Big 12 readies for 2026 amid lingering controversy
The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for the 2026 college football season, a campaign that will feature a full slate of traditional rivals and new matchups across the heart of the United States.
Schools such as the University of Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Baylor Bears, BYU Cougars, Cincinnati Bearcats, Colorado Buffaloes, Houston Cougars, Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, TCU Horned Frogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, UCF Knights, Utah Utes, and West Virginia Mountaineers will all vie for conference supremacy.
The preseason buzz has been tempered by a controversy that emerged at Texas Tech, where transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby found himself at the center of a sports‑betting investigation.
Sorsby had filed for the NFL supplemental draft on June 15, only to learn that the league would not hold a draft that year, leaving him without a clear pathway to the professional ranks.
In response, Texas Tech announced that it will proceed without Sorsby for the upcoming season, focusing instead on developing its existing roster and recruiting new talent.
Dr. Michael Crow, president of Arizona State, has voiced concerns about the broader implications for conference integrity and the need for robust oversight of student‑athlete conduct.
The conference office, in coordination with the NFL, emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to maintaining eligibility standards and protecting the integrity of college athletics.
Analysts and fans alike are watching closely to see how these developments will shape the competitive landscape and whether the Big 12 can sustain its momentum despite the off‑field distractions.