The Big 12 enters the 2026 college football season with several teams returning experienced players and others trying to replace major departures from last year.
BYU is one of the teams receiving attention heading into the season after finishing 12-2 in 2025 and winning the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Georgia Tech.
The Cougars also reached the Big 12 championship game during their strongest season since joining the conference.
BYU returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier and running back LJ Martin, who both earned major conference honors last season. Martin was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for more than 1,300 yards, while Bachmeier earned Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors.
The Cougars also return several defensive contributors, including linebacker Isaiah Glasker and defensive back Evan Johnson. BYU lost defensive end Jack Kelly to the NFL Draft after he recorded 10 sacks last season.
BYU also added several transfer portal players during the offseason, including linebacker Cade Uluave, tight end Walker Lyons and receiver Kyler Kasper.
Around the conference, several other programs return experienced quarterbacks and key players heading into the season.
Arizona returns quarterback Noah Fifita, while Kansas State enters the season with Avery Johnson returning at quarterback.
Utah also will kick off the 2026 season with major changes after longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham left to become the head coach at Michigan football following the 2025 season. Former defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley was named Utah’s next head coach.
Oklahoma State and Kansas State also made coaching changes during the offseason, adding to several new storylines across the conference.
One of the biggest reasons the Big 12 continues to draw attention nationally is the competitiveness across the league. Unlike conferences with one clear favorite, multiple Big 12 teams enter each season with a realistic chance to compete for a conference championship.
With returning quarterbacks, transfer portal additions and new coaching eras beginning at several schools, the 2026 Big 12 football season could once again be one of the most competitive races in college football.