**Title: The Future of Big 12 Football: Predictions for the 2026 Season**
We’re inching closer to the 2026 college football season, and honestly, speculation is everywhere. Fans and analysts are tossing out predictions for how the Big 12 Conference might shake out.
USA Today just dropped their take on the Big 12 standings, order of finish, and some individual awards for 2026. Let’s dig into those predictions and see what they might mean for the teams and players.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just checking in, this should give you a pretty solid look at where Big 12 football could be heading.
Big 12 Standings Predictions
USA Today thinks we’ll see some familiar teams at the top of the Big 12 in 2026. But, a few surprises might sneak in too.
The usual powerhouses land in the upper tier, while some up-and-coming teams look ready to shake things up.
Top Contenders
Here are the top contenders for the 2026 Big 12 title:
- Oklahoma Sooners: The Sooners have dominated the Big 12 for years, and honestly, nobody expects that to change next season. They’ve got a strong recruiting class and a coaching staff that knows what they’re doing. Most folks see them finishing at the top again.
- Texas Longhorns: Texas is right there with Oklahoma. With a stacked roster and smart strategies, they should be right in the mix for the title.
Emerging Teams
While the favorites look steady, a few teams could make real noise:
- Baylor Bears: Baylor’s been trending upward. Some say 2026 could be their breakout year. Their defense looks tough, and the offense has some spark.
- Iowa State Cyclones: Iowa State has momentum. They’ve got strong leadership and play as a real unit. People are watching to see if they can keep climbing.
Individual Awards Predictions
USA Today also dropped some guesses about who’ll snag the big individual awards. These picks spotlight the players expected to leave their mark in 2026.
Offensive Player of the Year
Most expect the Offensive Player of the Year to be:
- Quarterback from Oklahoma: This guy’s supposed to lead the Sooners with both talent and grit. If he lives up to the hype, Oklahoma’s offense will be tough to stop.
Defensive Player of the Year
For Defensive Player of the Year, the favorite is:
- Linebacker from Texas: He’s got a reputation for being relentless and smart on the field. Texas fans are counting on him to anchor the defense.
Freshman of the Year
As for Freshman of the Year, the prediction goes to:
- Running Back from Baylor: Word is, this kid’s got wheels. If he can adjust to the college game quickly, Baylor’s offense could get a real boost.
Implications for the 2026 Season
The 2026 Big 12 season could get interesting. For Oklahoma and Texas, staying on top means keeping up the intensity and making smart moves.
Baylor and Iowa State, on the other hand, need to ride their momentum and keep pushing forward. Nothing’s guaranteed, though.
Recruiting and Development
Recruiting and player development might tip the scales. Teams that bring in top talent and help them grow will have the edge.
Coaching Strategies
Coaching will matter—a lot. The coaches who read the room and adjust on the fly are the ones who’ll give their teams the best shot.
Conclusion
Looking ahead to the 2026 Big 12 football season, USA Today’s predictions offer a pretty intriguing sneak peek at what might unfold. The mix of established powerhouses and hungry up-and-comers makes the conference feel wide open this time.
Fans are in for a wild, competitive ride. If you want to dig into the details or see the full list, check out the USA Today predictions for the 2026 Big 12 season.
We’ll keep an eye on every twist and turn as the season approaches. Whether you’re gearing up for road trips in your RV or just planning to watch from your favorite chair, Big 12 football’s next chapter looks anything but dull.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
