2026, Big 12 Pre-season Rankings


These are the rankings from some media outlets for the teams expected to come out on top in the Big 12 conference as of Dec. 4, 2026. Around 11 PM CST. This is after the Big 12 championship game. This is the media page I got it from

2026 Big 12 Pre-Season Rankings

Ranking TeamThoughts
1Texas Tech Red RaidersRetains elite defensive depth; young QB Will Hammond takes the reins.
2BYU CougarsStrongest returning core in the league led by RB LJ Martin & S Faletau Satuala.
3Houston CougarsMassive Year 3 surge under Willie Fritz with portal upgrades across the board.
4Utah UtesReloaded in the front seven; breaking in a new starting quarterback.
5Kansas State WildcatsAvery Johnson enters his second full year leading a run-heavy offense.
6Arizona WildcatsHigh-powered passing game anchored by star QB Noah Fifita.
7TCU Horned FrogsHighly experienced offensive line and veteran secondary depth.
8Oklahoma State CowboysRebuilt front seven aiming to bounce back in conference play.
9Baylor BearsDave Aranda’s squad faces one of the toughest early-season slates.
10Arizona State Sun DevilsSam Leavitt leads a reloaded offense following portal additions.
11Kansas JayhawksJalon Daniels returns for his final campaign behind a solid OL.
12Cincinnati BearcatsQuietly assembling one of the most underrated front sevens in the league.
13West Virginia MountaineersReliance on explosive running plays to control time of possession.
14Colorado BuffaloesRebuilt offensive line featuring Kaidon Salter under center.
15UCF KnightsHigh-speed offense working to solve key defensive retooling questions.
16Iowa State CyclonesRetooling roster following significant key starters leaving for the NFL.
The rankings before the start of the 2026 season. According to the following website:

https://www.on3.com/news/athlon-sports-releases-2026-preseason-big-12-power-rankings/

Not the one I was looking for; however, it will do.

Here is the blog I did about this very subject.