Preseason Predictions Stir Debate
The Big 12 Conference, having discontinued its official preseason media poll after a series of inaccurate forecasts in 2024, turned to a group of football writers to gauge expectations for the upcoming season.
Texas Tech emerged as the clear favorite, collecting 14 first‑place votes and amassing 254 points, enough to claim the top spot in the writers' poll.
BYU followed in second place, receiving the remaining two first‑place votes and finishing with 239 points, a respectable showing that kept the Cougars in the conversation.
Arizona and Houston were tied for third, each earning 207 points, while the University of Utah was projected to finish fifth with 198 points.
Coach Kalani Sitake of BYU downplayed the relevance of the poll, stating that preseason rankings are often unreliable and that his focus is on daily improvement rather than external predictions.
Sitake emphasized that the team will concentrate on executing its game plan, developing chemistry, and responding to challenges on the field rather than chasing poll numbers.
The conversation shifted to the College Football Playoff when Sitake suggested expanding the bracket to 24 teams, arguing that a larger field would provide more inclusive opportunities for programs that narrowly miss the current four‑team format.
BYU’s recent history adds context to the discussion; the Cougars fell just short of the playoff in both 2024 and 2025, experiences that have shaped Sitake’s perspective on the need for a broader selection process.
While the poll offers a snapshot of expert opinion, the ultimate measure of success will be how teams translate preseason expectations into on‑field performance when the season unfolds.