With EA Sports College Football 26 launching this July, fans are buzzing with anticipation-not just for gameplay, but for the always-exciting reveal of the cover athletes. Each team has its standout stars, so we've predicted the top candidate from every Big 12 school that deserves a spot on the cover.

Arizona Wildcats - Noah Fifita, QB

One of the nation's most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks, Noah Fifita, is coming off a breakout sophomore season. With another year of development, he's poised to become the face of Arizona's offense-and a potential cover star.

Arizona State Sun Devils - Sam Leavitt, QB

With veteran running back Cam Skattebo off to the NFL, the offense shifts entirely to Sam Leavitt. After an impressive 2024, Leavitt will be the centerpiece in Tempe and a logical cover candidate.

BYU Cougars - Jake Retzlaff, QB

Jake Retzlaff surprised everyone last season by leading BYU's offense with poise and production. In 2025, he'll look to solidify his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference.

Baylor Bears - Bryson Washington, RB

Washington was a beast in 2024, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns at 6.0 YPC. Expect Baylor to feed him even more this season-he's the Bears' offensive workhorse and their best cover bet.

Cincinnati Bearcats - Brenden Sorsby, QB

While the Bearcats lack star power, Sorsby remains a steady presence under center. With 2,800+ passing yards and 18 touchdowns last season, he's the team's top returning contributor.

Colorado Buffaloes - Kaidon Salter, QB

After lighting up scoreboards at Liberty, Kaidon Salter transferred to Colorado to fill the massive shoes left by Shedeur Sanders. His electric dual-threat ability makes him an instant playmaker and a top-tier cover option.

Houston Cougars - Tanner Koziol, TE

Not many tight ends land cover nods, but Koziol might be the exception. After racking up 839 yards on 94 catches at Ball State, the former Wisconsin transfer brings big-time production to a rebuilding Houston offense.

Iowa State Cyclones - Rocco Becht, QB

With his top receivers gone, Becht becomes the undisputed leader of the Cyclones' offense. He passed for over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024, solidifying himself as a premier Big 12 signal-caller.

Kansas Jayhawks - Jalon Daniels, QB

Back for one last ride, Jalon Daniels will carry Kansas following the departure of star RB Devin Neal. A dynamic dual-threat talent, Daniels is the heart and soul of the Jayhawks' offense.

Kansas State Wildcats - Avery Johnson, QB

Johnson exploded onto the scene last year, amassing over 3,300 total yards and 32 touchdowns. With a full year of starting experience, he's one of the Big 12's brightest young stars.

Oklahoma State Cowboys - Kyran Duhon, DE

Oklahoma State's offense may be in flux, but Duhon gives the Cowboys a defensive anchor. The UTEP transfer recorded seven sacks as a freshman and could become one of the top pass rushers in the conference.

TCU Horned Frogs - Josh Hoover, QB

Hoover nearly hit the 4,000-yard mark last season with 27 TDs and enters 2025 with high expectations. He's got the tools to lead TCU's resurgence and headline the team in the game.

Texas Tech Red Raiders - Behren Morton, QB

Morton was the model of consistency in 2024, throwing for 3,300 yards and 27 touchdowns. Even with a retooled receiving corps, he remains the Red Raiders' offensive centerpiece.

UCF Knights - Jaden Nixon, RB

Replacing RJ Harvey won't be easy, but Western Michigan transfer Jaden Nixon is up to the task. After tallying 912 rushing yards and 12 scores in 2024, he should thrive in the Knights' up-tempo scheme.

Utah Utes - Wayshawn Parker, RB

The Utes added Parker from Washington State, where he quietly racked up 700+ yards on just 5.4 YPC. On a rebuilding Utah team, Parker's explosiveness makes him the top player to watch.

West Virginia Mountaineers - Jaheim White, RB

White has been West Virginia's most consistent playmaker since arriving in Morgantown. Expect another strong season in 2025-he's the obvious choice as the Mountaineers' face of the franchise.

Final Thoughts

With high-powered quarterbacks, dynamic running backs, and emerging stars across the board, the Big 12 has no shortage of potential cover athletes for EA Sports College Football 26. Whether it's a dual-threat QB like Avery Johnson or a defensive disruptor like Kyran Duhon, each program has a name worthy of the spotlight.

Stay locked in with College Sports Network for all the latest updates on college football, basketball, and more. And if you're looking to get ahead on launch day, we've got College Football 26 Coins and NCAA Football 26 Coins available for sale-secure your competitive edge today!