Big 12 spring preview: Storylines, positions and players to watch

"Texas Tech achieved its first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance after finishing 12-2 in 2025. Though key playmakers Behren Morton, Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey are off to the NFL, the Red Raiders retained many of their starters and reloaded through the transfer portal."

"After a rough 2024 season in coach Brent Brennan's debut, the Wildcats roared back last season to finish 9-4 -- a five-win year-over-year improvement. Now, with quarterback Noah Fifita back to begin his fourth season as the starter, few programs are in better hands at the position."

"After Ismail Mahdi ran out of eligibility, the Wildcats have a solid trio to handle running back duties in 2026. It starts with Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig, both of whom ran for over 300 yards for Arizona last season. Then, there's Antwan Roberts, a transfer from Marshall, where he was the Thundering Herd's featured back, rushing for 512 yards."

Spring football provides an opportunity to evaluate Big 12 Conference teams heading into the 2026 season. Texas Tech achieved its first Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance with a 12-2 record in 2025, losing key offensive playmakers to the NFL but retaining most starters and adding transfer portal recruits. BYU finished 12-2 with quarterback Bear Bachmeier returning for his sophomore season after passing for over 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Arizona improved significantly under coach Brent Brennan, going 9-4 after a difficult 2024 debut, with quarterback Noah Fifita returning for his fourth season as starter. The Wildcats face questions at running back following Ismail Mahdi's eligibility expiration, though they have multiple capable options including transfers.

Read at ESPN.com