FRISCO, Texas — The final day of the 2026 Big 12 Football Media Days shifted the spotlight from preseason predictions to the programs looking to define the conference’s next chapter.
Arizona, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, TCU, Utah and West Virginia closed out the two-day event at The Star, with veteran coaches, first-year leaders and returning quarterbacks all outlining their expectations ahead of the 2026 season.
Several themes emerged throughout Wednesday’s interviews, but one stood above the rest: stability at the quarterback position remains one of the conference’s biggest advantages.
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan expressed confidence in quarterback Noah Fifita as the Wildcats continue building continuity on offense. Across the room, TCU’s Sonny Dykes emphasized the importance of leadership and experience as the Horned Frogs look to remain among the Big 12’s contenders after another productive offseason.
Kansas also enters the fall with high expectations behind veteran quarterback Jalon Daniels. Head coach Lance Leipold acknowledged the growing expectations surrounding the program while emphasizing consistency and player development as the Jayhawks prepare for another challenging conference schedule.
Kansas State begins a new era under first-year head coach Collin Klein, the former Wildcat quarterback who returns to Manhattan after serving as one of college football’s top offensive coordinators. Klein stressed that maintaining the program’s physical identity and culture will be essential as he transitions into the head coaching role.
Utah also enters the season with a new voice leading the program. Morgan Scalley takes over following the retirement of longtime head coach Kyle Whittingham, inheriting a program expected to compete near the top of the conference. Scalley emphasized preserving Utah’s defensive identity while establishing his own direction for the Utes.
One of the more intriguing storylines came from Iowa State, where first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers rejected the notion that the Cyclones are rebuilding despite significant roster turnover. Instead, Rogers focused on accountability, toughness and creating a winning culture from day one.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield discussed the Bearcats’ continued growth as they work to become a consistent contender in the expanded Big 12, while West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez emphasized discipline and physical football as the Mountaineers continue adjusting to his return.
Unlike the opening day, which centered heavily on preseason rankings and championship expectations, Wednesday’s conversations highlighted culture, leadership and player development. Coaches repeatedly pointed to experience, roster continuity and quarterback play as the factors most likely to determine success this fall.
With Media Days complete, attention now turns to preseason camp, where optimism will begin giving way to competition. The message across the conference was clear: the race for the 2026 Big 12 championship appears wide open, and every program believes it has positioned itself to compete.
D210SPORTS was on site throughout both days of Big 12 Football Media Days, providing credentialed coverage, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes access from The Star in Frisco as teams prepare for the start of the 2026 college football season.
