The Big 12 Conference’s 2026 preseason AP Top 25 has already sparked conversation among fans and analysts, with Texas Tech securing the twelfth slot — a position not seen for the program since 1977. That placement marks a milestone for the Red Raiders, who have not enjoyed such a high preseason expectation in nearly five decades, signaling a potential shift in the conference’s power balance.
Texas Tech’s historic climb
The ranking reflects a combination of strong recruiting, a revamped coaching staff, and a schedule that has been strategically softened to maximize early wins. Coaches across the league have noted the Red Raiders’ improved defensive schemes and a more balanced offensive attack, both of which have translated into confidence among voters.
Meanwhile, BYU re‑enters the Top 15 at fourteenth, a spot that represents its second‑highest preseason placement in modern history and the thirteenth time the Cougars have earned a preseason Top 25 nod. The resurgence is attributed to a revitalized recruiting pipeline and a series of impactful transfers that have bolstered both sides of the ball.
BYU’s resurgence in the preseason
Utah’s consistent presence in the poll, appearing in six of the last seven seasons, underscores the program’s stability under head coach Kyle Whittingham. The Utes have become a fixture in the conversation, often positioned to challenge traditional powerhouses with their disciplined play and depth at the line of scrimmage.
Houston’s upward trajectory
Houston, riding a resurgence that has seen its preseason ranking climb to the highest since 2016, benefits from a strong returning core and a coaching staff that has embraced a more aggressive offensive philosophy. The Cougars’ ascent adds another layer of intrigue to the conference’s depth.
A Dublin showdown to start the season
The 2026 campaign will open with a marquee matchup on August 29, as TCU travels to Dublin, Ireland, to face North Carolina in a neutral‑site contest that will be broadcast at 11 a.m. Central Time. The game not only promises a cross‑Atlantic spectacle but also sets the tone for a season in which the Big 12’s non‑conference slate features five of its thirteen Power Four opponents already ranked in the preseason poll.