We are less than 24 hours away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. This year’s draft will take place in Pittsburgh as many college football players hope to hear their name called over the next couple of days.
For the Big 12, the draft is important because all anyone wants to talk about is how many SEC players are selected and compare it to all the to other conferences. While the Big 12 has certainly had their fair share of down years, 2026 looks to be very promising.
Top of the 2026 NFL Draft
Depending on which site you follow, most places have anywhere from four to seven Big 12 players being taken in the first round. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, and Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson appear to be locks, not just to go in the first 32 but inside the Top 10.
If that happens, it would be the first time since 2012 where three players from the conference get picked Top 10. To take a quick trip down memory lane, that was when RGIII (Baylor), Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State), and Ryan Tannehill (Texas A&M) were drafted in the Top 8 in 2012.
More importantly, this Big 12 class looks to be as deep as any in recent memory. Three years ago we saw six players from the conference hear their name called in Round 1. At the time, that was the most since 2011 when the Big 12 had eight players taken in the first round.
Other Big 12 Names to Watch
Outside of the three players that I already mentioned previously, there is no shortage of players from the conference who could also be selected on Thursday night. Utah has another offensive lineman that could be picked shortly outside the Top 10 with Caleb Lomu.
It’s also very likely at some point we see our third offensive lineman from the Big 12 get picked thanks to Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor. To me, Bailey, Fano, Tyson, Lomu, and Iheanachor will all likely hear their name called on Thursday.
That alone would be fantastic for the Big 12. But wait, there’s more. Texas Tech star linebacker and reigning Big 12 defensive player of the year Jacob Rodriguez has been a name to watch to potentially be a late first rounder. His teammate, defensive tackle Lee Hunter is another guy to keep an eye on as well.
Rounding out the list is UCF’s Malachi Lawrence. Edge rushers are always a premium in the draft and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if someone in the last five picks ends up taking him in the first round.
I have mentioned eight names who all could end up in the first round from the Big 12. That would be the most in 15 years. But even if that number is cut in half, four is still impressive.
There are always surprises in every draft. Some guys will rise and others will fall down draft boards. Either way, this 2026 draft has the makings to be a historic one for the Big 12.
Dare I say, could it be the best ever?
