The Big 12 football media days in 2026 saw a unique poll conducted by beat writers, offering an intriguing insight into the conference's future. The poll, a departure from the official preseason media poll, showcases the writers' predictions and their reasons behind them. Among the 16 voters, one from each Big 12 school, Texas Tech emerged as the clear favorite, securing 14 first-place votes and a total of 254 points. This result is particularly interesting given the ongoing quarterback situation at Texas Tech, which has left the team uncertain. BYU, with a more stable quarterback position, finished in second place, receiving the other two first-place votes and accumulating 239 points. This ranking is notable as it reflects the writers' confidence in BYU's quarterback stability, despite the team's recent missed opportunities in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
The poll also highlights the writers' skepticism towards BYU's chances of winning the league in 2026. BYU coach Kalani Sitake, known for his humility, emphasizes the unpredictability of preseason polls, recalling the 2024 season where BYU was picked to finish 13th and Arizona State 16th, yet they tied for the regular-season conference championship. This anecdote underscores the writers' caution in predicting BYU's success. Sitake's approach to the CFP is one of humility and hard work, avoiding heavy campaigning and focusing on the team's performance. He believes a 24-team playoff system would be ideal, ensuring more teams feel comfortable, but he respects the decision-making process of the committee.
The poll's results provide a fascinating glimpse into the writers' perspectives and their analysis of the conference's landscape. It also serves as a reminder of the Big 12's history of unpredictable preseason rankings, which has led to the suspension of the official preseason media poll. As the season unfolds, the writers' poll will be a valuable reference point, offering a more accurate representation of the teams' potential and the writers' insights into the conference's dynamics.
