The 2026 college football season brings high-stakes weekly chaos to the Big 12, with up to six programs positioned to contend for national rankings and a berth in the College Football Playoff, according to analysis published by CBS Sports. With a razor-thin margin separating the frontrunners from the mid-tier pack, analysts and media voters have cast their preseason projections and unveiled the official preseason all-conference honors ahead of the autumn kickoff.
According to preseason projections and media polls gathered by the Big 12 Conference, BYU running back LJ Martin earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors following his standout 2025 campaign, while Texas Tech defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr. was selected as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker captured Preseason Newcomer of the Year recognition as teams finalized their rosters for September action.
The conference landscape features several distinct tiers as programs prepare for another grueling schedule. Texas Tech enters the autumn as a primary measuring stick following its top-10 ascent last season, while BYU targets another championship push behind a veteran roster. Other programs like Utah are navigating new eras with high expectations intact, and Oklahoma State looks to surprise doubters under a new coaching staff.
Preseason Honors and Conference Standouts
The 2026 Preseason All-Big 12 team, voted on by media members covering the league’s 16 institutions, showcases talent from across the footprint. Texas Tech led all programs with seven total selections, including five players recognized on the defensive side of the ball. BYU followed closely with six selections, while Houston placed three players on the preseason squad.
Offensively, Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita earned a spot on the preseason team after compiling 73 career touchdown passes and 9,183 passing yards. Joining Fifita on the offensive unit are running backs Cam Cook of West Virginia and LJ Martin of BYU, alongside fullback Kayden Luke. Wide receiver selections include Omarion Miller of Arizona State, Amare Thomas of Houston, and Wyatt Young of Oklahoma State, complemented by Texas Tech tight end Terrance Carter Jr.
The preseason offensive line features Joe Cotton and Evan Tengesdahl of Cincinnati, Shadre Hurst of Houston, Bruce Mitchell of BYU, and John Pastore of Kansas State. Stone Harrington of Texas Tech was named preseason kicker, with Mana Carvalho of Utah selected as punt and kick returner.
Defensively, the line features C.J. Fite of Arizona State, Wendell Gregory of Kansas State, Keanu Tanuvasa of BYU, and Texas Tech duo A.J. Holmes Jr. and Adam Trick. The linebacker corps includes Ben Roberts and Austin Romaine of Texas Tech alongside Cade Uluave of BYU. The defensive backfield boasts Will James of Houston, Evan Johnson of BYU, Jamel Johnson of TCU, Brice Pollock of Texas Tech, and Faletau Satuala of BYU, with Baylor punter Palmer Williams rounding out the squad.
Contenders and Projected Records
Game-by-game projections outline a difficult path for teams navigating the conference schedule. BYU is projected to finish 11-1 overall and 9-0 in conference play, with its lone regular-season hurdle slated against Notre Dame, according to CBS Sports game-by-game models. The Cougars face key conference tests against Utah, Arizona, and Kansas State.
Arizona enters the season projected for an 8-4 record under head coach Brent Brennan. With Noah Fifita leading the offense, the Wildcats face critical road matchups at BYU, Texas Tech, and Kansas State, alongside a home test against Utah. Similarly, Arizona State projects at 8-4 overall under head coach Kenny Dillingham, with early national attention fixed on a September non-conference matchup at Texas A&M.
Baylor faces a high-pressure campaign under head coach Dave Aranda, with projections pegging the Bears at 4-8. Opening the season against an SEC opponent in Auburn is viewed as vital for establishing early momentum before conference play begins.
As teams complete their final fall camp preparations, fans and analysts continue to track official roster updates and athletic department announcements. Share your thoughts on the upcoming season and join the conversation in the comments below.
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