The 2026 Big 12 football season is shaping up to be one of the most talked‑about campaigns in recent memory, with analysts already circling a handful of storylines that could define the year.
Texas Tech enters the season as the favorite to capture the conference crown, buoyed by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who is determined to rebound from a lackluster 2025 campaign and tighten an offense that struggled to find rhythm.
Meanwhile, Utah’s roster overhaul has raised concerns among pundits; the departure of key linemen and a reshaped defensive unit could push the Utes outside the top six rankings despite a core of returning starters.
Oklahoma State is expected to take a step forward, but the odds of a title run remain slim. The team will welcome transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker from North Texas, a move that adds experience but may not be enough to bridge the gap to the conference elite.
Arizona State faces a grueling stretch that includes an overseas trip and a three‑game gauntlet against Texas Tech and BYU, making a playoff push appear increasingly unlikely for the Sun Devils.
Coaching carousel looms
The coaching carousel is already turning, with at least three departures looming by season’s end. Names such as Dave Aranda at Baylor and Lance Leipold at Kansas are floated as possible exits, while Willie Fritz of Houston and Kalani Sitake of BYU sit under scrutiny.
Adding to the uncertainty, lopsided schedules mean some teams, like Kansas State, will avoid direct confrontations with the traditional powerhouses, further muddying the title race.