Big 12 Power Rankings: Sorsby Exit Shifts Title Race
Texas Tech's championship hopes took a major hit Monday when quarterback Brendan Sorsby opted for the NFL instead of returning for the 2026 season. His departure creates a massive power vacuum in the Big 12 Conference, opening the door for new contenders to rise. With Sorsby out of the picture, teams like TCU, BYU, and Utah are primed to capitalize, while Iowa State faces a steep rebuilding challenge under new leadership.
How does Brendan Sorsby's departure impact the Big 12?
Texas Tech was the clear favorite to repeat as conference champions with Sorsby under center. His decision to leave for the NFL drops the Red Raiders from a lock to a question mark. The starting role now passes to backup Will Hammond, who showed a mix of talent and turnover problems in limited action last season. If Hammond cannot secure the offense, Texas Tech's championship aspirations will fade quickly.
Who are the top Big 12 title contenders in 2026?
With Texas Tech stumbling, four programs have a clear path to the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington this December.
TCU
Head coach Sonny Dykes consistently finds ways to win. The Horned Frogs are in the best position to exploit the power vacuum. Transfer quarterback Jaden Craig arrives from Harvard, where he dominated the Ivy League. Craig is the most underrated addition of the offseason and could easily enter the Heisman Trophy conversation if he adapts quickly to Power Four competition.
BYU
The Cougars fell just short in the Big 12 Championship Game last year, but they return significant production on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier overperformed last season and is back to build on that success. BYU will be a threat from start to finish.
Utah
Even without longtime coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah remains a model of consistency. The Utes kept star dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier in Salt Lake City. Dampier tore up opposing defenses last year and will do the same in 2026, making Utah a safe bet to reach the conference title game.
Arizona State
Head coach Kenny Dillingham overcame an injury-riddled 2025 season by landing two of the best wide receiver prospects in the transfer portal: Omarion Miller and Reed Harris. Former Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley will benefit greatly from these new weapons. The Sun Devils are primed to reclaim the title they won two years ago.
Which Big 12 teams are the dark horses?
These teams might not be the favorites, but they have the talent to upset the standings and make a run at the title.
Kansas State
This is junior quarterback Avery Johnson's last chance to meet the high expectations placed on him. The Wildcats have fallen short of the championship game in his previous seasons as a starter. To change that in 2026, the rest of the roster will need to overperform. A single upset over a contender could launch Kansas State into the championship conversation.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are not out of the championship picture yet, but everything hinges on Will Hammond. If he improves and limits turnovers, Texas Tech stays in the hunt. If his mistakes resurface, a bowl game becomes the best-case scenario.
Baylor
Head coach Dave Aranda is firmly on the hot seat. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson remains an unpredictable commodity, but he has the raw talent to keep Baylor in the upper third of the standings. To survive, Aranda needs Robertson to play consistently and win a few games that look unwinnable on paper.
Arizona
The Wildcats could easily be a contender after a strong 2025 campaign, but questions about returning production keep them in the dark horse category. Quarterback Noah Fifita can carry the team, but he is prone to untimely mistakes. Arizona could be fighting for a top-two spot in November, or they could have three losses by then.
Houston
Head coach Willie Fritz shocked the conference with a 10-win season and a fourth-place finish in 2025. Quarterback Connor Weigman returns for his junior season, giving the Cougars stability. Opponents will be ready for Houston this year, but Fritz has already proven he can outcoach expectations.
What is the outlook for Iowa State football in 2026?
Iowa State faces a tough reality after losing head coach Matt Campbell and quarterback Rocco Becht. The Cyclones take a significant step back in the conference hierarchy, dropping from title contenders to the spoiler tier. Iowa State will likely win at least four games, but reaching a bowl game will require incredible resilience against superior competition. Fans should not expect a postseason berth this year, but the Cyclones will undoubtedly upset at least one contender along the way.
Which Big 12 teams are stuck in the basement?
These programs are non-factors in the championship race and will likely struggle to win more than three games.
Colorado
Head coach Deion Sanders has been unable to sustain the momentum from 2023 and 2024. Since Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter left for the NFL, the program has declined. Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback, but he is expected to struggle and could lose the starting job by midseason.
Cincinnati
The transfer portal decimated the Bearcats following Sorsby's departure. Their Week 2 matchup against Western Carolina is the only predictable win on the schedule. A victory against Colorado in late November might be their only other success.
Oklahoma State
The Cowboys have the best chance of escaping the basement. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker transferred from North Texas after an impressive year, but jumping from a mid-major to a Power Four program is a steep challenge. If he transitions well, Oklahoma State will overperform. If not, they stay at the bottom.
Can Iowa State reach a bowl game in 2026?
Reaching a bowl game will be very difficult for Iowa State. The Cyclones lost their head coach and starting quarterback, placing them in a rebuilding year. While the team will fight hard and pull off an upset or two, winning the six games required for bowl eligibility is unlikely against a tough Big 12 schedule.
Who is the starting quarterback for Texas Tech now?
Will Hammond is the new starting quarterback for Texas Tech. He was the backup last season and showed flashes of talent, but he also struggled with turnovers. His performance will determine whether Texas Tech competes for a title or settles for a minor bowl game.
Which Big 12 team benefits most from Sorsby leaving?
TCU benefits the most from Sorsby's departure. The Horned Frogs were already positioned well, but losing the top quarterback in the conference gives them a clearer path to the Big 12 Championship. With transfer quarterback Jaden Craig taking the reins, TCU has the offensive firepower to dominate the conference.