The 2026 Big 12 Preseason Poll has positioned the BYU Cougars sixth overall, collecting 164 votes as the league’s coaches and media anticipate a competitive season. TCU captured the top spot with 222 votes and 13 first‑place ballots, while Colorado followed in second with 187 votes and West Virginia and Kansas tied for third with 182 votes each.
Preseason Accolades for Cougars
Presley Freeman earned a place on the Preseason All‑Big 12 Team after starting 45 consecutive games and delivering two goals, four assists, and eight shots during the 2025 campaign. Her consistency helped the Cougars maintain momentum heading into the new year.
Lucy Kesler added another layer of excitement by scoring her first career brace, earning All‑Big 12 First Team honors, and being named a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All‑American in 2025. Her rise reflects the program’s growing depth on the attacking front.
Ellie Walbruch emerged as the team’s offensive engine, leading BYU with 16 goals, 91 shots and 41 shots on goal. She capped the season with a hat‑trick against Arizona and was recognized as the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Big 12 Tournament, also securing a spot on the United Soccer Coaches Second Team All‑American list.
Beyond individual honors, the Cougars captured the 2025 Big 12 Tournament title and finished eighth in the conference standings. The squad will continue its preparation with an exhibition match against Idaho State at South Field on Saturday at 7 p.m. MT, a game that promises to showcase the talent highlighted in the preseason recognitions.