
Big 12 Outlook for 2026: Tiered Rankings and Emerging Contenders
The Big 12 enters the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy that is already generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Conner Weigman across Football.

The Big 12 enters the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy that is already generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.

The Houston Cougars are preparing for a pivotal 2026 season, with key transfers poised to influence offense, defense and overall conference competitiveness.

Senior running back Makhi Hughes, known for his elusive runs and a tattoo that reads “A Different Breed,” is set to anchor the University of Houston’s offense after a standout college career.

The Big 12 boasts a talent‑laden quarterback room, with Heisman contenders, injury‑plagued veterans, and rising stars all vying for the top spot ahead of the 2025 season.

Yahoo’s fantasy football platform features an unusually deep quarterback pool, and this year’s rankings reveal the metrics that separate the elite.

Veteran coach Willie Fritz, now leading the Houston Cougars, blends decades of experience with a disciplined philosophy that has already delivered a ten‑win season and a bowl victory, positioning him as a top contender for the 2026 campaign.

Willie Fritz’s career trajectory and recruiting philosophy have propelled the University of Houston to a historic 10‑win season and a shot at its first Big 12 title.

After a resurgent 10‑3 campaign, Houston’s football program, led by head coach Willie Fritz, is targeting the Big 12 title. Key returners and strategic additions set the stage for a pivotal road test at Colorado’s Folsom Field.

Phil Steele’s 2026 Big 12 projections place Texas Tech as the preseason favorite, with BYU, Utah, Houston and Arizona close behind, while key player and coach movements set the stage for a competitive season.

Transferring back to Houston under Willie Fritz, Makhi Hughes aims to leverage a seasoned offensive line and a high‑profile passing attack led by Conner Weigman to become the Cougars’ featured rusher in 2026.

The University of Houston’s football program is poised for a breakout year, highlighted by preseason All‑America selections, a wealth of experience and a schedule that promises marquee matchups.

A deep dive into four college standouts whose underrated performances could translate into significant NFL value for dynasty fantasy football enthusiasts.
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 Houston Cougars finished 2025 with a 10‑3 record, and now a physically imposing running back aims to turn that momentum into a conference‑title push.

A look at how Utah's emerging quarterback duo is reshaping the team's national outlook and setting the stage for a pivotal clash with Houston on Oct. 24.

Optimistic forecasts see the Houston Cougars leveraging depth, talent and a winning culture to contend for a conference title and a deep playoff run.

From a 10‑3 season to a Texas Bowl upset over LSU, the Cougars are leveraging top recruits and key transfers to close the gap with Big 12 elites.

From Oregon’s Dante Moore to Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, the 2026 quarterback landscape blends elite talent, record‑breaking efficiency and surprising depth.

West Virginia will host Houston on November 21, 2026, in a series tied 1‑1. With key offensive weapons and defensive upgrades, the Mountaineers are forecast to win 31‑28, finishing the season at 7‑4 overall.

The Cowboys and Cougars meet in a game that could shape the Big 12 race, with offense, defense and third‑down efficiency all under scrutiny.

The 2026 Big 12 schedule will be defined by a cadre of experienced signal‑callers who have moved across the league, each bringing a distinct skill set that could reshape the conference’s offensive dynamics.
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.

BYU’s rising star Bear Bachmeier is trading his college field for a counselor’s hat at the Manning Passing Academy, a 30‑year‑old institution that draws thousands of high school athletes each summer.

Arch Manning, the Texas Longhorns starter and heir to a football dynasty, is set to lead instruction at the 2026 Manning Passing Academy, joining a faculty of Heisman hopefuls and future NFL talents.