West Virginia is trying to rebuild with 49 – count ’em, 49 – freshmen, while Cincinnati (QB now in Lubbock) and UCF (roster upgrades last in the Big 12) have their own issues … And CU? Can the Buffs’ overhauled roster double CU’s win total in 2026? We’ll see …

Texas Tech has everything a college football fan could want in 2026: Good coaching; a bought and paid for roster; and a ridiculously easy schedule … On the other extreme, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda is coaching for his job this fall …

There are five teams from the old Big Eight who remain in the current Big 12 – and none of them are title contenders … Kansas State, Iowa State and Oklahoma State all have new coaches – and challenges to get to winning records …

Arizona State won the Big 12 in 2024, while BYU played for the title last fall … Arizona had a break through season in Year Two under Brent Brennan, while Utah fans watched their coach (and coordinators – and four four-star players) leave for Michigan …