Big 12 Football Power Rankings: Early Outlook
Early power rankings reveal Texas Tech at the summit, with BYU and Houston close behind, while quarterback play, coaching changes and depth will shape the conference race.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Avery Johnson across Football, Basketball.
Early power rankings reveal Texas Tech at the summit, with BYU and Houston close behind, while quarterback play, coaching changes and depth will shape the conference race.
As media days approach, analysts have released early power rankings for the Big 12, highlighting returning starters, coaching shifts and quarterback battles that could reshape the conference picture.

The new age‑based NCAA eligibility model grants extra seasons to players like Josh Manning, Jaron Tibbs and Adonis Moise, boosting Kansas State’s receiver corps and altering future recruiting strategies.
The NCAA's new age-based eligibility model grants a fifth season to players who enroll by age 19, giving senior quarterback Avery Johnson and his teammates a unique chance to extend their college careers and influence the team's strategy.

The NCAA’s revised five‑year eligibility rule gives players like Avery Johnson a rare chance to extend college careers, but the quarterback now faces a pivotal decision between the draft and a fifth season in Manhattan.

Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor earns an 80 overall rating in EA Sports College Football 27, securing a top‑10 spot in the Big 12 and setting the stage for a pivotal season.
The Sun Devils are slated for just 6.5 victories in 2024, a modest outlook after two seasons that yielded only 19 combined wins. Their schedule, ranked the toughest in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally by Phil Steele, blends a daunting conference lineup with high‑stakes road trips and overseas exposure.
The 2026 Big 12 season will be shaped by a new generation of offensive playmakers, from Arizona’s Noah Fifita to West Virginia’s Cam Cook, each poised to influence his team’s success.

Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.
Finn Walker, a 6‑foot‑6, 245‑pound defensive lineman from Conroe, Texas, announced his commitment to Kansas State University, joining a 2027 class that now totals 26 players and saw 13 new recruits in June alone.

The departure of Brendan Sorsby has reignited debates over the Big 12’s top quarterback for the 2026 season, with Florida transfer DJ Lagway emerging as a focal point for Baylor’s offense.

Analyst Tom Fornelli outlines five teams poised to exceed expectations in 2026, highlighting coaching changes, schedule advantages, and roster depth.

Colorado College leads the conference with a 96% success rate on the SCAC Winter Honor Roll, showcasing unprecedented academic excellence among its athletes.

The author reflects on a pattern of falling for teams that often disappoint, and outlines five programs that could finally break expectations in the upcoming year.

A preview of the October 10, 2026 matchup in Manhattan, Kansas, highlighting the key Wildcats who could shape the game.

Jason Batt, who led North Carolina to a 2001 soccer championship and steered major fundraising drives at Alabama and Georgia Tech, is being eyed for a leadership role at Kentucky, where his financial acumen and NIL experience are seen as game‑changers.
New staff under Collin Klein leverages personal outreach, immersive visits and a family‑like atmosphere to attract top talent, culminating in a top‑30 recruiting class and commitments from prospects like Cam Kruse.

The upcoming college football matchup between Houston and Kansas State on October 10 promises a battle of contrasting strengths, with senior quarterback Avery Johnson and star receiver Amare Thomas leading their respective offenses.

With a revamped offense under Collin Klein and a fortified defense, Kansas State hopes to exploit Houston's depleted secondary and claim a pivotal early-season victory.
Collin Klein's first recruiting class at Kansas State sits at No. 28 in the national composite, featuring multiple four‑star prospects. The haul compares with earlier efforts by Chris Klieman and the late Bill Snyder, whose modest rankings still produced championship teams.

Houston will travel to Kansas State on Oct. 10, 2026, facing a Wildcats squad that boasts a potent offense led by quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson, while the Cougars bring a flawless road record from the previous season.

From Oregon's Dante Moore opting for college over the NFL draft to Texas' Arch Manning leading a potent Texas offense, the 2026 quarterback class brims with talent, transfers, and storylines that could define the next era of college football.

Bill Connelly's SP+ ratings place Texas Tech at the top of the projected Big 12 order for 2026, with quarterback Brendan Sorsby eligible after a brief suspension. The outlook also highlights rising contenders, new head coaches and pivotal player storylines across the conference.

Colorado’s 2026 home schedule is ranked from easiest to toughest, offering a clear path for the Buffaloes to rebound after a 3‑9 season.