Three teams that can win the Big 12

July 25, 2026 / Nathan Pine /

The Texas Tech Red Raiders won their first Big 12 championship in 2025, dominating most of the conference en route to its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

The Red Raiders had one conference loss, coming to Arizona State when starting quarterback Behren Morton was out with an injury. BYU was the only Big 12 team in TTU’s class last season, and the Red Raiders blew them out 29-7 in the regular season and 34-7 in the Big 12 Championship Game, keeping the Cougars from making the CFP.

The Big 12 has not had a repeat champion since Oklahoma won its sixth in a row in 2020.

1. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders were a favorite to win the Big 12 and make a run in the CFP when Brendan Sorsby transferred from Cincinnati this offseason. With Sorsby off the team, Will Hammond is set to be the starting quarterback this season.

Hammond should be good enough to get Texas Tech to the Big 12 Championship Game thanks to a strong roster around him. TTU has Cameron Dickey in the backfield and a solid offensive line. The Red Raiders defense reloaded in the transfer portal and should be one of the best units in college football.

2. BYU

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake flirted with Penn State last year but chose to return as the Cougars plan to invest heavily in the program. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 3,033 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a freshman last season. He should be even better this fall.

The Cougars are returning a lot of defenders that helped the team make a run to the Big 12 Championship Game last year. They should be a force in the conference again this year and could earn an at-large bid in the CFP if they don’t win the Big 12 championship.

3. Houston

Willie Fritz has done a tremendous job turning around Houston. The Cougars went 10-3 overall and 6-3 in conference play last season.

How quarterback Conner Weigman’s plays could determine if the Cougars can take the next step and compete for the Big 12. He threw for 2,705 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2025.

Darkhorses

Oklahoma State, Arizona

For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.

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Nathan Pine

I focus on highlighting the latest in business and entrepreneurship. I enjoy bringing fresh perspectives to the table and sharing stories that inspire growth and innovation.