The Big 12 Conference has revealed its preseason awards and the 2026 All-Big 12 team, a lineup that sets expectations for a competitive year across the league's member institutions.
Preseason Honors Spotlight
BYU’s LJ Martin was selected as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. earned the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honor. The conference also named Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year, underscoring the influx of fresh talent.
Texas Tech led the conference with seven players earning spots on the All-Big 12 squad, followed by BYU with six and Houston with three, reflecting the breadth of recognition across the league.
The All-Big 12 team features a who's who of standout performers, including Arizona’s Noah Fifita at quarterback, West Virginia’s Cam Cook at running back, West Virginia’s Kayden Luke at fullback, Arizona State’s Omarion Miller at wide receiver, Houston’s Amare Thomas at wide receiver, Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Young at wide receiver, Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter Jr. at tight end, Cincinnati’s Joe Cotton and Houston’s Shadre Hurst on the offensive line, BYU’s Bruce Mitchell on the offensive line, Kansas State’s John Pastore on the offensive line, Cincinnati’s Evan Tengesdahl on the offensive line, Texas Tech’s Stone Harrington as kicker, Utah’s Mana Carvalho as punt/kick returner, Arizona State’s C.J. Fite on the defensive line, Kansas State’s Wendell Gregory on the defensive line, BYU’s Keanu Tanuvasa on the defensive line, Texas Tech’s Adam Trick on the defensive line, Texas Tech’s Ben Roberts and Austin Romaine at linebacker, BYU’s Cade Uluave at linebacker, Houston’s Will James as defensive back, BYU’s Evan Johnson as defensive back, TCU’s Jamel Johnson as defensive back, Texas Tech’s Brice Pollock as defensive back, BYU’s Faletau Satuala as defensive back, and Baylor’s Palmer Williams as punter.
These selections not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the depth of talent within the Big 12, a conference poised to deliver exciting matchups as the 2026 season approaches.