
Big 12 Coaches Ranked: Sitake Tops, Sanders Slides
USA TODAY Sports ranks the 16 Big 12 head coaches, highlighting records, experience, and the shifting power dynamics that could define the 2025 championship race.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Rich Rodriguez across Football, Soccer, Basketball.

USA TODAY Sports ranks the 16 Big 12 head coaches, highlighting records, experience, and the shifting power dynamics that could define the 2025 championship race.

Analysts map out likely outcomes for the upcoming Big 12 season, highlighting teams poised for the playoff, mid‑tier battles, and the pressure on several coaches.

Coach Rich Rodriguez proposes a regional league model for Power Four teams, aiming to cut travel costs and revive local rivalries, while acknowledging the steep obstacles posed by existing conference realignments and TV contracts
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the Big 12 finds itself at a crossroads. Programs are led by a mix of proven winners, rising innovators and coaches under intense scrutiny, setting the stage for a dramatic year of competition.

Jaden Bray is set to don the late Pat White’s celebrated No. 5 jersey for West Virginia this season, a tribute that coincides with a ceremony to retire the number after the opener against Coastal Carolina. Bray, still recovering from past injuries, is focused on staying healthy for the final regular‑season clash with Utah, aiming to showcase his talent and uphold a storied tradition.

At The Star in Frisco, Texas, the 2026 Big 12 Media Day highlighted a $20 million partnership with Monster Energy and gave West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez a platform to outline the Mountaineers’ quarterback competition, the arrival of standout transfer Cam Cook, and the health of key recruits.

The Mountaineers' media guide released without a depth chart leaves freshman SirPaul Cheeks missing, raising questions about the team's backfield depth and the impact of his torn ACL on the upcoming season.

A look at the projected 2026 Big 12 standings, key players, and the storylines shaping the upcoming season.

After a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him top the FBS in rushing yards and force over 100 missed tackles, Cam Cook is slated to anchor West Virginia's backfield under coach Rich Rodriguez, who expects the senior to be the team's featured back in 2026.

West Virginia University will be front and center at the 2026 Monster Energy Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, where Coach Rich Rodriguez and several Mountaineer athletes will take part in scheduled events, including a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Highly rated offensive lineman Rhett Morris signed with West Virginia University, bringing size, experience and a commitment to develop under head coach Rich Rodriguez.

West Virginia University’s football program is entering a pivotal second season under head coach Rich Rodriguez, with a revamped roster, key returning players and a promising schedule that could usher in a new era of competitiveness.

The Cyclones will confront twelve different head coaches next year, each bringing a distinct background and recent track record that could influence Iowa State’s performance on the field.

West Virginia University is banking on freshman safety Rickey Giles to shore up a pass defense that has ranked among the nation's worst, as coaches Rich Rodriguez and Gabe Franklin look to accelerate his development.

WVU's athletic director praises the newfound camaraderie and belief in coach Rich Rodriguez as the 2026 roster prepares for a promising campaign.
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 Mountaineers' 2026 helmet refresh blends a glossy finish with a blue state decal and gold flying WV, echoing a broader shift toward classic designs in college football.

Kayden Luke, a 5‑foot‑11, 249‑pound fullback, joins West Virginia University with a high‑school record of 3,609 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, aiming to revive the fullback position and contribute both as a blocker and potential ball carrier.

A look at the newest Mountaineers who may see meaningful snaps in the upcoming season, from a swift running back to a physically ready tight end and beyond.

The case for reviving tie games in college football rests on strategic depth, historical precedent, and emerging concerns over player health.

A projected depth chart for West Virginia University's 2026 football season reflects major changes, including new starters, incoming transfers and departures, as the program looks to rebound from a 4‑8 record.

West Virginia University outlines three clear assurances that could reshape its 2026 campaign.

The latest depth chart for West Virginia University’s football program reflects a flurry of transfers, commitments and injury updates as the team prepares for the 2026 campaign under head coach Rich Rodriguez.