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Big 12 Football Rankings Shift After Recruiting Cycle
Texas Tech and BYU remain atop the conference, leaving Colorado with an uphill climb.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Colorado Buffaloes face a steep challenge in the loaded Big 12 conference, as Texas Tech and BYU have further solidified their positions at the top of the rankings after successful recruiting cycles. While Colorado has made strides, the rest of the conference has improved as well, leaving little margin for error for the Buffaloes as they aim to close the talent gap through development and portal additions rather than high school recruiting wins.
Why it matters
The Big 12 has become one of the most competitive conferences in college football, with several programs making significant improvements. Colorado's ability to compete in this environment will be crucial for the program's long-term success and the development of coach Deion Sanders' rebuild.
The details
Texas Tech and BYU have bolstered their rosters through the transfer portal, adding key players like Cincinnati quarterback Brandon Sorsby and Wake Forest defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba for the Red Raiders, as well as California linebacker Cade Ulalave and USC tight end Walker Lyons for the Cougars. These additions have further widened the gap between the top teams and the rest of the conference, leaving Colorado with a significant challenge to overcome.
- The Colorado Buffaloes' offseason is coming to a close, and the roster is nearly set for the upcoming season.
- The conference is loaded with talent, and several programs are set to improve.
The players
Deion Sanders
The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who is tasked with rebuilding the program and closing the talent gap in the Big 12.
Joey McGuire
The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who has led the program to the top of the Big 12 rankings through successful recruiting and portal additions.
Julian Lewis
The expected starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes, who will play a crucial role in the team's development and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
What’s next
Colorado faces a brutal early stretch where they could realistically drop seven of the first eight games. Securing wins will require growth, execution, and perhaps a hint of luck. Finishing the season strong, especially against Cincinnati and UCF, will be crucial in validating the progress of the rebuild.
The takeaway
The Big 12 has become one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and Colorado's ability to close the talent gap with the top teams like Texas Tech and BYU will be a significant challenge for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes. The team's development and portal additions will be key factors in determining their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
