BYU Finishes Second in Big 12 Writers’ Poll

Coach Kalani Sitake Douses Preseason Hype

At the Big 12 media gathering in Frisco, coach Kalani Sitake reminded reporters that preseason predictions rarely hold up. “They are wrong every time, so they stopped making predictions as a league,” Sitake said, noting that the conference abandoned its formal media poll after the 2024 season. Sitake also emphasized that his focus remains on execution rather than campaigning for playoff berths, stressing that “we just got to go do our job and play our best and see what happens.”

The former Big 12 champion touched on BYU’s recent near‑misses in the College Football Playoff, suggesting that a higher seed might have altered outcomes in 2024 and 2025. He added that while he understands the difficulty of selection committees, his preference leans toward a 24‑team format to give more programs a chance. Sitake’s comments echo the broader league sentiment that on‑field performance outweighs preseason buzz.

Big 12 Writers’ Poll: Rankings and Takeaways

In a voterDriven poll organized by longtime scribe Berry Tramel, Texas Tech emerged as the clear favorite with 14 first‑place votes and 254 points. BYU captured the runner‑up spot, collecting two first‑place votes and a total of 239 points, reflecting the Cougars’ steady quarterback play.

Arizona and Houston tied for third place, each amassing 207 points, while Utah landed in fifth with 198 points. The ball‑giving voters included representatives from every Big 12 institution, providing a comprehensive snapshot of regional opinions.

Beyond the top five, the poll underscores a shift from previous years when traditional powerhouses often dominated early expectations. The distribution of points suggests a more competitive landscape, with several programs gaining traction after strong finishes in 2024.

What This Means for BYU in 2026

Finishing second behind Texas Tech signals that BYU is viewed as a legitimate title contender, especially given the stability at quarterback that distinguished the Cougars among voters. However, coach Sitake’s modest stance serves as a reminder that the margin between “good” and “great” can be razor‑thin in the conference.

Historical context bolsters BYU’s current standing: two years ago the Cougars were picked 13th yet shared the Big 12 crown with Arizona State, Iowa State, and Colorado. That upset of preseason expectations highlights the volatility of college football predictions.

Looking ahead, BYU will need to build on its defensive cohesiveness and capitalize on the quarterback situation to climb higher in future polls. A strong start, particularly in the Week 2 clash against Arizona in Provo, could position the Cougars as the league’s top team by the end of the season.