Texas Tech leads Big 12 football preseason predictions ahead of media days
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 9:11 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
The Big 12 football conference focuses on its season as media days approach on July 7-8 in Irving, Texas. Texas Tech is positioned as the favorite to win the conference, placing nine players on the USA TODAY Network preseason All-Big 12 team, with a strong defensive lineup. BYU also stands out with key player Bear Bachmeier returning at quarterback. Preseason awards recognize BYU's LJ Martin as Offensive Player of the Year and Texas Tech's Ben Roberts as Defensive Player of the Year. Newcomer of the Year honors go to Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who previously excelled at North Texas.
- •Texas Tech is favored to win the Big 12 for the 2026 season.
- •BYU's Bear Bachmeier returns as a key player for the Cougars.
- •LJ Martin of BYU is named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
- •Ben Roberts from Texas Tech earns the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year accolade.
- •Drew Mestemaker is recognized as the Preseason Newcomer of the Year.
- 9:11 AMYahoo Sports — Big 12 football predictions, preseason awards, all-conference teams
"The fights in court are over and now the Big 12 can focus on the football field. Texas Tech is still the favorite, but BYU has star power, too.
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