BIG 12 Dark Horse Teams for 2026 | Why Kansas State & UCF Could Shock Everyone

The Big 12 was surprisingly top-heavy last season, but could that change in 2026? In this episode of First and 16, Adam Gibby breaks down the biggest dark horse teams in the Big 12 and explains why the conference could be much deeper this year. From Kansas State's favorable schedule to UCF's potential breakout under Scott Frost, we look at the teams that could exceed expectations and challenge for a spot near the top of the standings. We also discuss: Why the Big 12 lacked its usual parity last season Baylor's missed opportunities Colorado's wildcard potential West Virginia's late-season momentum Oklahoma State's intriguing schedule Which teams are most likely to pull off major upsets Can Kansas State make a run at the Big 12 Championship Game? Is UCF the conference's most underrated team? Let me know your dark horse picks in the comments. 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe for Big 12 football coverage all season long 🏈 New episodes of First and 16 every week #Big12 #CollegeFootball #KansasState #UCF #Big12Football #CFB