The Big 12 Conference continues to assert its presence on the national college football stage, as a wave of preseason recognitions places several of its programs at the center of award discussions.
The Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding offensive player, has drawn a notable contingent of Big 12 candidates, underscoring the conference's offensive talent pool.
Among the names highlighted on the watch lists are Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, Baylor’s dual‑threat DJ Lagway, and BYU veteran Bear Bachmeier, each positioned to influence the award race.
Additional honorees include BYU running back LJ Martin, UCF’s versatile Alonza Barnett III, Colorado’s emerging star Julian Lewis, and Houston’s Conner Weigman, all slated to contend for national attention.
Conference Representation Across the Board
The Big 12’s footprint extends further with Kansas State’s Avery Johnson and Joe Jackson appearing on the lists, while Oklahoma State contributes Caleb Hawkins and Drew Mestemaker. Texas Tech’s Cameron Dickey also earns mention.
Utah contributors Devon Dampier and Wayshawn Parker, alongside West Virginia’s Cam Cook, round out a diverse slate of players poised to shape the narrative surrounding the award season.
Analysts interpret the concentration of nominees as a reflection of the conference’s competitive balance and the growing visibility of its programs on a national scale, suggesting that the upcoming season could see the Big 12 contending for top offensive honors.