texas Tech’s Unexpected Setback
Texas Tech was set to make some noise this year, with Brendan Sorsby—one of the conference’s most productive quarterbacks—at the helm. Now, with the gambling scandal, it looks like they’ve lost their star.
Head coach Joey McGuire is left scrambling, trying to figure out a new plan and shuffle the depth chart. Not exactly the offseason anyone wanted.
The Impact of Losing Brendan Sorsby
Sorsby’s absence is a tough pill to swallow. He’d made a name for himself at Cincinnati before transferring, and folks expected him to change the game for Texas Tech.
Analytics still had the Red Raiders at No. 7, mostly because of their scoring potential. But as soon as the rankings factored in the human side of things, they dropped four spots—no surprise, really, when you lose a guy like that.
Big 12 Contenders: BYU and Utah
With Texas Tech suddenly looking shaky, the door’s wide open in the Big 12. BYU and Utah are circling, both ready to pounce.
Both teams have been trending up, and you get the feeling they’re eager to take advantage of Texas Tech’s stumble.
BYU’s Rising Fortunes
BYU’s been quietly building momentum for a while now. Their schedule works in their favor, and the roster’s loaded with experience.
That mix of veterans and opportunity could make them a real headache for the rest of the conference.
Utah’s Strong Position
Utah, meanwhile, just keeps chugging along as a perennial contender. Their defense is nasty, and the offense is balanced enough to punish mistakes.
If Texas Tech slips up, Utah’s not the type to let them off the hook.
Top Teams to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, a handful of teams are already drawing attention as possible title contenders. Spring practices have given us some hints about who’s ready to make a splash.
Texas: Loaded with Talent
The Texas Longhorns? Yeah, they’re stacked. Arch Manning and Cam Coleman lead an offense that could be downright explosive.
Will Muschamp joining as defensive play-caller only adds to the hype. Their Week 2 clash with Ohio State? That’s got “must-watch” written all over it.
Ohio State: Offensive Powerhouse
Ohio State is another team you can’t ignore. With Julian Sayin at QB and Jeremiah Smith out wide, the offense is loaded.
The defense, though, is in flux—they’ve got to replace eight starters yet again. That’s a tall order, even for the Buckeyes.
Oregon: Physical Dominance
Oregon’s defense looked mean all spring, racking up nine sacks in their spring game. Depth is a real strength for the Ducks.
They’ve got former five-star Dylan Raiola backing up Dante Moore at quarterback, which is a luxury most teams would kill for. Don’t be surprised if they’re in the title mix.
SEC Powerhouses: Georgia and Alabama
The SEC is still the toughest playground in college football. Georgia and Alabama remain the big dogs, each dealing with their own set of issues.
Georgia’s Quest for Another Title
Georgia’s got the pieces to win another SEC crown. But their pass rush isn’t quite what it used to be, and losing Auburn transfer Amaris Williams to injury hurts.
Still, it’s hard to bet against the Bulldogs—they always seem to find a way.
Alabama’s Rebuilding Efforts
Alabama’s in a bit of a rebuild, especially at receiver and linebacker. Even so, they landed the nation’s No. 2 transfer class and get superstar QB Trinidad Chambliss back.
There’s some uncertainty, but it’s Alabama. They’ll probably figure it out, right?
Teams on the Rise
Some teams are primed for a jump this season, thanks to solid recruiting and key transfers. Here are a few worth watching.
Notre Dame: Overcoming Criticism
Notre Dame took heat for skipping a bowl game after missing the CFP last December. But don’t sleep on their talent or coaching staff.
Their schedule looks manageable, and the Irish are in a good spot to make some noise.
Indiana: Defending Champions
Indiana shocked everyone last fall, taking home their first national title by beating Miami. Now they’re trying to see if a plug-and-play approach can work again.
TCU transfer Josh Hoover should put up numbers at quarterback, but that offensive line needs to come together if they want another Big Ten run.
Miami: Rebuilding the Offensive Line
Miami’s new quarterback, Darian Mensah, showed flashes in the spring. Their season probably hinges on how well the offensive line comes together.
There’s talent on both sides of the ball, so don’t count out another push toward the national championship game.
Conclusion
The 2026 college football season looks like it could be one for the books. Teams like Texas Tech might hit some bumps, while BYU, Utah, and Texas seem ready to make a statement.
The whole landscape feels more unpredictable than ever. Who knows which team will actually rise to the occasion?
If you’re hungry for rankings or want to dive even deeper, here’s the full article on CBS Sports.
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