Best offensive player for each Big 12 football team entering 2026

The Big 12 conference enters 2026 with a familiar formula, as quarterback play will decide a lot, but a handful of running backs, linemen and receivers could also affect the league. Some teams return established starters, while others are turning to transfers or young newcomers to drive their offense.

Colorado is one of those teams with 40-plus transfers joining the program, hoping to build a solid group around starting quarterback Julian Lewis. Wide receivers Danny Scueero, Kam Perry and DeAndre Moore lead the group of newcomers hoping to turn around a Buffs offense that struggled a year ago.

Here’s a look at the best offensive player for each Big 12 team heading into the season, including for the rebuilt Buffaloes.

Arizona Wildcats: QB Noah Fifita

Noah Fifita remains the steady hand in Arizona’s offense and already owns the school’s career touchdown pass record. With another productive season, he should keep climbing the program record book while leading a fast-paced attack.

Arizona State Sun Devils: QB Jake Fette

Jake Fette brings dual-threat upside and a strong prep resume into a system that fits his skill set. His accuracy and playmaking give Arizona State one of the more intriguing quarterback situations in the league. During his senior year at Del Valle (TX), he threw for 2,737 yards and rushed for 1,105 yards, accounting for 46 total touchdowns. His improvisational playmaking and explosive arm talent perfectly fit the Sun Devils’ offensive system under coordinator Marcus Arroyo.

Baylor Bears: QB DJ Lagway

DJ Lagway has the kind of arm strength and athleticism that can change Baylor’s ceiling. Coming from Florida to play under offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, he is expected to elevate the Bears’ offense. If he settles in quickly, the Bears have a chance to lean on him as their main offensive spark.

BYU Cougars: RB LJ Martin

LJ Martin is coming off a huge 2025 and remains the Cougars’ most reliable weapon. His size, balance, and production make him hard to take off the field. Returning for his senior season instead of declaring for the NFL, he is chasing BYU’s all-time career rushing records and gives the offense a reliable, physical playmaker.

Cincinnati Bearcats: OL Evan Tengesdahl

Evan Tengesdahl anchors the front for Cincinnati and brings proven all-conference-level play. The All-American left guard anchored a unit that allowed the fewest sacks (7) in the country in 2025. His value starts in the run game, where he gives the Bearcats a dependable interior presence.

Colorado Buffaloes: QB Julian Lewis

Julian Lewis is expected to become Colorado’s most important offensive piece in 2026. Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion has called Lewis the most gifted passer he has ever coached. His quick processing and accuracy fit the Buffs’ new up-tempo approach and give the offense a true centerpiece. Colorado has aggressively retooled its roster to maximize Lewis’s skillset. With a completely revamped offensive line and high-profile additions including Moore Jr. and Scudero, the offense is built entirely around Lewis’ abilities.

Houston Cougars: QB Conner Weigman

Conner Weigman gives Houston a proven playmaker with big-time production already on his resume. His arm talent and mobility make him the clear offensive focal point. Weigman amassed 3,405 total yards and 36 touchdowns last season, making him the undisputed leader of the team. Entering a second year with Head coach Willie Fritz and offensive coordinator Slade Nagle, Weigman has full command of the playbook, along with an improved, experienced offensive line and a deep receiving corps, including elite targets like Amare Thomas.

Iowa State Cyclones: QB Jaylen Raynor

Jaylen Raynor arrives with starting experience and the chance to steady a rebuilt offense. Iowa State will need him to be efficient and consistent. A highly touted transfer from Arkansas State, he brings 36 games of starting experience and nearly 10,000 yards of total offense, instantly anchoring a heavily retooled Cyclones roster under new head coach Jimmy Rogers.

Kansas Jayhawks: RB Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards enters the season as Kansas’ most physical offensive threat. Despite an injury-riddled 2025 campaign that resulted in a medical redshirt, he averaged an impressive 6.0 yards per carry. Across his collegiate career at Colorado and Kansas State, he has amassed over 1,000 rushing yards, 14 total touchdowns, and a proven track record as a return specialist. In head coach Lance Leipold’s system, Edwards provides the perfect “change-of-pace” style for the Jayhawks’ offense.

Kansas State Wildcats: QB Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson’s arm, speed, and improvisation make him a constant problem for defenses. Kansas State is going to keep putting the ball in his hands for 2026. His returning experience, combined with his natural speed and deep familiarity with the offensive scheme, makes him the undisputed catalyst for the Wildcats’ championship hopes.

Oklahoma State Cowboys: QB Drew Mestemaker

Drew Mestemaker is considered Oklahoma State’s top offensive player entering 2026, coming off a staggering national breakout season at North Texas, where he led all of FBS with 4,379 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. The former walk-on brings elite arm talent, deep accuracy, and critical familiarity with head coach Eric Morris’s offensive scheme.

TCU Horned Frogs: QB Jaden Craig

Craig is expected to step in and lead the Horned Frogs right away. His dual-threat ability gives TCU a high-upside answer at quarterback. After transferring from Harvard, he is expected to stabilize an offense that previously struggled with turnovers. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Craig brings a physical, athletic running dimension to the quarterback position that TCU has lacked in previous years.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Terrance Carter Jr.

Carter Jr. is considered Texas Tech’s top offensive weapon for 2026 due to his unmatched mismatch capabilities and elite yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. Standing 6’2″ and 245 pounds, the senior tight end routinely exploits slower linebackers and smaller safeties in open space. 

UCF Knights: QB Alonza Barnett III

Alonza Barnett arrives with championship experience and a proven ability to create plays. The incoming James Madison transfer quarterback joined the Knights during the early transfer portal period. He is expected to immediately take over as the starting quarterback for head coach Scott Frost, improving an offense that lacked explosiveness in 2026.

Utah Utes: QB Devon Dampier

Devon Dampier remains Utah’s most dangerous offensive player if he stays healthy. He can stress defenses with both his arms and legs. He racked up over 3,300 total yards in 2025, throwing for 24 touchdowns while rushing for 835 yards and 10 additional scores. Dampier’s decision to return for 2026 gives the Utes much-needed stability, anchoring the offense under new coordinator Kevin McGiven.

West Virginia Mountaineers: RB Cam Cook

Cam Cook projects as the focal point of West Virginia’s run game for 2026. Cook transferred to WVU after leading all of the FBS in rushing yards at Jacksonville State in 2025, racking up 1,659 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 separate 100-yard games. His transfer pedigree and burst give the Mountaineers a player they can build around.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Best offensive player for each Big 12 football team entering 2026