Previewing the Big 12, and taking a look at the favorites to win the conference championship in 2026.
The 2025 Big 12 champions, Texas Tech, entered the 2026 college football season as the clear favorites to win the conference title again, but Utah has been imposing themselves as the dominant force in the conference.
Texas Tech possesses one of the most formidable rushing attacks in the country. Their two-headed backfield of juniors Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams combined for 1,992 rushing yards last season, and both players are returning for another year.
Tech lost quarterback Behren Morton to the NFL, but he was replaced by backup Will Hammond this season until Hammond was bench for Thomas Castellanos. The biggest question surrounding the Red Raiders, however, is whether the defense can replicate its incredible 2025 performance. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height have all joined the NFL, and replacing those three players' production is not an easy feat.
Big 12 Championship Odds
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Big 12 Championship Contenders
BYU and Utah are the two teams that are posing the biggest threat to Texas Tech in the Big 12.
For the Utes, longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has taken the reins from head coach Kyle Whittingham ahead of the 2026 season. Scalley has impressively reshaped the team even after losing top talents on the offensive and defensive lines. Quarterback Devon Dampier has also been incredible, making his case for the Heisman Trophy after a massive rivalry win against BYU.
Sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier is returning for another year in Provo after a solid freshman campaign, where he threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns. BYU has also retained safety Faletau Satuala and linebacker Isaiah Glasker on defense.
Oklahoma State is another team to watch. The Cowboys have a high-powered offense in 2026, only one season after finishing with a single win.
New head coach Eric Morris has brought in a huge amount of transfers to improve the team, including University of North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker who led Division I college football with 4,379 passing yards last season. Morris also added talent around his new quarterback including running back Caleb Hawkins and wide receiver Wyatt Young.
The defense remains the primary concern for Oklahoma State. Rebuilding a defensive unit over a single summer is significantly more challenging than improving an offense in this day and age.
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