Fall practice for the 2026 college football season is underway, which means the start of the year with actual games in Week Zero on Aug. 29 and then again in Week 1 isn't far behind. With the '26 season right around the corner, it's time to power rank all 16 teams in the Big 12.
After dominating the Big 12 last season, Texas Tech tops the power rankings for 2026. Led by quarterback Bear Bachmeier and a standout defense, BYU isn’t far behind the reigning Big 12 champs. Houston and Utah headline the next tier, with Kansas State, Arizona, Arizona State, TCU and Oklahoma State a small step behind.
How do the 16 teams in the conference stack up this fall? Athlon Sports power ranks the Big 12 teams for 2026.
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New coach Jimmy Rogers faces a massive roster overhaul with zero returning starters. Arkansas State transfer quarterback Jaylen Raynor needs a big year for this team to go bowling. However, with all of the new faces in key roles, it may take time for the roster to mesh.
James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett should spark a UCF offense that averaged 24.3 points per game last year. The Knights must rebuild the defensive line after losing Malachi Lawrence, but the secondary should rank among the best in the Big 12.
Were coach Deion Sanders’ offseason changes enough to get Colorado back on track? New offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is one of the Big 12’s top assistant hires, and quarterback Julian Lewis could be in line for a breakout year in this attack. Question marks remain with the offensive line and defense.
The Bearcats return only four starters, leaving head coach Scott Satterfield’s squad with plenty of preseason questions to address. However, with three starters back—including guard Evan Tengesdahl—the offensive line should remain a strength.
Will former five-star prospect and Florida transfer DJ Lagway reach his potential in Waco? If he does, the Bears will easily exceed this preseason ranking and cool the hot seat pressure on coach Dave Aranda. Four starters are back from a defense that allowed 32.6 points per game in 2025.
The return of Andy Kotelnicki to direct the offense is a huge positive for the Jayhawks after back-to-back losing seasons. However, Kotelnicki and coach Lance Leipold have a quarterback battle to sort through (Cole Ballard vs. Isaiah Marshall) this fall. The defense also needs to improve after giving up 26.8 points per game last year.
Expect the Mountaineers to take a step forward in coach Rich Rodriguez’s second year back in Morgantown. A pair of transfers in quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and running back Cam Cook will provide a much-needed spark on offense. The development of the offensive line and defense will determine just how high this team climbs in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State should be one of the most-improved teams in the nation. New coach Eric Morris was one of the top hires for 2026, and a handful of key players — including quarterback Drew Mestemaker and running back Caleb Hawkins — followed Morris from North Texas to Stillwater.
A No. 8 ranking might be too low for the Horned Frogs if Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig quickly acclimates to life in the Big 12. New play-caller Gordon Sammis should also improve TCU’s rushing attack. Five starters return from a defense that allowed 25.3 points a game in 2025.
Coach Kenny Dillingham’s squad brings back only two starters, but optimism is still running high in Tempe. Kentucky transfer quarterback Cutter Boley is an intriguing addition, and a pair of portal pickups at receiver — Omarion Miller (Colorado) and Reed Harris (Boston College) — adds big-time potential on the outside. A rebuilt secondary is arguably Dillingham’s biggest concern on defense.
Noah Fifita returns as the Big 12’s top quarterback in 2026, but exceeding last year’s nine victories won’t be easy for coach Brent Brennan’s squad. The Wildcats must navigate some turnover at the skill spots, and the biggest concern is a revamped secondary on defense.
If new coach Collin Klein can maximize quarterback Avery Johnson’s talent, a favorable schedule could help K-State contend for a spot in the Big 12 title game. A revamped offensive line and defensive front remain the top concerns entering fall practice.
The Utes shouldn’t miss a beat under new coach Morgan Scalley. Quarterback Devon Dampier is back to anchor the offense, and as always, Utah will be among the best in the conference on defense. How a revamped offensive line performs could decide how high this team finishes in the Big 12.
The Cougars displayed marked improvement in coach Willie Fritz’s second year, jumping from 4-8 in 2024 to 10-3 in 2025. With 11 starters back, including quarterback Conner Weigman, Houston has the pieces in place to challenge for a spot in the Big 12 title game. Transfers in running back Makhi Hughes (Oregon) and offensive lineman Shadre Hurst (Tulane) were big-time additions from the portal.
BYU has been on the cusp of making the College Football Playoff with a 23-4 record over the last two seasons. Coach Kalani Sitake’s team could break through in 2026, as quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin lead the way on offense, and seven starters return on defense.
Despite the departure of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, the Red Raiders are still the team to beat in the Big 12 this year. New signal-caller Will Hammond is on track to return to full strength after suffering an ACL tear last season. Texas Tech’s defense ranks among the best in the Big 12 once again.
