​The Big 12 has been in the spotlight as the 2026 college football season approaches, but the attention isn’t entirely flattering. Texas Tech found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who previously played for Indiana. Sorsby’s journey this off-season spiraled into questions about his sports betting history, igniting internal tensions and legal maneuvering within the conference. After a lengthy period of debate and dispute, Sorsby elected to enter the NFL supplemental draft on June 15. However, the NFL informed him that there would be no supplemental draft this year, effectively ending his prospects in professional football for the moment. As a result, Texas Tech will move forward without him, while the rest of the conference attempts to navigate the season and coexist with the Red Raiders in a challenging landscape.
Beyond the headlines surrounding the quarterback saga, fans and analysts alike are turning their attention to the breadth of programs that comprise the Big 12 Conference. The league has undergone significant realignment in recent years, and questions remain about which schools will compete at a high level this season, as well as how the dynamic between conference members will shape scheduling, recruiting, and national standing. The Big 12, which includes a mix of longstanding rivals and newer members, is navigating a period of transition as it strives to maintain competitive parity and appeal to fans, sponsors, and prospective student-athletes.
Within this evolving landscape, the conference features a diverse array of programs with rich traditions, unique mascots, and storied histories. Arizona’s athletic programs, led by the high-energy presence of Wilma the Wildcat, bring a distinctive flavor to the conference’s identity. The Arizona State Sun Devils add their own fierce competitive spirit under leadership figures like school president Dr. Michael Crow, with Sparky the mascot frequently symbolizing the program’s home-field intensity. At Baylor, the Bears—supported by their dedicated mascot and cheer squad—embody the fan enthusiasm that fuels game-day atmospheres during Big 12 matchups. The Brigham Young Cougars contribute their own brand of athletic fervor, with Cosmo the Cougar serving as a recognizable symbol at home games and community events around Mountain America Stadium.
Cincinnati remains part of the conference’s footprint, with members recognizing the team’s presence both on the field and in the stands. Colorado’s Buffaloes bring their own legacy, represented by Ralphie, the iconic live buffalo mascot that leads the team onto Folsom Field for every contest. The Houston Cougars contribute a dynamic energy, complemented by the vivid displays from their cheer squads. Iowa State’s Cyclones, Kansas’ Jayhawks, and Kansas State’s Wildcats each bring distinctive regional rivalries and fan traditions that define league play. Oklahoma State showcases Pistol Pete, a mascot whose presence has become synonymous with the Cowboys’ on-field identity, while Texas Tech’s Red Raiders are recognized for their loyal following and distinctive branding, including the team’s field-prowling presence and spirited fan culture.
TCU’s Horned Frogs offer a continued thread of Texas-based football excellence, sharing the field with Cincinnati’s Bearcats in a schedule that promises high-stakes confrontations. The BYU Cougars, UT’s program, and others contribute to a calendar filled with marquee matchups, conference championships, and the potential for significant national implications when the postseason rankings are determined. UCF’s Knights, with Pegasus as their on-field emblem, add another layer to the conference’s competitive mix, bringing a different style of play and a traveling fan base that enhances the league’s overall reach.
In this year’s landscape, the Big 12 is balancing the aspirations of traditional programs with the opportunities presented by new alignments and expanded media exposure. Fans can expect a slate of compelling games, dramatic finishes, and the kind of rivalries that have long defined conference play. As teams prepare to hit the field, questions about depth, quarterback stability, and defensive prowess will shape preseason conversations, while the broader media narrative will continue to track how the Big 12 adapts to evolving college football dynamics. For followers of the sport, the season promises both familiar excitement and fresh storylines, with the Big 12’s trajectory continuing to generate discussion across the college football landscape.
This overview reflects the season landscape and highlights the teams and mascots that contribute to the Big 12’s distinctive culture and competitive spirit. The league’s narrative remains a focal point in college football coverage, as fans await the on-field results that will determine standings, postseason opportunities, and the conference’s evolving legacy. The Big 12’s 2026 season is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in its ongoing evolution, with numerous programs poised to contend for conference supremacy and national recognition.