The excitement is building as the Big 12 Conference gears up for the 2026 Monster Energy Big 12 Football Media Days, set to take place on July 7 and 8 at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This iconic venue, home to the Dallas Cowboys, will once again host coaches and student-athletes from across the conference, offering fans a sneak peek at the upcoming season.
This year, each team will send its head coach along with a selection of players to participate in the event. Notably, UCF's lineup includes head coach Scott Frost, alongside starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, defensive back Jayden Bellamy, linebacker Lewis Carter, and offensive tackle Preston Cushman. It's a chance for these athletes to shine off the field and share insights into their teams' preparations and expectations.
The two-day event promises to be a football fan's dream, with live broadcasts on ESPNU from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT, and part of the first day also airing on ESPN2. For those who prefer digital streams, Big 12 Studios will simulcast the event, and BYUtv will handle the linear broadcasts, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Here's a look at the full roster of players who will be in attendance:
Tuesday, July 7
- Arizona State: Khamari Anderson (TE), Kyson Brown (RB), Zyrus Fiaseu (LB), C.J. Fite (DL), Jalen Klemm (OL), Lyrik Rawls (DB), Montana Warren (DB)
- Baylor: Michael Allen (DB), Kyler Jordan (DE), Matthew Klopsenstein (TE), DJ Lagway (QB), Kyland Reed (LB), Jamaal Whyce Jr. (DL)
- BYU: Bear Bachmeier (QB), Isaiah Glasker (LB), Evan Johnson (DB), LJ Martin (RB), Bruce Mitchell (OL), Keanu Tanuvasa (DL)
- UCF: Alonza Barnett III (QB), Jayden Bellamy (DB), Lewis Carter (LB), Preston Cushman (OL)
- Colorado: Zach Atkins (TE), Ben Finneseth (DB), Julian Lewis (QB), Naeten Mitchell (DB), Danny Scudero (WR), Cree Thomas (DB)
- Houston: McKenzie Agnello (OL), Jordan Allen (DB), Khalil Laufau (DL), Amare Thomas (WR), Kentrell Webb (DB), Conner Weigman (QB)
- Oklahoma State: Caleb Hawkins (RB), Jaleel Johnson (DE), Drew Mestemaker (QB), Ethan Wesloski (LB)
- Texas Tech: Terrance Carter Jr.
(TE), Coy Eakin (WR), A.J. Holmes Jr.
(DL), Brice Pollock (DB), Ben Roberts (LB), Sheridan Wilson (OL)
Wednesday, July 8
- Arizona: Tristan Bounds (OL), Taye Brown (LB), Jay'vion Cole (DB), Noah Fifita (QB), Chris Hunter III (WR), Tre Smith (DE)
- Cincinnati: JC French (QB), Antwan Peek Jr.
(LB), Evan Tengesdahl (OL), Taran Tyo (OL)
- Iowa State: David Coffey (DB), Aiden Flora (RB), Kyle Konrardy (K), Jaylen Raynor (QB), Isaac Terrell (DE)
- Kansas: Calvin Clements (OL), Leroy Harris III (DE), Blake Herold (DT), Trey Lathan (LB), Cameron Pickett (WR)
- Kansas State: Wesley Fair (DB), Joe Jackson (RB), Avery Johnson (QB), Rex Van Wyhe (LB)
- TCU: Jaden Craig (QB), Markis Deal (DT), Ansel Din-Mbuh (DT), Jamel Johnson (DB), Paul Oyewale (DE), Ben Taylor-Whitfield (OL)
- Utah: Devon Dampier (QB), Johnathan Hall (LB), Lance Holtzclaw (DE), Wayshawn Parker (RB)
- West Virginia: Jaden Bray (WR), Nick Krahe (OL), Geimere Latimer II (DB)
With a lineup like this, the Big 12 Media Days are set to deliver a wealth of insights and stories from the heart of college football. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in, there's plenty to look forward to as these athletes and coaches share their perspectives on the upcoming season.
In Other News...
UCF's Pass Rush Future Now Rests With One Rising Assistant
Mike Dawsons rise in UCFs defensive staff has become one of the more encouraging subplots around the programs pass rush. The Knights defensive run game coordinator was recently tabbed as the third-best EDGE coach in the Big 12 by Matrix Analytical, a nod that carries extra weight after he helped develop two former UCF EDGE players into NFL talent. Malachi Lawrence is now with the Dallas Cowboys, while Nyjalik Kelly landed with the Green Bay Packers, giving Dawson a track record the Knights can point to as they reshape that part of the defense.
Now the bigger question is how smoothly that next wave comes together in 2026. UCF has to replace both of those departures while building around returning pieces and a batch of transfers, all under Dawsons guidance. The good news for the Knights is that the room already has some continuity, and the newcomers are trying to fit into a system that has already produced pro-caliber results. What that rotation ultimately looks like when the season arrives will say plenty about how far Dawsons influence can stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Former UCF Defender Opens Up About A Knights Career That Changed Fast
Randy Charltons football path has been anything but straight, and the former UCF defensive end is still trying to turn an abrupt college arc into a lasting pro career. After transferring to Mississippi State and earning a starting role there, he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft before landing with the Miami Dolphins practice squad and then spending time with the Edmonton Elks and Orlando Pirates.
Charltons latest stop is with the Birmingham Stallions, another chance to put good tape together and keep pushing toward an NFL return. For a player whose career has already crossed leagues and countries, the challenge now is less about proving he can play than about finally finding the kind of stability that has eluded him since his college days changed so quickly. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Transfer Could Change Everything In One Crucial Line Battle
Brady Wayburn looks like one of the more important additions on UCFs 2026 roster, and it is easy to see why the Knights are giving the former UConn lineman a real look at right guard. He started six games there last season after appearing in a larger role for the Huskies, and that kind of live-game experience is exactly what UCF is buying into as it tries to firm up the interior of its offensive line.
Offensive line coach AJ Blazek has been upbeat about Wayburns strength and run-blocking fit, especially in a system that leans on wide zone concepts. Wayburn is in the mix to claim the job, though the final alignment may not be settled yet, and how UCF sorts out that right side could determine whether his transfer turns into a quiet depth move or one of the more consequential camp battles on the roster. [Read more 🡒]