The USA TODAY Sports Network has unveiled its preseason outlook for the 2026 college football season, delivering a full ranking of the Big 12 Conference teams based on early projections.
According to the forecast, Texas Tech enters the campaign as the favorite to defend its championship, while a handful of programs including BYU, Utah, Houston and Arizona round out the top five.
Iowa State’s projected placement
The Cyclones are slated to finish at the bottom of the conference standings, a reflection of a roster in transition with a new coaching staff and a influx of newcomers still finding their footing.
Despite the low placement, Iowa State did receive recognition on the preseason All‑Big 12 team, though no Cyclone made the first‑team cut. Instead, three players earned honorable‑mention nods: running back Aiden Flora, kicker Kyle Konrady and defensive end Isaac Terrell.
Terrell’s inclusion carries extra weight, as he was named the Pac‑12 Defensive Line Top Performer of the Year last season while playing at Washington State, highlighting his potential to make an impact in his new environment.
The full set of predictions also names Matt Campbell as the head coach steering the Cyclones through this rebuilding phase, a storyline that will be closely watched as the season unfolds.