The Big 12 convention seems to be vast open, however one workforce could possibly be a real menace to win it.
Texas Tech gained the Big 12 final season, because the Red Raiders defeated the BYU Cougars within the Big 12 championship sport. Heading into the 2026 school soccer season, Texas Tech is the favourite to repeat at -105.
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However, school soccer analyst Josh Pate believes BYU is a legit menace to make the playoffs, and probably win the Big 12.
“I’m betting that Brigham Young with this schedule and that roster is a respectable playoff menace,” Pate said on his YouTube channel. “I imagine the vibe out there, too. Just picture them, regardless of what happened out there with Texas Tech, picture them in isolation, and the only team they couldn’t beat last year was Texas Tech, and otherwise ran the table.
“Then they kept most of their players, including their quarterback, and then Penn State tried to come and grab their head coach, he was on the way out the door and then said, never mind, I’m staying. Now, they, look down the road and say, and Texas Tech lost their quarterback, and this is our schedule? We have our toughest opponent at home, and even if we lose that game, it’s not a conference game. I’d think the vibes are pretty high.”
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As Pate famous, BYU’s schedule is a fairly straightforward one, because the Cougars do not should play Texas Tech or Kansas State, which is without doubt one of the different prime groups within the convention.
So, the Cougars, who’ve most of their affect gamers returning, seem set as much as make a legit run at successful the Big 12, particularly with Texas Tech having questions at quarterback after Brendan Sorsby was deemed ineligible on account of playing.
BYU opens its season on Sept. 5 at dwelling towards Utah Tech. The Cougars‘ notable opponents this season embody Utah, Notre Dame, Kansas, Arizona, and Arizona State, amongst others.
The Cougars enter the yr with the second-best odds of successful the Big 12 at +550 and odds of reaching the playoffs at +330.
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BYU Coach Has High Expectations For Offense
BYU enters the 2026 season with loads of excessive expectations for the workforce, particularly with some key gamers returning.
The Cougars have Big 12 offensive participant of the yr, (*12*), returning, who is without doubt one of the prime working backs in school.
“The great thing about LJ is that he is not a ‘me only’ guy,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake at the Big 12 media days. “I think he’s ready to do whatever it takes for our program, our team, to be successful.”
Bear Bachmeier, meanwhile, returns at quarterback after starting as a true freshman last year. He threw for 3,033 yards and 15 touchdowns, while rushing for 527, so Sitake expects the offense to be better with him in his second year.
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“He is aware of the offense rather a lot higher than he did final yr right now. So the aim for us is to place him able the place he can nonetheless progress and enhance his sport,” Sitake mentioned.
Ultimately, with BYU getting their star quarterback and working again, the Cougars could possibly be the workforce to beat within the Big 12 this season.
Related: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby Taking Indefinite Leave of Absence Due to Gambling
This story was initially revealed by Lindys Sports on Jul 14, 2026, the place it first appeared within the College Football part. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.