Four Big 12 teams have earned some major respect before a single snap of 2026 has been played, landing spots on what every major outlet is calling a composite way‑too‑early Top 25 list. That list came from a broad mix of voters from places like On3, Crain & Cone, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports, TheAthletic, CBS Sports, USA Today, and SportsNet.
The four Big 12 teams selected include No. 7 Texas Tech, No. 11 BYU, No. 18 Utah, and No. 24 Houston. In a league that’s often overlooked in preseason chatter, having four teams ranked nationally this early is significant. It’s not just about bending over backwards for the SEC and Big Ten anymore. It’s a sign that the perception of the Big 12 is finally catching up with what the league has been doing on the field.
Let’s start with Texas Tech at No. 7. The Red Raiders were one of the more explosive offenses last season, and with the pieces returning (and additions coming via transfer portal and recruiting), people believe they’ll be in playoff contention again. Still, questions remain about how far Texas Tech can go, especially after laying an egg against Oregon in the playoff, but the future is bright for a reason.
Then there’s BYU at No. 11. The Cougars finished strong last season despite missing out on the playoff, and they’ve managed to retain most of their stars along the way. The group is led by a rising star in quarterback Bear Bachmeier, and he should continue to get even better with more experience.
Utah at No. 18 feels like respect for consistency. The Utes built a profile as a tough, competitive group that doesn’t flinch in the face of top competition under Kyle Whittingham, but now it’s the Morgan Scalley show. There may be some growing pains along the way, but for now, things look great for Utah to make a run in ’26.
Rounding out the list is Houston at No. 24. The Cougs have been trending up for a minute, and this ranking reflects the belief that they’re not just going to show up; they’re going to matter. Willie Fritz has injected incredible amounts of buzz into the program that hasn’t been there for years. This season, they’re looking for even more.
None of this is set in stone, however, as rankings this early almost never are, but having multiple Big 12 teams spread across the Top 25 tells you something. It means national voters aren’t just giving the conference lip service. They’re forecasting it as a league with depth and with programs that can challenge for major goals.
If this season plays out anything like these composite rankings suggest, the Big 12 might be one of the most talked‑about leagues in the sport again.
