The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for what could be a wild 2026 season. Plenty of teams are making moves, and some big names are coming back into the mix.
USA Today put out its predictions for how the Big 12 will shake out, including standings, order of finish, and potential award winners. The analysis gives a sneak peek at what might unfold, spotlighting teams and players who could really shake things up. Curious about what’s coming? Let’s dig in.
Texas Tech: A Contender Despite Key Absences
Texas Tech is still in the conversation as a top Big 12 threat, even without Brendan Sorsby. The Red Raiders’ backfield is stacked with Cameron Dickey, J’Koby Williams, and Quinten Joyner.
They lost some important defenders, sure, but they’ve also brought in transfers like Trey White from San Diego State, Adam Trick from Miami (Ohio), and Mateen Ibirogba from Wake Forest. Linebacker Austin Romaine from Kansas State also joins the crew, bringing a bit more grit.
Offensive Strengths
This offense could be something to watch. A mix of seasoned runners and fresh faces should keep things unpredictable and lively.
Defensive Rebuild
Defensively, it’s a patchwork—lots of new faces, lots of hope. How quickly they mesh will probably make or break the season.
BYU: Aiming for the Title
BYU’s been on a tear, going 23-4 over two seasons. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is back after a strong freshman year, and he’ll try to push the Cougars toward a Big 12 title and maybe even the College Football Playoff.
Seven defensive starters return, so there’s some real continuity on that side of the ball.
Key Players
- Bear Bachmeier: Back for more, and the hype is real.
- LJ Martin: Last year’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, racking up 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. That’s not nothing.
Defensive Stability
With so many starters back, BYU’s defense should stay tough. That could be the edge they need.
Utah: Transition and Challenges
Utah’s in a bit of a transition. Morgan Scalley steps in as head coach, taking over for Kyle Whittingham, who’s off to Michigan.
Only three defensive starters return, so there are holes to fill. On offense, quarterbacks Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin are back, which should help steady things.
Offensive Prospects
With experienced quarterbacks, the offense could be decent. Adjusting to a new coaching style, though? Never easy.
Defensive Rebuilding
The defense is pretty much starting over. They’ll need new faces to step up fast.
Houston: On the Rise
Houston’s trending up after a big leap last season under Willie Fritz. Quarterback Conner Weigman returns, and some key transfers have joined him—running back Makhi Hughes from Oregon, tight end Patrick Overmyer from UTSA, and guard Shadre Hurst from Tulane.
Key Additions
- Makhi Hughes: Brings speed and energy from Oregon.
- Patrick Overmyer: Adds versatility at tight end.
- Shadre Hurst: Should shore up the line.
Early Test
September’s matchup with Texas Tech? That’ll be a real measuring stick for Houston.
Arizona: Building Momentum
Arizona’s making some noise under Brent Brennan, coming off a 9-4 finish. The defense gets a boost with end Tre Smith back from injury, plus linebackers Chase Kennedy and Taye Brown.
Quarterback Noah Fifita returns too, after tossing for 3,228 yards and 29 touchdowns. Not bad at all.
Defensive Strength
With key defenders healthy and back in action, Arizona’s D could be tough to crack.
Offensive Leadership
Noah Fifita gives the Wildcats a steady hand at quarterback. That’s one less thing to worry about.
TCU: Facing Uncertainty
TCU’s won nine games two years in a row, but things feel a little shaky now. The big question is at quarterback—Jaden Craig steps in for Josh Hoover, who’s off to Indiana.
Craig played at Harvard last year, putting up 2,869 yards and 25 touchdowns in 11 games. Now he gets the Big 12 spotlight.
Quarterback Transition
How will Craig handle the jump to TCU’s system? That’s anyone’s guess, but it’ll be interesting to watch.
Team Dynamics
Integrating new faces and figuring out chemistry will be key for TCU. Sometimes that’s easier said than done.
Kansas State: New Leadership
Kansas State’s got a new boss—Collin Klein takes over after Chris Klieman retired. The O-line is almost all new, with four fresh starters, and only two defenders return.
Offensive Line Challenges
Getting the line up to speed is priority number one. The run game and quarterback protection depend on it.
Defensive Rebuilding
With just two returning defensive starters, there’s a lot of work to do on that side of the ball.
Arizona State: Rebuilding Phase
Arizona State is in full rebuild mode, with only two starters back from last year. They lost quarterback Sam Leavitt to LSU, and now Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley is set to take over.
Boley played 15 games with 11 starts for the Wildcats, so he’s got some experience under his belt.
Quarterback Transition
Boley’s adjustment to the new system will be a big storyline. There’s no sugarcoating it—he’s got a lot on his plate.
Team Rebuilding
Arizona State’s going to need new faces to step up all over if they want to stay competitive.
Oklahoma State: A Fresh Start
Oklahoma State is looking for a reset after a rough 1-11 campaign. Eric Morris comes in from North Texas as the new head coach, bringing a whopping 80 new players with him.
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker is one to watch—he threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns at North Texas last year. That’s a lot of firepower.
Key Additions
- Drew Mestemaker: New face at quarterback, and he’s got the stats to prove himself.
Team Rebuilding
With a bunch of new faces joining the roster, Oklahoma State’s got its work cut out. They’ll need to figure out team chemistry fast if they want to get back on track next season.
If you’re curious for more predictions or just want to see what the experts are saying, check out the full article at USA Today’s Big 12 predictions.
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