The Big 12 football landscape has shifted dramatically following the news that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has taken an indefinite leave of absence to enter a treatment program for a gambling addiction. With the 2026 season just four months away, this development has reshaped the conference's post-spring power rankings and opened the door for several contenders to seize the spotlight.
Texas Tech entered the spring as the Big 12 favorite, largely due to Sorsby's arrival as a high-profile transfer. However, an active NCAA investigation into bets he placed while at Indiana and Cincinnati could jeopardize his final year of eligibility. Without Sorsby, the Red Raiders' outlook has changed significantly. Backup quarterback Will Hammond is still recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss at least the early weeks of the regular season. While Texas Tech remains talented enough to contend for a second straight conference title, their ability to make a deep College Football Playoff run now looks uncertain.
This uncertainty creates a golden opportunity for three teams that sit just behind the Red Raiders in the USA TODAY Sports post-spring power rankings: BYU, Houston, and Utah. The Cougars, in particular, are poised to capitalize. After losing twice to Texas Tech in 2025, including a heartbreaking defeat in the Big 12 championship game, BYU has the experience and pieces to leap to the top of the league standings and secure a playoff berth. A key development this spring was the emergence of Oregon transfer wide receiver Kyler Kasper, who could become a top target for sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Finding consistent production at receiver remains a priority heading into summer camp, but the Cougars are trending in the right direction.
Houston also stands to gain, thanks to third-year coach Willie Fritz building a formidable backfield. The Cougars boast Oregon transfer Makhi Hughes, Re'Shaun Sanford II, and DJ Butler, giving them a ground game that can control the clock and wear down defenses. Additionally, true freshman quarterback Keisean Henderson, a five-star signee, could see action in specialized packages behind starter Conner Weigman, adding a dynamic element to the offense.
Utah rounds out the group of teams ready to pounce. With a strong defensive tradition and a veteran roster, the Utes have the foundation to challenge for the conference crown if Texas Tech stumbles. As the season approaches, the Big 12 race is wide open, and the teams that best adapt to the shifting dynamics will be the ones to watch come fall.