Big 12 Spring Football: A Look Ahead to 2026

Big 12 teams are currently navigating the spring portion of their offseason preparations for the 2026 college football season. Programs across the conference are focused on evaluating players, implementing new systems, and building momentum.

Defending Champions and Top Contenders

The Texas Tech Red Raiders will aim to defend their Big 12 title and secure another College Football Playoff berth. However, they face stiff competition from several other programs.

Key Challengers

  • BYU Cougars: Last season’s runner-up, looking to contend for the championship.
  • Arizona State Sun Devils: The 2024 conference champions are aiming for continued success.

Coaching Changes Across the Conference

Significant coaching changes are taking place within the Big 12. The Iowa State Cyclones, Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma State Cowboys, and Utah Utes will all begin the 2026 season with new head coaches.

Teams Aiming for Improvement

Several other Big 12 teams are focused on improving their standing within the conference. These include the Kansas Jayhawks, Arizona Wildcats, Baylor Bears, Houston Cougars, UCF Knights, West Virginia Mountaineers, Colorado Buffaloes, TCU Horned Frogs, and Cincinnati Bearcats.

Spring Game Schedule and Format

Spring practices will culminate in spring games or organized events, offering fans an early glimpse of roster changes and player development. Some programs may opt for alternative formats or closed practices. Note: Schools listed with an asterisk next to the date of the spring game either aren’t scheduling a traditional spring game this year, or it’s not yet clear when the game will occur.

Spring games are crucial for younger players to gain experience and for position battles to unfold. They also provide coaching staffs with valuable insights into team depth and areas needing improvement.

Evolving Role of Spring Games

The role of spring games has evolved in recent years due to concerns about player movement during transfer portal windows. However, with adjustments to the transfer calendar, more teams are returning to traditional spring game formats. This increased access and visibility are generating excitement for the upcoming season.

Jaron Spor, a journalist with nearly a decade of experience, has covered college and professional sports for various outlets including USA Today’s Sooners Wire, Athlon, and the Locked On Podcast Network.