Episode Details

While the 2026 recruiting cycle is still in its early stages, the Big 12 Conference is showing some promising signs, with several teams making strong moves and securing key commitments. It's too early to definitively declare how "great" the class will be collectively, but there are definitely reasons for optimism. Here's a breakdown of what's making the Big 12's 2026 recruiting look good right now: Early Momentum for Several Programs: Teams like Kansas, Arizona State, and Iowa State have emerged as early leaders in the Big 12 2026 class rankings. These programs are accumulating a good number of commits, signaling a strong start to their respective cycles. Quality Over Quantity (for some): While some teams are building depth with a higher number of commits, others are focusing on securing blue-chip talent. For example, Houston has landed a five-star recruit, demonstrating their ability to attract top-tier prospects. Baylor and BYU are also showing good potential with multiple blue-chip commits early on. In-State Focus: Many Big 12 programs, particularly those in Texas like Texas Tech, are effectively leveraging their in-state talent. This regional focus can be a significant advantage in building competitive rosters. Emerging Teams: The new additions to the Big 12 are also making their presence felt. For instance, Arizona State and UCF are showing early recruiting success, indicating that the expanded conference is proving attractive to recruits. Strategic Visits and Offers: Even teams that might not have a high number of commits yet, like Colorado, are actively hosting top prospects and extending offers. This indicates that they are in the mix for highly-rated players and their rankings could rise significantly as more commitments roll in. Deion Sanders and Colorado, in particular, are looking to make up ground with several top prospects visiting this summer. The Lure of the New Big 12: The recent conference realignment and the competitive landscape of the new Big 12 are likely appealing to recruits looking for opportunities to play at a high level. The increased visibility and strong competition within the conference can be a major draw. Things to Keep in Mind: Early Stages: It's crucial to remember that the 2026 recruiting class is still very young. Rankings will fluctuate significantly as more players commit and evaluations are refined. Transfer Portal Impact: While high school recruiting remains vital, the transfer portal also plays a massive role in roster construction. Teams are constantly balancing traditional recruiting with portal additions. NIL Influence: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are an increasingly important factor in recruiting. The ability of Big 12 programs to offer competitive NIL opportunities will influence their success. In summary, the Big 12's 2026 football recruiting class is showing encouraging signs with several teams building solid foundations and attracting notable talent. The coming months will be critical as more prospects make their decisions, but the early outlook suggests a competitive and promising cycle for the conference. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBig12?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drakectoll Follow the show on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LOBig12

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