2026 College Football Predictions: Big XII Conference

Texas Tech should run this conference and the only thing that will stand in their way is themselves. They are the favorite against every team they face this year. They had some big holes to fill, and the Sorsby debacle did not help their QB situation (I believe Will Hammond is a good QB and should do a good job for the Red Raiders this year). They hit the transfer portal hard, and while they will not be the same team as last year, they will still be quite formidable. 

BYU is the other standout team in the conference. I have them doing well in conference play because of how weak the rest of the conference is this year. Most of these teams will beat each other up, I have them all going 5-4 or 4-5. 

Intriguing Team: Oklahoma State. The Cowboys brought in Eric Morris from North Texas, who brought Drew Mestemaker with him. Do I think this team will contend for a conference championship this year? No, but do I think they see a huge improvement over last year? Absolutely. Do I think they give a team or two a loss they did not expect? Definitely.

Hot Seat: Dave Aranda of Baylor. Since 2020 he is 36-37, and has taken the Bears to three bowl games. He is 5-14 against higher ranked opponents. This year he brought in DJ Lagway as his QB, this could be a good fit for the former Gator. But, if it does not work, there will be a head coaching search in Waco.