The Big 12 lost plenty of talent during the offseason, but it didn't lose its ability to produce national stars. Some of the names have changed, and several teams will ask younger players or transfers to assume larger responsibilities, but the conference still possesses an impressive combination of proven veterans and high-end newcomers.
BYU has an established star guard in Rob Wright III. Kansas has one of the country's premier freshmen in Tyran Stokes. Arizona has veteran size in Motiejus Krivas and enormous freshman upside with Caleb Holt. Houston returns one of the country's premier defenders, while Texas Tech's JT Toppin could immediately rejoin the national player of the year conversation once his health allows it.
Here are 10 Big 12 players capable of becoming national stars this season.
1. Rob Wright III, BYU
Wright doesn't really need a breakout season. What he needs is an even larger national audience. The BYU point guard averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds last season while shooting 46.7% from the floor and 41% from 3-point range, establishing himself as one of the most productive returning guards in college hoops.
The expectations are substantially higher now. Wright enters 2026-27 as the centerpiece of a BYU team capable of challenging near the top of the Big 12. If the Cougars spend the winter in the championship race and Wright produces another efficient season, he won't merely become a national star. He could become one of the defining guards of the college basketball season.
2. Tyran Stokes, Kansas
There may not be a freshman anywhere in college basketball carrying more immediate responsibility. Stokes arrives at Kansas as a 6-foot-8, 230-pound guard with the physical ability and versatility to impact games immediately.
His opportunity makes the situation particularly interesting. Kansas doesn't have an established veteran superstar demanding every important possession, which should allow Bill Self to place significant responsibility on Stokes from the beginning. There will undoubtedly be freshman mistakes, particularly once Big 12 defenses begin attacking him with detailed scouting reports, but there could also be performances that make Stokes one of the most discussed players in America.
3. Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
Krivas has an opportunity to become one of the country's most influential traditional centers because his impact begins before he even touches the basketball. At 7-foot-2 and 260 pounds, his size changes what opponents can comfortably attempt around the basket.
Arizona should also give him significant offensive responsibility after offseason roster changes. If Krivas combines elite rim protection and rebounding with increased scoring, he'll have a legitimate opportunity to earn national recognition while anchoring one of the country's best teams.
4. JT Toppin, Texas Tech
If this were based strictly on proven ability, Toppin could easily be No. 1. Before suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in February, the Texas Tech star was averaging 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He had 16 double-doubles and was one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country.
The only reason he's fourth is health. Texas Tech lists Toppin on its current 2026-27 roster, but projecting him as though February's injury never happened would be irresponsible. His recovery will be one of the most important preseason and early-season stories in the Big 12. If Toppin eventually returns near his previous level, he immediately becomes one of the best players in college basketball.
5. Caleb Holt, Arizona
Holt hasn't played a college game yet, but his talent makes him impossible to ignore. The five-star Arizona freshman enters a program that already has enough veteran talent to prevent him from being asked to solve every problem from opening night.
That's an ideal environment for a gifted freshman. Holt can attack favorable matchups, defend multiple positions and allow his offensive responsibilities to increase as he becomes comfortable with the college game. If his physical tools translate as quickly as expected, Holt could become one of the most recognizable freshmen in America before the Big 12 race reaches its most important stretch.
6. Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Lipsey represents a different kind of national star because his value isn't dependent upon scoring 25 points every night. He controls games defensively, organizes Iowa State's offense and understands exactly what T.J. Otzelberger expects from his point guard.
His importance increases because Toure is expected to miss the first portion of the season following right-shoulder surgery. Iowa State will need Lipsey's experience while its rotation develops without one of last season's freshman starters. If the Cyclones remain near the top of the Big 12 and then improve when Toure returns, Lipsey will be one of the biggest reasons they successfully navigated that challenge.
7. Joseph Tugler, Houston
Tugler has spent his Houston career making opposing offenses uncomfortable. The 6-foot-8 senior is back on the Cougars' current roster and provides Sampson with an experienced defensive centerpiece capable of influencing games without requiring a large number of shots.
That's why Tugler's national profile could continue growing. Houston's identity begins with defense, rebounding and physicality, and Tugler embodies all three. If the Cougars again rank among the country's best defensive teams while challenging for the Big 12 championship, his individual impact will become increasingly difficult to overlook.
8. Dedan Thomas Jr., Houston
Thomas is the experienced guard Sampson has entrusted with helping organize Houston's reconstructed backcourt. The 6-foot-1 senior is officially on Houston's current roster after previous stops at UNLV and LSU, bringing significant college experience to a program with enormous expectations.
Houston doesn't need Thomas to become a reckless volume scorer. It needs him to create quality possessions, take care of the basketball and defend with the intensity Sampson demands. If Thomas accomplishes those things while becoming a reliable scorer, he could emerge as one of the Big 12's most consequential transfers.
9. Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
Williams' return to Lubbock gives Texas Tech another player capable of becoming a major national name. After previously earning All-Big 12 recognition with the Red Raiders, Williams spent last season at NC State before returning to Texas Tech for 2026-27.
His return becomes even more important while Toppin works back from his ACL injury. Williams already understands the program and has demonstrated that he can produce against high-major competition. If Texas Tech becomes one of the Big 12's best teams, Williams could be one of the primary reasons the Red Raiders remain dangerous regardless of how quickly Toppin returns to full strength.
10. Killyan Toure, Iowa State
Toure remains one of the Big 12's most interesting sophomore talents, but his situation requires an important qualifier. The Iowa State guard underwent surgery on his right shoulder in August after suffering the injury at Damian Lillard's Formula Zero Elite Camp, and the school announced that he is expected to return in January.
Before the injury, Toure had positioned himself for a significant second-year jump after starting all 37 games as a freshman. He averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals and produced 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in his NCAA Tournament debut. His breakout season will therefore have to begin later than originally expected, but if Toure returns healthy in January, he could provide Iowa State with a major midseason addition just as the Big 12 race intensifies.
The Big 12 still has star power
Wright is already an elite college guard. Stokes and Holt bring freshman upside. Krivas and Tugler can dominate games through their size and defense, while Toppin has already shown exactly how good he can be when healthy.
The injury situations matter, too. Toppin's recovery could dramatically alter Texas Tech's ceiling, while Toure's scheduled January return could make Iowa State significantly better during conference play than it is in November.
That's why these aren't simply 10 names to know before the season. Their development, health and production could help determine who wins the Big 12.
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