2026 Big 12 Football Season Preview
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Welcome to the first-ever Big 12 season preview from Underdog Dynasty.
Our site has traditionally covered the former American Conference teams Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF, which joined the Big 12 in 2023. However, only seven of the 16 Big 12 teams currently have active SB Nation sites. With Underdog Dynasty serving as SB Nation’s home for “rest of the FBS” content, we’re taking the liberty of diving deeper into Big 12 coverage throughout this 2026 season.
After all, the conference needs more national coverage. Look no further than BYU’s inability to enter College Football Playoff conversations despite a 23-4 record over the past two seasons. And look no further the preseason polls: all five Big 12 teams that finished ranked last season are lower in the 2026 preseason AP Poll than they were in the final 2025 AP Poll.
- Texas Tech fell from No. 7 to No. 12
- BYU fell from No. 11 to No. 14
- Utah fell from No. 14 to No. 21
- Houston fell from No. 22 to No. 23
- TCU fell from No. 25 to unranked
Those drops can’t even be attributed to massive roster turnover. Texas Tech returns 13 starters and seven All-Big 12 selections. BYU returns 13 starters, four All-Big 12 selections, and its starting quarterback. Houston returns 12 starters, two All-Big 12 selections, and its starting quarterback. Utah and TCU experienced more turnover, but the Utes return an effective backfield in the QB-RB combo of Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker, while TCU brings back one the conference’s top defensive lines.
Anyway, the relatively new 16-team iteration of the Big 12 is shaping up for another intriguing season — this time, seeking multiple playoff bids for the first time ever. Reigning champion Texas Tech enters as the favorite, but parity remains the theme of this conference, which has seen six different teams lift the trophy in the past six seasons.
Here’s a team-by-team look at the Big 12 entering the 2026 season:
Arizona Wildcats
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big 12
2025 postseason: lost to SMU in Holiday Bowl, 24-19
Arizona joined the Big 12 coming off the high of a 10-3 season and a No. 11 finish in the AP Poll. After a nightmare 4-8 debut in 2024, the Wildcats bounced back to 9-4 last season, finishing just outside the rankings after a Holiday Bowl loss.
First Team All-Big 12 quarterback Noah Fifita returns for his fourth season as a starter after posting career-highs in passing yards (3,228), passing touchdowns (29), and rushing yards (216), while tossing only six interceptions. The program’s all-time passing leader will be supported by a deep running back room featuring Kedrick Reescano, Quincy Craig, and Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts, along with the possible return of leading rusher Ismail Mahdi, whose eligibility has been impacted by the Wisne v. NCAA ruling.
Arizona also presents depth at wide receiver with Tre Spivey, Chris Hunter, and Gio Richardson, who finished third, fourth, and fifth in receiving yards, respectively, and the Wildcats added transfers DJ Jordan (USC), Jordan Ross (Colorado State), and Rodney Gallagher (West Virginia) to complement the returning trio. However, Fifita is looking for one to emerge as a true WR1. The Wildcats’ offense was overall effective overall because of its skill position talent, but if there is one area that needs improvement, it’s the offensive line which surrendered 2.4 sacks per game (tied for 104th in the FBS).
Still, the best position group on Arizona’s 2025 roster wasn’t on offense. Rather, it was a defensive backfield which produced three NFL Draft selections in Treydan Stukes, Genesis Smith, and Dalton Johnson. With pro-level talent roaming the secondary, Arizona ranked seventh nationally in both passing yards allowed and opponent completion percentage. The Wildcats will rebuild that unit around cornerback Jay’Vion Cole (4 interceptions in 2025) and a horde of experienced transfers including Dwight Bootle (Charlotte), Malcolm Hartzog (Nebraska), Daylen Austin (Oregon), and Lee Molette III (UConn).
Arizona was also reasonably stout against the run, allowing the Wildcats to finish 19th nationally in total defense. Middle linebacker Taye Brown returns after recording 93 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, while outside linebacker Chase Kennedy remains in Tucson after producing 8.0 tackles for loss and a team-high 4.0 sacks.
Arizona State Sun Devils
2025 record: 8-5, 6-3 Big 12
2025 postseason: lost to Duke in Sun Bowl, 42-39
Arizona State learned the hard way in 2025 that it’s easier to climb the mountain than remain on top. The 2024 Big 12 champions entered last year as preseason favorites, and while 8-5 wasn’t a bad season, the program’s aspirations were clearly higher. The Sun Devils were also hampered by injuries, as key playmakers including quarterback Sam Leavitt, running back Kyson Brown, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and defensive back Xavion Alford all missed at least six games.
The Sun Devils must replace 10 primary offensive starters, including Leavitt at quarterback. Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley and former UCF and Fresno State starter Mikey Keene are candidates for the role, with Boley as the projected favorite. The 6’5”, 220 pound Boley threw for 2,160 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last year as the Wildcats’ QB1.
The most significant loss on offense is NFL first-round pick Jordyn Tyson. Arizona State utilized the portal to replace the No. 8 overall selection, landing Omarion Miller (Colorado), Reed Harris (Boston College), and Raiden Vines-Bright (Washington). All three were productive at their previous stops, especially Miller who earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors after posting 808 yards and eight touchdowns with the Buffaloes. His explosiveness (19.1 yards per catch in his career) and reliability will be essential to improving a Sun Devil offense that finished 120th in third down conversion rate and 121st in red zone touchdown rate.
Arizona State’s defense was remarkably consistent in 2025, holding 11 of 13 opponents to 24 points or fewer. The unit undergoes a significant reset after losing all but two starters. Still, returning defensive tackle C.J. Fite is one of the most experienced players in the entire country. The 6’2”, 310 pound senior has been a fixture on the interior since 2023, contributing 74 tackles and 12.0 tackles for loss over his career, while racking up a 2024 All-Big 12 nod.
Fite and free safety Adrian Wilson are the veterans on defense, but Dillingham added a strong transfer class. Reigning FBS tackles leader Owen Long (Colorado State) assumes the middle linebacker role, Jalen Thompson (Michigan State) aims to lead the pass rush after the Sun Devils lost their top three sack leaders, and Lyrik Rawls (Kansas) brings 73 tackles and seven pass breakups from his 2025 season on another Big 12 campus.
Baylor Bears
2025 record: 5-7, 3-6 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
It’s no secret that 2026 is a make-or-break year for Dave Aranda, who has yet to produce consecutive winning seasons in six years at Baylor. The Bears dropped from 8-5 to 5-7 last fall, crumbling down the stretch by losing five of their last six — with the majority of them by at least 21 points.
Baylor’s problem wasn’t the inability to move the ball. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson ranked second in the FBS in passing yards and touchdowns. But the Bears introduce a new QB in DJ Lagway to replace the graduated senior. Lagway entered 2025 as a Heisman hopeful at Florida, fresh off a promising finish to the 2024 campaign. However, he threw 16 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and now eyes a resurgent season in Waco. Limiting interceptions will be critical after Baylor produced the second-worst turnover margin in the FBS last season at a -13.
Right tackle Kaden Sieracki is the only returning starter on Baylor’s offense, meaning the team must replace a productive group of wide receivers and First Team All-Big 12 tight end Michael Trigg. Newcomers include Oklahoma State wide receiver Gavin Freeman, Colorado wide receiver Dre’lon Miller, and Florida tight end Tony Livingston who reunites with his former quarterback. The new-look offensive line also features significant turnover. Amidst all the change, one familiar face is running back Dawson Pendergrass, a 671-yard rusher in 2024 who returns after missing the entire 2025 season with a foot injury.
Despite regularly turning the ball over, Baylor’s offense was potent enough to attain bowl eligbility. The defense, however, was not. The Bears allowed more than 40 points in five of their 12 contests, ranking 122nd nationally in points allowed per game. The primary struggle came up front, as Baylor allowed 197 rushing yards per game (122nd in FBS) and only produced 1.0 sacks per game (132nd in FBS). Those shortcomings were addressed with the hire of defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman, who held the same role at Kansas State from 2020-25.
Klanderman will implement more four-man fronts into Baylor’s defense, potentially sparking the pass rush. Indiana transfer defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler (149 career tackles) should command plenty of attention in the middle, while new edge rushers Garrick Ponder (Southern Miss) and Ryan Davis (Kansas State) aim to apply pressure. Of the returning defenders, All-Big 12 honorable mention cornerback LeVar Thornton Jr. is the name to watch after breaking up seven passes in 2025.
BYU Cougars
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
2025 postseason: lost to Texas Tech in Big 12 Championship, 34-7; defeated Georgia Tech in Pop-Tarts Bowl, 25-21
BYU’s adjustment from the independent life to the Big 12 couldn’t have gone more swimmingly. The Cougars are 23-4 over the past two seasons, checking in at No. 13 and No. 11 in the final AP rankings. Despite that run of success, BYU hasn’t qualified for the College Football Playoff — or even been the first team out. Last season, the Cougars defeated 11-2 Utah, 9-4 TCU, 9-4 Arizona, 9-4 East Carolina, 8-4 Iowa State, and 7-6 Cincinnati. Both losses came against CFP No. 4 seed Texas Tech. Yet, no dice.
This year, BYU enters with even loftier expectations after retaining head coach Kalani Sitake and 13 starters — five on offense and eight on defense. One returning starter is Bear Bachmeier, who guided the team to 12 wins as a true freshman. Bachmeier should see improvement with a year of experience under his belt after throwing for 3,033 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 64.9 completion rate.
Bachmeier was effective enough, but what really made BYU’s offense click was its line play. The Cougars ranked 12th nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game, and the trenches return First Team All-Big 12 center Bruce Mitchell and offensive tackle Andrew Gentry. Those two also paved the way for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin to post 1,305 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and he’ll enter 2026 as one of the conference’s premier Heisman contenders.
BYU also exhibited an effective defense that ranked 19th in the FBS in points allowed per game. The Cougars surrendered more than 27 points only twice — 29 in their first loss to Texas Tech and 34 in their second. The good news in Provo is that eight of 11 starters return from the respectable unit, with all-conference caliber talent manning every level.
Senior defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa is the star of the line. Isaiah Glasker leads the linebacking corps after recording 67 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions last fall. Cornerback Evan Johnson and strong safety Faletau Satuala are the ringleaders of a secondary that helped produce 17 interceptions in 2025 — tied for the ninth-most in the country. The defense is primarily comprised of incumbents, but Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave enters as a worthy Jack Kelly replacement.
Cincinnati Bearcats
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big 12
2025 postseason: lost to SMU in Holiday Bowl, 24-19
Cincinnati hasn’t quite replicated its success from the early 2020s, but the Bearcats are slowly and steadily making the climb back. After a 3-9 Big 12 debut season in 2023, Cincinnati has improved by two wins each season, finally reaching bowl eligiblity at 7-6 in 2025. But the Bearcats need to finish stronger. The last two seasons featured 5-2 and 7-1 starts, yet both concluded with five-game losing streaks.
Year four of the Scott Satterfield area features many moving parts, but the Bearcats’ most stable position group is arguably the most important. Cincinnati fields one of the best offensive lines in the country, headlined by AP All-American guard Evan Tengesdahl, All-Big 12 offensive tackle Joe Cotton, and veteran guard-turned-center Taran Tyo. These starters led an offensive line that allowed the second-fewest sacks in the FBS at eight last season (only Army allowed fewer). Also, the line paved the way for a ground attack that averaged 5.69 yards per carry, good for third-best in the FBS. Even with that personnel, the Bearcats didn’t run quite enough in 2025 and finished dead-last in time of possession.
Cincinnati must shuffle the skill position pieces behind its capable offensive line. Georgia Southern’s all-time leading passer JC French IV replaces Brendan Sorsby at quarterback after a season in which he threw for 2,929 passing yards, rushed for 315, and accounted for 26 total touchdowns. A dominant running back room loses its top three ball carriers but retains redshirt freshman Zion Johnson and adds veteran Louisiana transfer Zylan Perry. The receiving corps also reloads with a slew of former FCS stars, including JV Gibson, Malachi Henry, and Larenzo Fenner.
The Bearcats introduce a new defensive coordinator in Nate Woody, who brings his East Coast 3-4 scheme from Army. The new scheme transitions longtime safety Antwan Peek Jr. into an outside linebacker, moving him closer to the line of scrimmage this fall. Woody’s mission is to improve a run defense which ranked 107th a year ago while doing so with nine new starters.
The back end gets an overhaul with heavy influence from the MAC. Cornerback Jacob Finley and safety Jasper Beeler arrive from Northern Illinois, while another safety, MJ Cannon, transfers from Bowling Green. While the Bearcats generated plenty of stops through the air last year, they didn’t force enough turnovers — only picking off a mere two passes all season.
Colorado Buffaloes
2025 record: 3-9, 1-8 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
Deion Sanders prepares for his fourth season in Boulder, and the first three featured significant volatility. The Buffaloes skyrocketed from 4-8 to 9-4 between Coach Prime’s first two years at the helm. But after losing quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Colorado plummeted to 3-9, generating one Big 12 victory over Iowa State last season.
Colorado will be as reliant on transfers as any team in the Big 12, with the possible exception of Iowa State. The Buffaloes do retain quarterback Julian Lewis, who showed promise in two starts at the tail-end of 2025. Lewis produced 589 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He took 11 sacks in those two starts and should demonstrate greater pocket awareness with increased experience. The new-look offensive line must also improve its protection after surrendering 3.2 sacks per game (125th in FBS).
The Buffaloes’ strongest position group is wide receiver. They retain their second-leading receiver in Joseph Williams, who totaled 489 yards, while adding the FBS’s reigning receiving leader Danny Scudero, who totaled 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns on 88 catches at San Jose State. Texas transfer DeAndre Moore Jr., former Miami (OH) deep threat Kam Perry (who averaged 22.7 per catch in 2025), and incumbent tight end Zach Atkins give Lewis plenty of viable options to attack the field vertically.
Defensively, Colorado struggled by allowing 30.5 points per game and 426 yards per game, primarily attributed to the second-worst run defense in the nation. Only Eastern Michigan allowed more than 222.5 rushing yards per game. But last year is last year, and Colorado returns almost no personnel from its defensive front. Tulane transfer Santana Hopper and San Jose State transfer Vili Taufatofua lead a revamped defense line, while former Bowling Green linebacker Gideon ESPN Lampron brings 119 tackles and 17.5 tackles for loss to the linebacking corps.
The secondary reloads with a mix of experience and untapped potential. New Mexico State standout free safety Naeten Mitchell fits the former category, while redshirt freshman cornerback Cree Thomas represents the latter after playing three games for Notre Dame in 2025.
Houston Cougars
2025 record: 10-3, 6-3 Big 12
2025 postseason: defeated LSU in Texas Bowl, 38-35
Houston was 2025’s rapid ascender. The Cougars finally acclimated to Big 12 life in the second year of Willie Fritz’s tenure, drastically improving from 4-8 to 10-3, sweetened by a Texas Bowl victory over LSU and a No. 22 finish in the AP Poll. Houston produced an FBS-best 6-0 road record and dominated close games, finishing 6-1 in contests decided by eight points or fewer.
The Cougars are no longer sneaking up on anyone. They return a bulk of last year’s talent, including quarterback Conner Weigman. The Texas Bowl MVP enjoyed a healthy, resurgent season in his hometown, throwing for 2,705 yards and showcasing his mobility with six 80+ yard performances and three outings of at least 110 yards. Weigman established a strong rapport with First Team All-Big 12 wide receiver Amare Thomas, who generated 966 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking second and first in the conference, respectively.
That duo remains dangerous, but the offense received additional boosts from the transfer portal. Houston added two former Fritz recruits from Tulane in running back Makhi Hughes and guard Shadre Hurst — both two-time First Team All-American Conference selections. Hurst, one of the top guards in the country, leads an offensive line which features three transfers on the starting five, looking to sustain last year’s success in protecting the quarterback. The greatest challenge on offense is replacing Big 12 receptions leader Tanner Koziol, but UTSA tight end Patrick Overmyer arrives to fill the vacancy.
Defensively, the Cougars return starting talent at every level, from edge rusher Brandon Mack II to defensive tackle Khalil Laufau to inside linebacker Sione Fotu to defensive backs Will James (Second Team All-Big 12), Kentrell Webb, and Jordan Allen. Houston was reasonably stout on defense last season, holding more than half its Big 12 opponents to 24 points or fewer.
One key defensive change this year is the size of the defensive line, which increases sharply after the additions of Ashton Porter (Oregon), Ejiro Egodogbare (Yale), and De’Marion Thomas (Oklahoma State). Other newcomers who could play massive roles in boosting the Cougars from 10-3 to Big 12 conteders include FCS All-American cornerback Jalen Mayo and former Marshall and Ole Miss starting linebacker Jaden Yates, who recorded 175 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss since in the past two seasons.
Iowa State Cyclones
2025 record: 8-4, 5-4 Big 12
2025 postseason: opted out
There are two teams in the country that return zero primary starters from 2025. Iowa State is one of them, as the Cyclones watched their team leave en masse for Happy Valley, following former head coach Matt Campbell. Jimmy Rogers arrives after one year at Washington State, looking to sustain this golden age of Iowa State football — an era that includes eight winning seasons in nine years and the program’s first 11-win campaign in history in 2024.
There is some continuity from the prior regime as Campbell’s former assistant head coach Tyler Roehls takes over as offensive coordinator. Roehls will work with Arkansas State transfer quarterback Jaylen Raynor, the Cyclones’ first starting transfer QB since Kyle Kempt in 2018. Raynor boasts three years of starting experience in Sun Belt country, setting personal-bests in passing yards (3,361), passing touchdowns (19), and rushing yards (423) in 2025.
Impact transfers in this wholly renovated offense include Raynor’s tight end Tyler Fortenberry (Arkansas State), running back Cameron Pettaway (Bowling Green), wide receivers Evan Boyd (Michigan State), Cody Jackson (Tarleton State), Omari Hayes (Tulane), and Jordyn Bailey (TCU), as well as linemen Jake Taylor (Oklahoma), Braden Smith (Tarleton State), and Colin Amick (Montana) — the latter two being FCS All-American selections in 2025. It’s a lot of moving parts, and the Cyclones get the benefit of testing them all in a manageable home opener against FCS competition.
Jesse Bobbit takes over as defensive coordinator. This will be Bobbit’s third different stop as Rogers’ DC, holding the role at South Dakota State and Washington State. Last season in Pullman, Bobbit directed the nation’s 15th-ranked total defense, which also finished top 15 in passing defense and top 10 in fourth down and red zone stop percentage.
While zero starters return, a slew of incumbent reserves such as defensive tackle Zaimir Hawk, outside linebacker Carson Willich, and defensive backs David Coffey and Drew Surges are expected to take on expanded roles. Established transfers joining them include a slew of Washington State transplants: Isaac Terrell (who led the Cougars with 7.0 sacks) and Bryson Lamb on the defensive line, along with Sullivan Schlimgen in the linebacking corps.
Kansas Jayhawks
2025 record: 5-7, 3-6 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
Kansas has one winning season since 2008. There was that magical 2023 campaign when Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks finished 9-4, claimed their first bowl victory in 15 years, and finished ranked No. 23. In the two years since, Jayhawk football has repeated 5-7 records and missed bowl eligibility. It’s still a significant step-up from 2010s Kansas, but the program eyes an end to this newfound postseason drought in 2026.
It’s the first season since 2019 where Jalon Daniels won’t start a game at quarterback. The dual-threat weapon was a longtime staple of the Kansas offense, accruing 45 starts and more than 9,000 passing yards in six years. Now the Jayhawks must move on with a worthy successor. There’s an ongoing competition between incumbent backups Cole Ballard and Isaiah Marshall, who each have starting experience in Lawrence, albeit limited.
Ballard already has familiarity with Andy Koletnicki, who rejoins Kansas’ staff after serving as offensive coordinator from 2021-23. Kotelnicki played a significant role in the rise of Jayhawks’ football, introducing a complex offense which incorporates elements from a spread option — using heavy motion and pre-snap eye candy, while emphasizing explosiveness in the passing game. The skill position players looking to thrive in this system include former Colorado and Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards, former Syracuse running back Yasin Willis, and wide receivers Cam Pickett, Nik McMillan (Buffalo transfer), and Nahzae Cox (Middle Tennessee transfer).
Kansas was below average in a slew of major defensive categories in 2025, ranking 86th in total defense and 80th in total defense. Compared to the offense, the Jayhawks exhibit more continuity on defense with four starters back, headlined by inside linebacker Trey Lathan. Lathan led the unit with 86 tackles, adding 7.0 tackles for loss and five pass breakups as a versatile run-stopper and coverage specialist.
The defensive back room returns three players who attained at least 40 tackles last year in Austin Alexander, Jalen Todd, and Taylor Davis. But the unit most provide greater impact on the turnover margin. Kansas’ offense didn’t turn the ball over much in 2025, but the defense only secured four interceptions, causing the Jayhawks to finish a -3 on the season.
Kansas State Wildcats
2025 record: 6-6, 5-4 Big 12
2025 postseason: opted out
Kansas State’s 2025 season never got on the right footing after the Week 0 opener in Ireland. The Wildcats started the year ranked and expected to contend for the Big 12 but instead endured a 2-4 start. Improvement followed once the Wildcats upset TCU in mid-October. After attaining bowl eligibility at 6-6, Chris Klieman announced his retirement, and the program made the stunning decision to forgo the postseason.
Accepting the baton from Klieman is his former offensive coordinator Collin Klein. The 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist returns to his alma mater after a two-year stint at Texas A&M, ready to pick up where he left off after leading Kansas State’s offense to a Big 12 championship in 2023. He’ll reunite with longtime starting quarterback Avery Johnson, whose numbers took a slight dip in 2025 after showing promise as a sophomore in 2024.
Johnson has established chemistry with a bevy of his offensive weapons, including running back Joe Jackson, who is fresh off 911 rushing yard, and wide receiver Jaron Tibbs and tight end Garrett Oakley, who finished second and third in receiving a year ago. However, the reworked offensive line will need to showcase more depth after Second Team All-Big 12 tackle John Pastore suffered a season-ending injury in fall camp. True freshman Oliver Miller and Auburn transfer Tyler Johnson are among the candidates to protect Johnson’s blindside after the untimely injury.
Last season marked Kansas State’s first time finishing outside the top 50 in scoring defense since 2020, checking in at 79th. The Wildcats are down six of their top seven tacklers but display solid experience in the defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Zashon Rich and Donovan McIntosh and safety Wesley Fair should be among the top players after contributing to a passing defense which held opponents to a 56.8 completion percentage and nearly produced as many interceptions (13) as it allowed touchdowns (14).
There is major turnover within the defensive front. Louisiana Tech transfer inside linebacker Mekhi Mason will replace Austin Romaine, who transferred to Texas Tech, while Oklahoma State transfer defensive end Wendell Gregory will spearhead the pass rush.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
2025 record: 1-11, 0-9 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
Oklahoma State never suffered a single losing season from 2006-23. Mike Gundy built incredible stability in Stillwater, but everything suddenly collapsed in 2024. The winningest head coach in program history was fired three games into last season, and the Cowboys did not win a game in his absence. Now, the Cowboys have lost 20-straight FBS matchups and are 0-18 in Big 12 play over the past two seasons.
But there is reason for hope. Eric Morris arrives after positioning North Texas one win away from the College Football Playoff last December. Morris brings nearly his entire coaching staff and 19 transfers with him from Denton to Stillwater, hoping the success translates to orange and black. Among those transfers are offensive standouts Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, and Wyatt Young, who instantly give the Cowboys one of the best skill position groupings in America.
Mestemaker led the FBS in passing as a redshirt freshman, delivering 4,379 yards, along with 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The American Conference Offensive Player of the Year produced video game numbers efficiently, completing 68.9 percent of passes and rarely requiring more than 36 throws in a game. Hawkins led all FBS players in rushing touchdowns as a true freshman with 25, adding 1,434 rushing yards on a 6.2 average and 370 receiving yards. Rounding out the trio is Young, who ranked third nationally with 1,264 receiving yards, including 295 in a single outing.
There is little question about Oklahoma State’s offensive capabilities after Morris produced the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense (45.1 points per game). But how does the defense hold up? Defensive end Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle Iman Oates, and cornerback LaDainian Fields are the remnants of the previous regime, but there’s no shortage of North Texas influence on this side of the ball.
Ethan Wesloski stars at outside linebacker after producing 113 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss for a 12-win North Texas team, while safeties Quinton Hammonds and Evan Jackson bring a combined 97 tackles and four interceptions from Denton. Under defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, North Texas thrived with turnover creation, tying for fifth in the FBS with 28 takeaways.
TCU Horned Frogs
2025 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12
2025 postseason: defeated USC in Alamo Bowl, 30-27
TCU struck gold to ring in the Sonny Dykes era, clearing its entire regular season schedule and defeating Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl to reach the National Championship Game. The Horned Frogs haven’t sat at the CFP table since, but they’ve been a quality team the past two seasons with consecutive 9-4 finishes. There has been some meat left on the bone in those seasons as TCU squandered several sizable leads, namely to Arizona State and Iowa State last fall.
The Horned Frogs start anew at quarterback. Josh Hoover, who owns the most single-season passing yards in TCU history, transferred to Indiana. TCU replaced Hoover with FCS standout Jaden Craig, who threw 48 touchdowns to 10 interceptions over the last two seasons at Harvard. The former First Team All-Ivy League gunslinger is one key newcomer to the offense, as is new coordinator Gordon Sammis who arrives from UConn.
TCU’s offense ranked ninth nationally in passing yards per game last year. The Horned Frogs must replace the Big 12’s leading receiver in Eric McAlister, but No. 2 option Jordan Dwyer returns. TCU will seek internal development from Ed Small and Major Everhart, while also working South Alabama transfer Jeremy Scott into the aerial offense. The run game could use improvement after averaging 3.9 yards per carry last year, and the team is expected to lean more heavily on Jeremy Payne, who rushed for a team-best 623 rushing yards on a 5.7 average in 2025.
The defensive line is TCU’s strongest position group. The Horned Frogs retained ends Zach Chapman and Paul Oyewale and tackles Markis Deal and Ansel Din-Mbuh, forming one of the Big 12’s most formidable fronts. Opponents averaged just 3.7 yards per rush against this unit last year, but for that success to continue, the Horned Frogs must unearth new linebacker talent.
Things are complicated on the back end after the departure of program icon and second-round draft pick Bud Clark. CUSA Co-Defensive Player of the Year Jacob Fields was expected to replace Clark at safety but has since been dismissed from the team. Still, the secondary can build around Second Team All-Big 12 safety Jamel Johnson, who logged 96 tackles and corralled five interceptions in a standout 2025 campaign.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
2025 postseason: defeated BYU in Big 12 Championship, 34-7; lost to Oregon in CFP First Round, 23-0
Texas Tech is wearing the target in the conference. The Red Raiders wrecked the Big 12 en route to their first conference championship since 1994. All 12 of their wins came by at least 22 points, and they owned the second-highest point differential in the FBS behind Indiana. The dominant season came to a screeching halt at the Orange Bowl when the nation’s seventh-ranked scoring offense failed to produce a single point on Oregon.
Despite that shortcoming on New Year’s Day, Texas Tech enters 2026 as the conference’s highest-ranked team, gearing up for a second-straight CFP appearance. After parting ways with Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby, the Red Raiders turn to quarterback Will Hammond, who made eight appearances and two starts last year before tearing his ACL against Oklahoma State. The recovering Hammond relies significantly on his mobility, generating 299 rushing yards and five touchdowns on a 7.0 average, compared with 680 yards passing and seven touchdowns through the air.
Hammond should feel comfortable with the tools around him as Texas Tech is loaded everywhere else. The offensive line retained All-Big 12 selections Sheridan Wilson at center and Howard Sampson at left tackle. Terrance Carter Jr. is one of the most effective receiving tight ends in the country. Veteran receivers Coy Eakin and Micah Hudson are joined by a slew of experienced transfers, headlined by Kenny Johnson from Pittsburgh. And both components of the explosive running back tandem of Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams — who combined 1,992 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns — remain in Lubbock.
The defense is arguably even scarier. Texas Tech ranked third in both scoring defense and total defense a year ago. While the Red Raiders must replace the entire David Bailey-led front four and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner Jacob Rodriguez, the transfer portal returns were impressive. Trey White and Adam Trick take over as the edge rushers after dominant stints at San Diego State and Miami (OH), respectively. Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest) and Brice Butler (Washington) provide 6’4”, 300+ pound frames on the interior. And Kansas State’s two-time All-Big 12 linebacker Austin Romaine fills the vacancy left by Rodriguez.
There’s substantial returning talent too. A.J. Holmes garnered AP All-American honors after filling in as a starting defensive tackle during the back of the year. The defense also features Ben Roberts, who secured 90 tackles and four interceptions at middle linebacker. And the secondary remains largely intact, led by cornerback Brice Pollock, whose five interceptions helped the Red Raiders finish +14 in turnover margin.
UCF Knights
2025 record: 5-7, 2-7 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
UCF has cycled through three seasons in the Big 12, and all three were quite similar. The Knights started 3-0 each time but struggled to carry that success to conference play. Now they ride a streak of three-straight losing seasons, with the last two deprived of bowl eligibility. UCF aims to ends its first multi-year bowl drought since 2003 and 2004 with the same head coach who once flipped the team from 0-12 to 13-0 in two seasons.
Scott Frost prepares for year two of his second stint, and he worked a miracle in his previous year two, guiding the Knights to perfection and an unforgettable Peach Bowl win over Auburn. The climate of the sport is different, and so is UCF’s conference, but Frost enjoys significantly more staff and roster continuity this offseason. Another advantage is a CFP-caliber quarterback in Alonza Barnett III, who led James Madison to the first-ever Sun Belt playoff berth in 2025. Barnett provides much-needed stability to the QB position in Orlando, where six different players have started over the past two seasons. The senior produced 2,809 passing yards, 589 rushing yards, and 38 total touchdowns last year, giving UCF a do-it-all playmaker leading the charge.
The Knights also seek a breakout skill position player after finishing 90th nationally in scoring a year ago. The top three receivers — Duane Thomas Jr., Waden Charles, and tight end Dylan Wade — all return, and their continued development could make a difference in this offense. UCF’s rushing attack and pass protection were effective last year, but the offensive line loses every starter but tackle Preston Cushman, meaning the Knights require a strong reload in the trenches.
Defense was the team’s calling card in 2025. UCF held half its opponents to 20 points or fewer, primarily engineered by a stellar secondary. Many pieces return including cornerbacks Jayden Bellamy and Antione Jackson, nickel Braeden Marshall, and safety Demari Henderson. Those four spearheaded the nation’s 22nd-ranked passing offense, which only surrendered 13 touchdowns through the air all year. Transfer additions, headlined by Buck Buchanan Award (FCS’s top defensive player) finalist Ty Bartrum could further bolster an already-viable unit.
The linebacking corps keeps leading tackler Lewis Carter and potentially second-leading tackler Cole Kozlowski, one of the potential fifth-year seniors impacted by the Wisne v. NCAA decision. The biggest hole to fill on defense is first-round NFL Draft selection Malachi Lawrence. While the defensive line may not be as star-driven without Lawrence, it could be deeper with a healthy mix of incumbents and transfers, with names including RJ Jackson Jr. and Bruno Dall.
Utah Utes
2025 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
2025 postseason: defeated Nebraska in Las Vegas Bowl, 44-22
Utah was arguably the most underrated team in college football last season. The Utes finished 11-2 with nine wins by at least 22 points, and their only losses came to 12-2 opponents, Texas Tech and BYU. Yet, they remained well outside CFP conversations and finished No. 14 in the AP Poll.
The ever-consistent program is now undergoing its first head coaching change since 2005. Similar to 21 years ago, a longtime defensive coordinator is taking over as an internal hire. Morgan Scalley takes the baton from Kyle Whittingham after spending 19 years on staff, including the last 10 as defensive coordinator. Scalley must navigate the challenge of losing all five starters on a formidable offensive line, including two first-round NFL Draft picks in Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Utah will primarily lean on internal development to produce the next front five, and center Alex Harrison is the only returning lineman who started a game last season.
Utah’s quarterback-running back tandem is one of the more lethal in the Big 12. Devon Dampier, who played through injury last season, enters 2026 with a cleaner bill of health after producing 2,490 passing yards, 835 rushing yards, and a 24-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Leading rusher Wayshawn Parker is also back after finishing 19 yards shy of 1,000, averaging an explosive 6.6 yards per carry in the process. Backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin could also see substantial action in certain packages for a Utah team not shy about running the ball.
The Utes also deal with significant turnover on defense after losing all three 2025 All-Big 12 selections, including star defensive end John Henry Daley. Lance Holtzclaw and North Texas transfer Ethan Day aim to restore a pass rush that ranked second in the Big 12 with 2.6 sacks per game. The other position groups on defense retain some starting experience, as the linebacking corps welcomes back leading tackler Johnathan Hall, while the secondary retains strong safety Jackson Bennee, who contributed 64 tackles and four interceptions.
With Scalley taking on a greater role, the defense is in the hands of Colton Swan, who has served as the linebackers coach since 2019. He looks to maintain the unit’s physical brand and consistency after it finished second in the Big 12 in scoring defense in back-to-back years.
West Virginia Mountaineers
2025 record: 4-8, 2-7 Big 12
2025 postseason: did not qualify
West Virginia threw it back to the 2000s by rehiring Rich Rodriguez prior to the 2025 season. Rodriguez, who captained three-straight AP top-11 finishes in his final three years in Morgantown, didn’t quite replicate that success in year one. There were highlights including a Backyard Brawl comeback win over archrival Pitt and a stunning upset of ranked Houston on the road. But the Mountaineers suffered twice the amount of 31+ point losses in Big 12 play (4) as they had conference wins (2).
The Mountaineers were one of the transfer portal’s top customers over the offseason. They could realistically start seven-to-nine transfers on each side of the ball, highlighted by running back Cam Cook. Cook led the entire FBS in rushing at Rodriguez’s previous employer of Jacksonville State, registering 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns as the CUSA Player of the Year. Another transfer ready to promote a ground-oriented offense is former Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (five career starts), who is in an ongoing fall camp battle with returning Mountaineer Scotty Fox Jr. (six career starts).
Another newcomer to watch is four-star true freshman tackle Kevin Brown. One of the highest-rated recruits in West Virginia history, Brown is expected to carve out an immediate role on an offensive line headlined by veteran center Laden Livingston. Better pass protection is essential to improvement, as the Mountaineers ranked 115th nationally in 2025 by allowing 2.6 sacks per game. Progress also must come in the passing game, but the return of wide receiver Jaden Bray — limited to two games in 2025 due to a foot injury — should help immensely.
The Mountaineers don’t return a single primary starter on defense despite retaining coordinator Zac Alley. All five players who registered at least 40 tackles are gone, and West Virginia aims to replace that production through the portal. Former Minnesota and Florida Atlantic linebacker Tyler Stolsky could be the new top tackler after making 90 stops a year ago, while edge rushers Zeke Durham-Campbell (Coastal Carolina) and Harper Holloman (WKU) are the new faces of the pass rush.
Where West Virginia struggled most last year was aerial defense, ranking 129th in the FBS in passing yards allowed. The secondary gets a near overhaul, with safeties Andrew Powdrell and Kamari Wilson among the most experienced newcomers after arriving from UNLV and Memphis, respectively.
Check out more Big 12 coverage from our sister SB Nation Big 12 sites:
AZ Desert Swarm (Arizona), Vanquish the Foe (BYU), Wide Right & Natty Lite (Iowa State), Rock Chalk Talk (Kansas), Bring on the Cats (Kansas State), Frogs O’ War (TCU), The Smoking Musket (West Virginia)
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