After the Arizona State football team won the Big 12 in 2024 after being picked to finish last, the conference stopped releasing a preseason poll for who would win the conference.
But if you are really curious how some media members think the conference will play out this season, the USA TODAY Sports Network has filled the void with a preseason poll of its own, as voted on by its college football writers.
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USA TODAY Sports released the poll ahead of the Big 12 Football Media Days in Texas, and a Texas team leads the list.
Texas Tech was predicted to win the conference by media members, even without quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who left the team amid a gambling controversy.
BYU was predicted to finish second in the conference in the poll. The Cougars lost to Texas Tech in the Big 12 title game last season.
What Big 12 odds say: Texas Tech football still favored to win Big 12 without Brendan Sorsby
Big 12 football title contenders in 2026 season
Texas Tech and BYU may lead the USA TODAY Sports preseason ranking for the Big 12, but the Red Raiders and Cougars have company in the title race.
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Utah comes in third in the preseason poll, with Houston fourth.
The Arizona Wildcats round out the Top 5 in the predicted order of finish for the Big 12 this season, according to USA TODAY Sports.
Related: College Football 27 ratings for Big 12 teams led by Texas Tech, BYU
Potential darkhorses in 2026 Big 12 championship race
Who else could win the Big 12 title in 2026?
TCU comes in at No. 6 in the ranking, followed by Kansas State at No. 7 and Arizona State at No. 8. Oklahoma State is No. 9 and Baylor rounds out the Top 10.
But, as we learned two seasons ago when Arizona State was voted 16th in the preseason media poll, you just can’t count anyone out of the Big 12 football race to start the season.
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Could Arizona State surprise again this season? Might another team make an impressive run?
It could be another very intriguing season in the Big 12.
Read more: Big 12 football coach says Arizona State ‘better across the board’
Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond is upended by Arizona State Sun Devils safety Adrian Wilson.
2026 Big 12 football preseason predicted order of finish
More Sun Devils: Arizona State football to lead Big 12 in miles traveled in 2026 season
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 football preseason poll high on Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, Arizona
