Big 12 showcases impact freshmen ahead of 2026 season
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 1:19 PM
Last updated Aug 1, 2026

Several new players are poised to make significant impacts in the Big 12 for the 2026 college football season. Houston's Keisean Henderson, the top recruit, is expected to contribute despite Conner Weigman's strong performance last year. Texas Tech's Felix Ojo, a five-star offensive tackle, offers both immediate depth and future potential. At Utah, Kelvin Obot is in line for significant playing time due to a complete overhaul of the offensive line. Meanwhile, TCU's Carter Buck is pushing for a role on the defensive front as a highly regarded pass rusher. These freshmen have generated considerable buzz following impressive spring practices.
- •Keisean Henderson expected to play significant role at Houston.
- •Felix Ojo provides depth and future potential for Texas Tech.
- •Kelvin Obot positioned for meaningful snaps with Utah's revamped line.
- •Carter Buck pushing for a role in TCU's pass-rushing unit.
- •Houston's other elite freshman, Paris Melvin Jr., also gaining attention.
- 1:19 PMCBS Sports — Big 12 freshmen to watch in 2026: Houston, Texas Tech among teams with impact first-year players
"Combing through the conference for first-year players who expect to see the field this season
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NCAAF•Aug 1, 2026, 3:43 PMDonald Trump issued a threat to college football leaders
- College Sports•Aug 1, 2026, 3:37 PMJets sign DL Ben Barten
- NCAAF•Aug 1, 2026, 3:32 PMGeorgia transfer makes All-Mountain West first-team
- NCAAF•Aug 1, 2026, 3:27 PMWhere does SI rank John Mateer among Power Four starting quarterbacks?
College SportsCollege Sports•Aug 1, 2026, 3:19 PMFSU Seminoles offensive tackle target 'connected' with Mike Norvell- College Sports•Aug 1, 2026, 3:05 PMMichigan Basketball hires Dylan Murphy as assistant coach under Mike Boynton Jr.