Big 12 predictions for the 2026 college football season

The college football season is upon us, with one Big 12 team having already played and everybody else joining the action this week with Week 1 matchups.

It is the perfect time to dive into some conference-wide predictions from our Buffaloes Wire staff.

We have already given out Colorado-specific predictions, like offensive MVP, defensive MVP, record predictions, biggest question marks and some bold predictions.

Here are our Big 12 predictions, including top offensive and defensive players, coach of the year and championship game matchup.

Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year

Ariana: RB LJ Martin, BYU

In 2025, running back LJ Martin with BYU was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and he will repeat as the conference's offensive player of the year this season. The Cougars' offense ran through Martin last season, and there is no reason to believe that will change this season. Martin led the Big 12 in rushing attempts (236) and rushing yards (1,305), as well as being second in the conference in rushing touchdowns with 12. He could easily top last season's production, but even if he matched it, that would be enough for him to be the top offensive player in the conference.

James: QB Avery Johnson, Kansas State

I'm choosing Johnson for his dual-threat ability and predicting a significant bounce-back this season.

Charlie: RB LJ Martin, BYU

I love variety, but Martin is the best offensive player in the league, and another standout season likely puts him in consideration to be a first-round pick next spring. He was the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year for a reason.

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year

Ariana: DL A.J. Holmes, Texas Tech

Defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr out of Texas Tech seems poised to be the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year this season and certainly could have been last season after he recorded 38 total tackles, including 19 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded his first forced fumble last season. Especially given the attention the Red Raiders are going to get throughout the season as the favorites to win the conference, Holmes will quickly emerge as a favorite for the top Big 12 defensive player this season.

James: DL A.J. Holmes, Texas Tech

Charlie: LB Cade Uluave, BYU

Linebackers seem to always have the inside track to this award given their ability to rack up stats, especially tackles. Uluave is one of my favorite defensive players in college football and has shown he is elite over his three seasons at California. In 2025, he racked up 100 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and five quarterback hurries. He will have stiff competition from a trio of Texas Tech defenders, including Holmes.

Big 12 Coach of the Year

Ariana: Willie Fritz, Houston

Willie Fritz, the head coach of Houston, will be the Big 12 Coach of the Year this season. Houston does not have the depth and talent of some other Big 12 contenders, such as Texas Tech and BYU. However, Houston is commonly considered in the mix to make the Big 12 championship game. While I predict that Houston will ultimately not make the conference championship game, I do believe they will be in the running throughout the season, which will ultimately propel Fritz to Big 12 Coach of the Year.

James: Morgan Scalley, Utah

I think Scalley will still benefit from what Kyle Whittingham built at Utah, and he will seamlessly keep Utah at the top of the conference.

Charlie: Brent Brennan, Arizona

I like three head coaches for Big 12 Coach of the Year. One of them is Arizona's Brent Brennan, along with Oklahoma State's Eric Morris and Houston's Willie Fritz. Brennan gets the nod because he has the Wildcats on the right trajectory, and his star quarterback, Noah Fifita, is back for a fifth season. Arizona is a Big 12 title sleeper, and Brennan keeps them in contention late.

Big 12 Championship predictions

Ariana: Texas Tech over BYU

Last season, the Red Raiders defeated the Cougars in a landslide in the Big 12 championship game. Perhaps the game will be closer this year, but the teams will be the same. Texas Tech is the overall favorite to win the conference and for good reason. They may not have one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, but their defense and run game will carry them to a conference title once again. Also, their overall schedule appears relatively easy, which should make it not very difficult to reach the championship game.

James: Utah Utes

Charlie: Texas Tech over Utah

I think a Utah-based team makes the Big 12 title game, but it won't be BYU this year. The Utes might have a new coach, but they also have an easy schedule. No Texas Tech, and hosting BYU in Salt Lake City gives them a springboard for a legit run to the College Football Playoff.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 predictions for the 2026 college football season