
BYU Eyes First College Football Playoff Berth in 2026
The BYU Cougars, fresh off a 12‑2 season that left them just outside the playoff, are leveraging a manageable slate and roster continuity to chase their first playoff appearance.
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The BYU Cougars, fresh off a 12‑2 season that left them just outside the playoff, are leveraging a manageable slate and roster continuity to chase their first playoff appearance.

Yahoo's comeback of College Fantasy Football spotlights the Power 4 conferences, especially the Big 12, where quarterbacks, running backs and receivers are poised to dominate fantasy scoring.

Analysts expect a notable dip in win totals for a dozen contenders, with betting markets already adjusting their outlooks.

ESPN’s Football Power Index projects BYU and Utah as top contenders for the 2026 Big 12 title, assigning them favorable odds of playoff inclusion and bowl eligibility while outlining critical non‑conference matchups.

Despite losing several defensive stalwarts, the Cougars enter the season with a strong offensive core and high expectations.
The network’s early rankings place Iowa State at the bottom of the Big 12, while Texas Tech is projected to repeat as champions, and three Iowa State players receive honorable‑mention recognition.

A look at the projected 2026 Big 12 standings, key players, and the storylines shaping the upcoming season.
The Knights will attend media days in Frisco, Texas, on July 7 as they look to improve on a modest 2025 showing and navigate a challenging schedule.
With media days in Frisco approaching, the Knights confront a 7‑27 record in the Big 12, a revamped roster and the ripple effects of Texas Tech’s loss of Brendan Sorsby.

With a 23‑4 record over the last two seasons and a second‑place preseason ranking, the Cougars are poised for a breakout year, highlighted by key players and a supportive coaching staff.
The 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days are scheduled for July 7‑8 in Frisco, Texas, offering live coverage on ESPNU, ESPN2 and streaming via ESPN Unlimited, with a full slate of team and player appearances.

The annual Big 12 Conference Media Days opened in Frisco, Texas, spotlighting BYU’s roster depth, high‑profile recruits and the broader conversation around playoff expansion and the Protect College Sports act.
The Big 12’s offseason drama centers on Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby, but the conference still forecasts a strong playoff push, highlighted by nine preseason All‑Big 12 selections, key awards for LJ Martin and Ben Roberts, and upcoming media days in Irving.

Bruce Mitchell, a redshirt senior center for the BYU Cougars, is set to become a cornerstone of the 2026 team as they chase a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth.

Bruce Mitchell’s journey from a small Utah town to a key BYU center sets the stage for a 2026 playoff push.

Preseason polls highlight the Cougars and the Utes as title contenders, showcasing returning stars and fresh talent as the league prepares for its first full schedule.
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.

A look at the five offensive lines projected to be the most impactful in the upcoming 2026 season, highlighting key players, injury concerns, and strategic shifts.

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.

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake reflects on a flight conversation with a grandmother, his commitment to staying at his alma mater, and the family‑centric values that shape the Cougars' rise.
After turning down a high‑profile request from Penn State, Kalani Sitake remains at BYU, where he blends tradition, culture and new NIL opportunities to build a transformational program.
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.

Blake Wong, a 4-star wide receiver from Norco, California, announced his commitment to Brigham Young University, bringing a potent offensive weapon to the 2027 roster and highlighting the program’s cultural appeal.