The 2026 Big 12 football season has delivered no shortage of surprises, breakout stars, and legitimate College Football Playoff contenders. With the season reaching its midway point, it’s time to hand out our midseason awards. From Michael Hawkins Jr.’s electrifying performances at West Virginia to Kalani Sitake leading BYU into the national championship conversation, the conference has been loaded with standout individual and team achievements. Here are our picks for the Big 12’s top players, newcomers, freshmen, and coach through the first half of the 2026 season.
Offensive Player of the Year: Michael Hawkins Jr., QB, West Virginia
No player has been more electric in the Big 12 this season than West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. Through seven games, Hawkins has thrown for 1,519 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception while adding 749 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability has made him one of the most difficult players in America to defend, and he currently leads all FBS quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns. His signature performance came against Cincinnati when he threw for 464 yards and three touchdowns while adding 77 rushing yards and two scores, becoming the first quarterback in program history to record at least 450 passing yards and 75 rushing yards in the same game.
Defensive Player of the Year / Defensive Lineman of the Year: AJ Holmes, DL, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s dominant defense starts with AJ Holmes up front. The senior defensive lineman has been a disruptive force for an undefeated Red Raiders team, totaling 18 tackles and four sacks through six games. Holmes has consistently generated pressure in key moments and leads Texas Tech in sacks while anchoring a defense allowing fewer than 18 points per game. His production doesn’t always show up fully on the stat sheet, but his impact has been a major reason Texas Tech has emerged as a legitimate Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff contender.
Offensive Newcomer of the Year: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Few transfers have had a bigger impact on their new team than Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker. The former North Texas star has seamlessly transitioned into the Big 12, throwing for 1,940 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes. He’s averaging more than 323 passing yards per game and has already produced five performances of at least 300 passing yards. His breakout season has helped keep Oklahoma State firmly in the Big 12 race and elevated him into the national quarterback conversation.
Defensive Newcomer of the Year: Lamont Lester Jr., DE, Colorado
Colorado found an immediate playmaker in transfer defensive end Lamont Lester Jr. The former Monmouth standout has recorded nine tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks while quickly becoming one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the conference. Lester burst onto the scene with a three-sack performance against Georgia Tech and has continued to create havoc in opposing backfields. Despite Colorado’s up-and-down season, Lester has proven to be one of the top defensive additions in the Big 12.
Offensive Freshman of the Year: Legend Glasker, WR, BYU
BYU freshman receiver Legend Glasker has already become one of the conference’s most dangerous playmakers. Through six games, Glasker has hauled in 24 receptions for 444 yards and three touchdowns while averaging an impressive 18.5 yards per catch. He’s also contributed as a runner, adding 92 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Whether it’s stretching the field or making explosive plays after the catch, Glasker has been a key factor in BYU’s rise to No. 2 in the national rankings.
Defensive Freshman of the Year: LaDamion Guyton, DE, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s defense has received major contributions from freshman pass rusher LaDamion Guyton. Through five games, Guyton has totaled nine tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. His ability to impact the quarterback has been evident from the start, and he already ranks among the best freshman defenders in the conference. On a veteran-loaded defense, Guyton has carved out an important role and looks like a future star in Lubbock.
Special Teams Player of the Year: Sam Keltner, K, Oklahoma State
Consistency has defined Oklahoma State kicker Sam Keltner’s season. Through six games, Keltner is a perfect 13-for-13 on field goals and 22-for-22 on extra points, accounting for 61 points. His longest make is 47 yards, and he has repeatedly delivered in critical moments for the Cowboys. In a season where Oklahoma State has played several close games, Keltner’s reliability has been one of the league’s biggest special teams advantages.
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Anthony Boswell, C, Houston
Houston center Anthony Boswell has been the anchor of one of the Big 12’s best offensive lines. Boswell recently earned Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors and has posted an 88.1 offensive grade, ranking among the best offensive linemen in the country. He has helped pave the way for Houston’s emergence as a top-15 team while excelling in both pass protection and the running game. He’s currently ranked by Pro Football Focus as the No. 1 center in the country. So let’s show those centers some love! Simply put, Boswell has been the foundation of Houston’s offensive success this season.
Chuck Neinas Big 12 Coach of the Year: Kalani Sitake, BYU
No coach has exceeded expectations more than Kalani Sitake. Entering Week 8, Sitake has guided BYU to an undefeated record, a No. 2 national ranking, and control of the Big 12 race. The Cougars own one of the nation’s best wins after knocking off Notre Dame and have consistently found ways to win despite key injuries, including the loss of star running back LJ Martin. With BYU firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation, Sitake has made the strongest midseason case for Big 12 Coach of the Year.
