College Football Playoff Sleepers: Big 12 Teams TCU and Oklahoma State Highlighted
The Athletic identified eight potential College Football Playoff sleepers outside the top 25 rankings, with two Big 12 teams, TCU and Oklahoma State, making the list. TCU, despite a 9-4 record last season and a previous CFP appearance, is seen…
Salt Lake City, UT, August 6, 2026 —
A recent analysis by The Athletic has identified eight potential College Football Playoff (CFP) sleepers, teams that are currently ranked outside the top 25 but could emerge as contenders. Among those highlighted are two teams from the Big 12 conference: TCU and Oklahoma State.
TCU, which finished last season with a 9-4 record and made a previous appearance in the College Football Playoff, is once again being considered a potential sleeper. The team’s past performance indicates a capacity for competitive play and an ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents.
Oklahoma State is also noted as a team that could surprise. Despite recent struggles, the program has made significant moves in the transfer portal, notably bringing in key personnel from North Texas. This influx includes their offensive coordinator and several important players, suggesting a strategic effort to bolster the team’s capabilities for the upcoming season.
The Athletic’s list aims to identify teams that possess the potential for an unexpected rise in the rankings, offering a look beyond the traditionally dominant programs. The inclusion of both TCU and Oklahoma State underscores the perceived competitiveness within the Big 12 conference.
Story summarized from the original created by Brandon Judd on www.deseret.com, see more information here.
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