Big 12 Media Days 2026: Monster Energy Deal and Championship Outlook
The 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days concluded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, delivering a series of announcements that will shape the upcoming season. A new partnership with Monster Energy was unveiled, marking the brand’s continued involvement in college athletics.
A preseason poll of Big 12 writers placed Texas Tech at the top, projecting the Red Raiders as the team to beat for a second straight championship. Behind them, BYU secured the second spot, while Arizona and Houston shared the third position, and Utah rounded out the top five.
Poll Rankings and Predictions
The rankings reflect a blend of returning talent, recruiting gains, and coaching stability, with each program positioning itself for a potential run at the conference crown. Analysts noted that the proximity of Arizona and Houston underscores the competitive balance within the league, while Utah’s fifth‑place finish highlights both promise and the need to prove consistency.
Texas Tech’s path to repeat looks solid, but the team faces questions after losing quarterback Branden Sorsby to a gambling scandal. Will Hammond is expected to step into the starting role, and his development could be decisive for the Red Raiders’ title defense.
Utah, despite skepticism about its transition of power, is viewed as a strong contender, largely because its schedule appears more manageable than those of several rivals, giving the team a realistic pathway to challenge the projected leaders.