Sports

Big 12 Football: Post-Spring 2026 Power Rankings

By Steven Lassan Athlon Sports

Updated May 8, 2026 9:15 AM

The path to the 2026 Big 12 title likely starts where the ‘25 version ended. Texas Tech and BYU finished last season as the conference's top two teams and are favored to meet again for the league title in ‘26. However, the Red Raiders were dealt late uncertainty in the spring, as quarterback Brendan Sorsby took a leave of absence for a gambling addiction. His status with the team remains uncertain, but coach Joey McGuire's team still remains the team to beat in the post-spring power rankings.

Depth is a strength of the Big 12 with Houston and Utah in the next tier, followed by Arizona, Arizona State, and Kansas State. Behind new coach Eric Morris, Oklahoma State should be among the nation's most-improved teams in ‘26. West Virginia should take a step forward in coach Rich Rodriguez's second year, and Colorado added several impact transfers to help coach Deion Sanders' team improve after a 3-9 season in ‘25.

How does the Big 12 stack up after spring ball? Athlon Sports ranks all 16 teams prior to preseason predictions release later this summer:

The Cyclones have a major roster overhaul underway and return zero starters from ‘25 under new coach Jimmy Rogers.

Transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III (James Madison) should help to spark a UCF offense that averaged only 19.2 points in Big 12 play last year. The Knights also return one of the top defensive backfields in the Big 12.

The ‘26 season is a critical campaign for coach Deion Sanders after a disappointing 3-9 record last year. However, a significant roster overhaul, along with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, provide optimism for a step forward.

Three starters - including potential preseason All-American Evan Tengesdahl - headline an offensive line that should be among the best in the Big 12. The Bearcats need a big season from Georgia Southern transfer quarterback JC French, along with a revamped defense, to contend for another bowl.

It's a make-or-break year for coach Dave Aranda. Can offensive coordinator Jake Spavital get the most out of talented Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway? The Bears also need major improvement out of a defense that surrendered 32.6 points a game last season.

The Jayhawks have posted back-to-back losing seasons and finished spring practice with plenty of question marks with just six returning starters. The quarterback competition between Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, and Chase Jenkins will continue into the fall, but the offense should improve with the return of play-caller Andy Kotelnicki after two years at Penn State. Transfer running back Dylan Edwards could be a dynamic addition from the portal.

Expect the Mountaineers to take a step forward in coach Rich Rodriguez's second season in charge. A pair of transfers in quarterback Michael Hawkins (Oklahoma) and running back Cam Cook (Jacksonville State) should spark the offense.

Harvard transfer quarterback Jaden Craig is an intriguing addition to replace Josh Hoover under center. However, the Horned Frogs need to establish more balance on offense and plug gaps at linebacker and cornerback to contend for a top-25 finish in ‘26.

The Cowboys could be the most-improved team in college football next season. The program needed a fresh start behind coach Eric Morris, with instant impact transfers in quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins, and receiver Wyatt Young following from North Texas.

If new coach Collin Klein can get the most out of quarterback Avery Johnson's talent, the Wildcats will have a chance to surprise in ‘26. Both lines of scrimmage are also undergoing some significant offseason renovation.

The Sun Devils return only two starters, but coach Kenny Dillingham reloaded both sides of the ball via the portal. Receivers Omarion Miller (Colorado) and Reed Harris (Boston College) form a dynamic pair on the outside, with Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley expected to start at quarterback.

The Wildcats showed significant improvement last fall (9-4) after a disappointing 4-8 debut under coach Brent Brennan in ‘24. Quarterback Noah Fifita is back to help maintain that momentum, but coordinator Danny Gonzales is facing a significant rebuild in the secondary.

It's a new era in Salt Lake City with Morgan Scalley taking over for Kyle Whittingham as head coach. While there's change at the top, don't expect many overall tweaks for this program. The Utes return two dynamic quarterbacks in Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin and plenty of skill talent. The development of a rebuilt offensive and defensive line will decide how high this team climbs in the Big 12.

The Cougars showed marked improvement in coach Willie Fritz's second year, finishing 10-3 in ‘25 after a 4-8 mark the previous season. With quarterback Conner Weigman headlining 12 returning starters, Houston should push BYU and Texas Tech for a spot in the conference title game.

The Cougars are positioned for a run at the College Football Playoff with quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin returning to lead the ‘26 squad. Seven returning starters anchor a defense that should be among the best in the nation.

Even though quarterback Brendan Sorsby's status is unsettled, the Red Raiders remain the team to beat in the Big 12. With quarterback Will Hammond on track to return early in the ‘26 campaign from a knee injury suffered last season, the offense will remain among the best in the conference. Also, another standout haul of transfers should keep the defense performing close to its ‘25 level.

Related: Examining the Fallout from Brendan Sorsby's Leave of Absence

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 9:05 AM.