Overview
- USA TODAY Sports published its 2026 Big 12 coach rankings that reposition several leaders of the conference and were republished by AZ Central and other outlets.
- Arizona's Brent Brennan moved up sharply from No. 15 in 2025 to No. 6 in 2026 after a 9-4 season that included a Territorial Cup win and prompted commentary that he is no longer on the hot seat.
- Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham slipped two spots to No. 3 after injuries disrupted the Sun Devils' follow-up season to their 2024 playoff berth and Big 12 title.
- The rankings put BYU's Kalani Sitake at No. 1 and Texas Tech's Joey McGuire at No. 2, with TCU's Sonny Dykes at No. 4 and Houston's Willie Fritz at No. 5.
- Analysts note the list is an opinion-driven snapshot that blends results, roster changes and perceived coaching skill and that it shapes preseason expectations and public pressure but does not alter university decisions.