SALT LAKE CITY — As the Big 12 enters year three of the 16-team era, local college football teams have reason to be optimistic. Both BYU and Utah land inside the top four of KSL Sports’ preseason rankings — setting the stage for what could be a memorable November rivalry clash in Salt Lake City.
The ranking premiered on last night’s episode of Front Row with Jeremiah Jensen, Sam Farnsworth and Stevenson Sylvester.
2026 Big 12 Football Ranking
Texas Tech Red Raiders (9 first-place votes)
BYU Cougars (2 first-place votes)
Arizona Wildcats
Utah Utes
Houston Cougars
Arizona State Sun Devils
TCU Horned Frogs
Kansas State Wildcats
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Baylor Bears
Kansas Jayhawks
Cincinnati Bearcats
West Virginia Mountaineers
UCF Knights
Colorado Buffaloes
Iowa State Cyclones
BYU Cougars (No. 2)
The Cougars are a legitimate Big 12 title contender after reaching the conference championship game a season ago. Kalani Sitake’s program ranks among the national leaders in returning production, headlined by potential All-Americans in running back LJ Martin, safety Faletau Satuala, and linebacker Isaiah Glasker. Bear Bachmeier returns under center with a year of experience in the offense, and the defense should again be one of the conference’s best.
The biggest question marks for BYU center on replacing Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston at wide receiver and whether the special teams can maintain their edge — an area where Sitake’s squads have consistently won in the Big 12’s tight margins.
Utah Utes (No. 4)
The Morgan Scalley era begins in earnest, and despite significant roster turnover, public perception still holds the Utes in high regard. Utah lost its entire starting offensive line to the NFL and saw several key defenders follow former head coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. Still, the cupboard is far from bare in Salt Lake City.
Devon Dampier returns at quarterback and will be the biggest key to Utah’s floor, while the rebuilt offensive line will determine the ceiling. Running back Wayshawn Parker gives the Utes a dynamic weapon in the backfield.
With both programs positioned inside the top four, the Holy War has never carried more Big 12 weight. That game is slated for November 7.
Next week, July 6 and 7, Big 12 football and the KSL Sports team will be in Texas the annual Big 12 Media Days. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for nonstop coverage of the event.