Big 12 Conference
3 RankedThe Big 12 absorbed UCF, Houston, BYU, and others during realignment, creating a 16-team league with legitimate depth. Oklahoma State leads the way, but Baylor, TCU, and the new additions make this a grind every weekend. Pitching depth defines contenders here.
2026 Preseason Storylines
- 01Oklahoma State (#12) returns most of its pitching staff for a title run
- 02Baylor (#18) looks to build on momentum under Mitch Thompson
- 03Houston brings AAC dominance to Big 12 competition
- 04TCU reloading after Gary Patterson era winds down
- 05West Virginia becomes the sleeper pick with experienced roster
Ranked Teams (3)
Oklahoma State Cowboys
NEWAidan Meola, RHP
Deep rotation makes them Big 12 favorites
Baylor Bears
NEWMitch Thompson builds contender in Waco
UCF Knights
NEWGreg Lovelady brings winning culture from AAC
Other Conference Teams (13)
Houston Cougars
Todd Whitting adjusts to Big 12 competition
West Virginia Mountaineers
Randy Mazey has underrated roster
BYU Cougars
First year in power conference—learning curve expected
TCU Horned Frogs
Kirk Saarloos in rebuild after CWS core departed
Kansas State Wildcats
Building toward contention
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tim Tadlock reloads after draft losses
Kansas Jayhawks
Working to stay competitive in Big 12
Cincinnati Bearcats
Scott Googins adjusts to Big 12 level
Arizona Wildcats
Chip Hale brings Pac-12 experience
Arizona State Sun Devils
Willie Bloomquist building in Tempe
Colorado Buffaloes
Adjusting to Big 12 baseball
Utah Utes
New to power conference baseball
Iowa State Cyclones
Working to establish Big 12 presence
Rankings data sourced from D1Baseball preseason poll (2026).
Last updated: 3/4/2026, 10:03:50 AM CT