Big 12 releases 2026 preseason All‑Conference football roster
The conference announced a 22‑player preseason team, highlighting standouts from Kansas State, Baylor, BYU and Houston.
- Big 12 unveils 2026 preseason All‑Conference football roster (22 players).
- Kansas State's Julian Gregory and Nick Pastore, Baylor's Palmer Williams, six BYU Cougars, and three Houston players are among the honorees.
- Selections signal offensive focus for Kansas State and Baylor, defensive depth for Houston, and BYU's growing impact.
- Analysts note both praise and criticism, with some notable players left off the list.
Wednesday, July 1, the Big 12 Conference unveiled its 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 football team, naming a slate of 22 athletes who are expected to dominate the upcoming season. Among the honorees are Kansas State quarterback Julian Gregory, defensive lineman Nick Pastore, Baylor wide receiver Palmer Williams, six BYU Cougars and a trio from Houston.
Who made the preseason roster
The official conference release listed players on offense, defense and special teams. While the full roster is available on the Big 12 website, the following athletes were highlighted in university‑level announcements that echoed the conference’s selections:
- Julian Gregory – quarterback, Kansas State University
- Nick Pastore – defensive line, Kansas State University
- Palmer Williams – wide receiver, Baylor University
- Six Cougars – BYU (the specific names were detailed in BYU’s athletic department release)
- A trio of players – University of Houston (the release identified three senior leaders selected to the team)
The Big 12’s announcement also included representatives from Texas, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia and other member schools, completing a roster that spans every position group. The conference described the selections as “players who have demonstrated elite performance in the previous season and are poised to be impact contributors in 2026.”
Why the preseason team matters
Preseason All‑Conference teams serve as a barometer for talent distribution across the league. They provide early recognition for athletes who have either posted standout statistics or shown leadership potential. For coaches, the list can influence recruiting narratives and set expectations for team performance. For fans, it frames the storylines that will unfold over the next 12 weeks of competition.
In the Big 12, where offensive fireworks are a hallmark, the inclusion of a quarterback like Julian Gregory signals that Kansas State will likely lean on a pass‑centric attack. Palmer Williams’ selection underscores Baylor’s continued emphasis on a dynamic aerial game, a trend that has defined the program’s identity since the 2020s. The six BYU honorees reflect the program’s rapid ascent after joining the conference, highlighting depth on both sides of the ball. Houston’s trio points to the university’s defensive resurgence, a narrative that has grown since the school’s move to the Big 12.
Reactions from the schools
Kansas State’s athletics department praised Gregory and Pastore, noting that both “have consistently elevated their play and are poised to lead the Wildcats into a competitive season.” The university’s release emphasized Gregory’s dual‑threat ability and Pastore’s disruptive presence on the line of scrimmage.
BYU’s athletic communications highlighted the breadth of its representation, stating that “having six players on the preseason team reflects the depth and balance that the Cougars bring to the conference.” The release also mentioned that the selections span offensive skill positions, the defensive front, and special teams, underscoring the program’s all‑around growth.
Baylor’s announcement lauded Palmer Williams, calling him “one of the most explosive playmakers in the league” and suggesting his inclusion signals a “bright offensive outlook for the Bears.”
Houston’s communications director noted that the three honorees “embody the grit and determination that have become hallmarks of Houston football,” and that their preseason nods foreshadow a “defensive unit that can compete with the conference’s elite.”
Different perspectives on the selections
While the conference’s list was broadly welcomed, some analysts pointed to notable omissions. A sports columnist from Arizona Sports remarked that the roster “does not feature a senior linebacker from Texas who led the nation in tackles last season,” suggesting that the selection criteria may have favored players with higher national profiles.
Conversely, a former Big 12 coach, quoted in the conference release, argued that “the preseason team reflects not just past statistics but also projected impact, and the inclusion of emerging talents like Gregory illustrates that forward‑looking approach.”
Fans on social media expressed mixed feelings. Baylor supporters celebrated Williams’ nod, while some BYU fans questioned why a senior defensive back with a conference‑leading interception total was not listed among the six Cougars highlighted in the university’s release.
What’s next for the preseason All‑Big 12 squad
All eyes will turn to the season opener in late August, where many of the honorees will have the opportunity to validate the preseason expectations. Analysts will track whether the highlighted players can translate preseason hype into on‑field production, particularly in high‑stakes matchups such as the Kansas State versus Oklahoma State rivalry and the annual Baylor‑TCU showdown.
In addition, the Big 12 will continue to update its watchlists throughout the season, with mid‑season awards and All‑Conference honors reflecting performance trends. The preseason team thus serves as a starting point, but the true All‑Big 12 selections will be decided by the outcomes on the gridiron.
For now, the 2026 preseason All‑Big 12 roster offers a snapshot of the talent pool that will shape the conference’s narrative, setting the stage for a season that promises both individual brilliance and fierce competition.