​College Fantasy Football is back in the spotlight. This week, Yahoo announced its return to campus, bringing a sprawling fantasy football platform to the college crowd and inviting a broad college football audience to explore a fresh way to follow the sport this season. While fantasy football has long dominated the NFL landscape, its college counterpart has mostly remained tucked away in a niche, though fiercely loyal, fan base. For this initial reintroduction to college fantasy, Yahoo is intentionally limiting the player pool to the Power 4 conferences. Diehards may sigh at what they perceive as a watered-down product, dreaming of a deeper look at the Toledo depth chart or the late-night thrill of Hawaii QB Micah Alejado dropping 50 on Utah State. There are solid college fantasy outlets to satisfy that craving, but for now the emphasis rests on the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC (plus Notre Dame).
The Big 12 has consistently offered fertile ground for college fantasy enthusiasts, characterized by electrifying offenses and schedules full of defenses that often struggle to slow them down, paving the way for high-scoring weeks. In 2026, the league promises even more fantasy fireworks, with sleeper candidates lurking deeper in drafts and ready to surprise. So which Big 12 players stand out as must-draft stars who could help you lift your league’s trophy come postseason? Expect the spotlight to shine on Oklahoma State as a team worth watching closely.
While some league mates will be drawn to shiny names like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, the Big 12 also conceals premium fantasy talents behind center. Four of the consensus top ten Power 4 quarterbacks in preseason projections hail from the conference. Eric Morris arrives with a high-powered offense and playmakers, stepping into the league after leaving North Texas for Oklahoma State. Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker is anticipated to post elite numbers, even with the jump to the Big 12. At the top of fantasy draft boards, you’ll find Devon Dampier (Utah), Connor Weigman (Houston), and Avery Johnson (Kansas State), each bringing significant rushing upside in offenses projected to score in bunches every week.
If you prefer a late-round quarterback strategy, the Big 12 still presents a wealth of high-upside options. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier returns after a breakout freshman season; Noah Fifita is back for a fifth year at Arizona after throwing for more than 3,200 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. If Will Hammond is healthy, he could deliver big numbers as the Red Raiders’ new quarterback. Newcomers Alonza Barnett (UCF), DJ Lagway (UCF), Michael Hawkins (West Virginia), and Jaden Craig (TCU) could make a major splash upon joining the league.
The Big 12 remains unrivaled for running backs in 2026, continuing to showcase top-tier talent even as quarterbacks take on more prominent roles after last season’s shift in focus. This group might not carry the same national spotlight or NFL Draft pedigree as the 2024 cohort featuring RJ Harvey, Ollie Gordon, and Tahj Brooks, but it is rich with players who can deliver consistent, week-to-week fantasy production. Keep an eye on the evolving landscape as these running backs and supporting cast members adapt to new offenses and heightened competition, all driving the Big 12’s reputation as a premier platform for college fantasy glory this season.