The excitement in college football is palpable, and CBS Sports has just unveiled its early rankings for the Big 12 football teams, listing them from first to last. This particular conference might not seem as unpredictable next season as it has in the past.
At the moment, Texas Tech and BYU stand out as the top teams in the Big 12. The big question looms: will they maintain their dominance heading into 2026 while both target a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP)?
Without further delay, let’s explore CBS Sports’ rankings, starting with the reigning champions at the pinnacle of the conference.
- Texas Tech
Leading the pack, Texas Tech holds the title of Big 12 champions as they head into the upcoming season. Despite their championship status, the team faced disappointment with a quick exit from the CFP, prompting head coach Joey McGuire and his squad to aim for improvement in their playoff performance.
To bolster their chances, former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has transferred in to fortify the quarterback position. Additionally, linebackers John Curry and Ben Roberts are returning, while Wake Forest defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba will also be joining the roster, adding more depth and strength.
- BYU
Kalani Sitake made headlines by choosing to stay at BYU rather than moving to Penn State, a move that surprised many as the Cougars aim to capitalize on their recent success, including a victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. With aspirations for a conference title and a CFP berth, BYU is looking strong going into the new season.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is set to enter his sophomore year, while running back LJ Martin is back in action. The defense looks promising as well, featuring key players like linebacker Isiaah Glasker, safety Faletau Satuala, and tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, who are expected to lead an elite defensive unit.
Houston
Under the leadership of Willie Fritz, Houston achieved an impressive ten-win season last year. Now heading into 2026, they appear to have an even stronger roster. Running back Makhi Hughes joins quarterback Conner Weigman, creating an exciting offensive duo that should make waves in the conference.Arizona
Brent Brennan has successfully transformed Arizona, leading the Wildcats to an impressive turnaround from four wins to nine in just a single season. As they aim for the Big 12 crown, key players are returning, including quarterback Noah Fifita, who will be at the helm for his final eligibility year, guiding the offense.Arizona State
Kenny Dillingham is determined to ensure that Arizona State remains competitive in the Big 12 every year, rather than viewing their magical 2024 season as a one-off. However, the Sun Devils are facing some setbacks with the departure of key players like quarterback Sam Leavitt, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and running back Raleek Brown, who have moved on to other programs or the NFL.
On a brighter note, Arizona State has welcomed back defensive tackle CJ Fite and secured transfers in quarterbacks Mikey Keene and Cutter Boley. But will these changes propel them beyond their current fifth-place ranking?
Utah
With a new era commencing under Morgan Scalley, Utah is rebuilding after significant changes, especially following Kyle Whittingham's departure and the loss of notable contributors to other teams, including pass rusher John Henry Daley who has moved to Michigan. The Utes must focus on quickly reconstructing their offensive line to regain their standing in the Big 12.TCU
Sonny Dykes has skillfully steered TCU back into contention within the Big 12 over the last two years, achieving a combined eighteen wins. However, with Josh Hoover transferring to Indiana, Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig steps in to fill the void. Additionally, Dykes has brought in Gordon Sammis as the new offensive coordinator, promising fresh strategies for the upcoming season. The question remains: can TCU elevate themselves from the middle tier?Oklahoma State
Eric Morris is ushering in a new chapter at Oklahoma State, succeeding Mike Gundy at the helm. For the Cowboys to compete effectively in the Big 12, they may require a couple of seasons to hit their stride. However, with the addition of nineteen players through the transfer portal, the team is injecting new talent into their ranks. Watch out for quarterback Drew Mestemaker and running back Caleb Hawkins as they could become dynamic playmakers this season.Kansas State
The arrival of new head coach Collin Klein brings hope to Kansas State fans, especially as they look to support quarterback Avery Johnson in their quest for a successful season. However, the team faces challenges with significant losses to the transfer portal. If the Wildcats can overcome these obstacles, they may just surprise everyone.Kansas
Under the guidance of Lance Leipold, Kansas is facing a generational shift with many veterans having departed. They have recently acquired running back Dylan Edwards from Kansas State, which should provide a much-needed boost to their offense. Furthermore, they have added Texas guard Connor Stroh to strengthen their offensive line. Nevertheless, finding a capable quarterback in the absence of Jalon Daniels will be a challenging endeavor.
CBS Sports Way-Too-Early Big 12 Football Rankings for 2026
11. Cincinnati
12. Colorado
13. Baylor
14. UCF
15. West Virginia
16. Iowa State
Colorado continues to be a fascinating team to watch as Deion Sanders embarks on Year 4 in Boulder. Although they bring back quarterback Julian Lewis, they face losses with offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and wide receiver Dre’lon Miller no longer on the roster.
