TCU’s loss to North Carolina was the appetizer. The main course begins on Thursday when three Big 12 teams are in action across the country.
It’s Week 1 of the 2026 college football season and every Big 12 team will be in action, except for the Horned Frogs, who get the weekend off to lick their wounds after a 15-10 loss before they host Grambling State on Sept. 12.
It should be a wide-open season, even though most predict that Texas Tech and BYU will reach the Big 12 Championship game. There are so many question marks throughout the conference as we go into the first weekend of games.
Here are five players to watch as the action unfolds.
DJ Lagway, Baylor
There isn’t a bigger game on the schedule than Baylor’s game with Auburn, which will be played in Atlanta on Saturday. There may be no quarterback in the conference that has more to prove than Lagway, a former five-star prospect who played two seasons at Florida but was inconsistent with the Gators. The talent is there. It’s clear to see. His biggest problem at Florida was interceptions. He threw too many and it undermined his talent.
It’s now up to offensive coordinator Jake Spavital to harness that talent and position it to make the Bears successful again. Head coach Dave Aranda’s future depends on it. But a win over the Tigers with a great performance from Lagway would be a great start for Baylor.
Makhi Hughes, Houston
This is a reunion. Houston head coach Willie Fritz recruited Hughes out of high school when he was head coach at Tulane. Hughes had two terrific seasons with the Green Wave, one under Fritz and one under his successor, John Sumrall. Hughes rushed for more than 1,000 yards both seasons and was a perfect fit for that offense.
He transferred to Oregon before last season and was basically forgotten. He didn’t even gain 100 yards for the Ducks. The transfer to Houston gives Hughes an opportunity to play for a head coach he trusts and in a scheme that highlights what he does best. The game against Oregon State is our first chance to see it on the field.
Omarion Miller, Arizona State
In a different era, Miller would still be at Colorado. But in the transfer portal era, he’s taken his talent to Tempe and will play for the Sun Devils this season. This was a big get for head coach Kenny Dillingham because he knew he was losing Jordan Tyson to the NFL and needed an established receiver to help his new quarterback, Cutter Boley, who transferred in from Kentucky.
Miller was one of Colorado’s top targets last year as he caught 45 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. With a more established quarterback situation, plus an offense that is geared to get top wide receivers the football, Miller could be in for a big season that might be a springboard to the NFL.
Adam Trick, Texas Tech
Texas Tech put together one of the nation’s elite defenses through the transfer portal last season. One of those key players was David Bailey, the former Stanford pass rusher who had another great season for the Red Raiders in 2025 and ended up being the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft in April.
The Red Raiders hope that Adam Trick of Miami (OH) can be a worthy successor. Trick had 8.5 sacks in 2025 and has 13 career sacks. Texas tech’s scheme could allow him to reach another level and set up his own springboard to the NFL. At minimum, we get to watch how he fits into Texas Tech’s defense against Abilene Christian.
Faletau Satuala, BYU
Satuala had a Breakthrough season at free safety for the Cougars last year, as he finished with 84 tackles and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. It’s difficult to find a safety that can blend run stopping and pass coverage, but BYU has a gem in Satuala.
The Cougars are playing Utah Tech, so this probably won’t be a competitive game. What you’re watching for is how an experienced BYU defense, which returns seven starters, comes together in its first game of the season. In many ways, he’ll set the tone.
