The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for a pivotal year in college football, with a strong belief that 2026 will be the breakthrough season for their teams in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Despite a single win in the CFP's 12-season history, the Big 12 is determined to change that narrative.
One of the key factors driving this optimism is the conference's commitment to winning. Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasizes the need to "credentialize" the Big 12 as one of the best football conferences, and the only way to do that is by winning when it matters most. The conference's focus on winning is evident in the intense competition among its teams, with many games decided in the final quarter or even the last play.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, the favorites in the Big 12, are poised to make a strong comeback and potentially secure their first CFP win since TCU's upset against Michigan in 2022. Despite the Brendan Sorsby saga, the Red Raiders have a strong roster and a talented quarterback, Will Hammond, who is expected to recover from his ACL injury in time for the season opener. Coach Joey McGuire highlights the changed expectations and the team's determination to defend their title and win a playoff game.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the Big 12's belief in its strength and the skepticism from other conferences, especially the SEC. The CFP selection committee's decisions in recent years, granting the Big 12 two byes to the quarterfinals without a running mate, have added fuel to the fire. Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield argues for more teams in the CFP, citing the case of BYU, a team with a strong résumé but left out of the field twice in a row.
In my opinion, the Big 12's emphasis on parity and depth throughout the conference is a unique approach. While other conferences may prioritize breadth at the top, the Big 12 recognizes the value of a closely bunched league and believes it can lead to CFP victories. Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, a CFP veteran, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to create a compelling product that can advance the Big 12 brand.
The Big 12's strategy is a bold one, and it will be intriguing to see if their belief in parity pays off. With five teams winning at least nine games last season and no signs of slowing down, the conference is poised for a competitive season. The directive is clear: just win. And if they do, the Big 12 will finally break through in the CFP, proving their worth on the biggest stage.
