IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference has released its preseason awards and Preseason All-Big 12 team, as voted on by media members who cover the league and its 16 member institutions. BYU’s LJ Martin was voted the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after being named the league’s Player of the Year for the 2025 season. Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. was selected as Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and marks the second straight year that a Red Raider has received the honor, following Jacob Rodriguez a year ago. Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State was voted Preseason Newcomer of the Year.
Texas Tech led all programs with seven players recognized, including five on the defensive side. BYU was second with six players, with Houston following at three selections.
Offensive Player of the Year
LJ Martin, RB, BYU, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year
A.J. Holmes Jr., DL, Texas Tech, Sr.
Newcomer of the Year
Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State, RS-So.
2026 Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Quarterback: Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona, RS-Sr.
Running Back: Cam Cook, RB, West Virginia, Sr.
Running Back: LJ Martin, RB, BYU, Sr.
Fullback: Kayden Luke, FB, West Virginia, Jr.
Wide Receiver: Omarion Miller, WR, Arizona State, Sr.
Wide Receiver: Amare Thomas, WR, Houston, Sr.
Wide Receiver: Wyatt Young, WR, Oklahoma State, Jr.
Tight End: Terrance Carter Jr., TE, Texas Tech, Sr.
Offensive Line: Joe Cotton, OL, Cincinnati, RS-Sr.
Offensive Line: Shadre Hurst, OL, Houston, Sr.
Offensive Line: Bruce Mitchell, OL, BYU, RS-Sr.
Offensive Line: John Pastore, OL, Kansas State, Sr.
Offensive Line: Evan Tengesdahl, OL, Cincinnati, RS-Jr.
Kicker: Stone Harrington, PK, Texas Tech, Sr.
Punt/Kick Returner: Mana Carvalho, PR/KR, Utah, So.
Defensive Line: C.J. Fite, DL, Arizona State, Sr.
Defensive Line: Wendell Gregory, DL, Kansas State, So.
Defensive Line: A.J. Holmes Jr., DL, Texas Tech, Sr.
Defensive Line: Keanu Tanuvasa, DL, BYU, RS-Sr.
Defensive Line: Adam Trick, DL, Texas Tech, Sr.
Linebacker: Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.
Linebacker: Austin Romaine, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.
Linebacker: Cade Uluave, LB, BYU, Sr.
Defensive Back: Will James, DB, Houston, Jr.
Defensive Back: Evan Johnson, DB, BYU, RS-Sr.
Defensive Back: Jamel Johnson, DB, TCU, Sr.
Defensive Back: Brice Pollock, DB, Texas Tech, Sr.
Defensive Back: Faletau Satuala, DB, BYU, Jr.
Punter: Palmer Williams, P, Baylor, Sr.