USA TODAY Sports has unveiled its 2026 preseason Big 12 football coach rankings, a list that reshapes expectations after a dramatic 2025 season.
Brennan’s Remarkable Rise
Brent Brennan’s ascent from No. 15 a year ago to No. 6 reflects a 9‑4 record that included a decisive victory over Arizona State to claim the Territorial Cup.
The climb underscores how a single strong campaign can catapult a coach back into the conversation, especially when the win carries added regional significance.
Dillingham’s Slide
Kenny Dillingham, who held the No. 1 spot in 2025, slipped to No. 3 as a cascade of injuries limited Arizona State’s effectiveness throughout the year.
Dillingham’s drop illustrates the volatility that can accompany reliance on a limited roster, even for programs that entered the season with high preseason hopes.
The top five coaches in the ranking are Kalani Sitake of BYU, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, Dillingham of Arizona State, Sonny Dykes of TCU, and Willie Fritz of Houston.
Beyond the top five, the full list features a mix of veteran leaders and rising strategists, each positioned to influence the conference’s competitive balance in the coming months.