Spring football is in the air, and across the Big 12, optimism is at a fever pitch. Every team believes their new quarterback is the answer and their roster is the strongest it's ever been. But with the post-spring transfer window closed, the rosters you see now are largely the ones coaches will have to win with in 2026. It's time to separate the hype from reality and make some bold calls for the expanded 16-team conference.

Let's start with a team poised to be the ultimate kingmaker. The Arizona Wildcats face a brutal closing stretch, squaring off against Texas Tech, TCU, Utah, Kansas State, and rival Arizona State in the final five weeks. A 3-2 record in that gauntlet could single-handedly decide who plays for the Big 12 championship in Arlington. Their schedule is a nightmare, but it gives them immense power to shape the entire conference race.

Meanwhile, in Tempe, all eyes will be on wide receiver Tar'Varish Miller. After a breakout 2025 season at Colorado, Miller takes his talents to Arizona State, a team rebuilding its offense. With a new quarterback in Cutter Boley and a backfield in flux, Miller's elite route-running and reliable hands should make him the immediate go-to target. In offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo's system, expect Miller's numbers to soar as the Sun Devils' primary playmaker.

The biggest spotlight, however, might be in Waco, where Baylor is banking on a high-profile redemption story. Following a disappointing 5-7 season, the Bears landed former five-star phenom DJ Lagway from Florida. While health and consistency have been questions, Lagway steps into a quarterback-friendly scheme perfectly suited for his dual-threat talents. If he can harness his elite potential, Lagway won't just thrive—he could resurrect Baylor's program and become the face of the Big 12's new era.