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BYU Favored for 2026 Big 12 Title, Star QB Returns

7/10/2026

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Summary

BYU Favored

Big 12 coaches voted BYU the favorite to win the 2026 conference, giving it 13 votes and six first-place picks.
BYU returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier (3,000 yards, 15 touchdowns) and preseason Offensive Player of the Year running back LJ Martin (1,305 yards, 12 touchdowns).
Cade Uluave transferred from California after 100 tackles in 2025 and will see BYU meet Notre Dame on Oct. 17 and TCU on Oct. 3.

Summary

BYU Projected Rise

ESPN’s Football Power Index ranks BYU No. 20 and projects an 8.5-3.5 record for the 2026 season.
BYU has a 32.1% chance of ten or more wins, a 1.3% chance of an undefeated season, and a 16.5% chance to win the Big 12 title.
BYU’s schedule ranks the 55th-toughest of 138 FBS teams and it holds a 25.7% chance of a College Football Playoff berth, the league’s highest aside from Texas Tech.

History

Historical Context

Formed in 1994 from the Big Eight and four Southwest schools, the Big 12 began competition in 1996 and secured a $2.6 billion media-rights deal with ESPN and Fox in 2012. After a 2022 six-year $2.3 billion renewal, the conference added BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF for the 2023-24 season, expanding its footprint and revenue potential.

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BYU Favored

Big 12 coaches voted BYU the favorite to win the 2026 conference, giving it 13 votes and six first-place picks.
BYU returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier (3,000 yards, 15 touchdowns) and preseason Offensive Player of the Year running back LJ Martin (1,305 yards, 12 touchdowns).
Cade Uluave transferred from California after 100 tackles in 2025 and will see BYU meet Notre Dame on Oct. 17 and TCU on Oct. 3.

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