Continuing the roster preview trek through the P4, now onto the Big 12 conference. This is the third conference of four that has been covered (ACC is last). The Big 12 is an intriguing conference this year, with many teams in contention for the coveted title and a spot in the CFP. Texas Tech was the massive favorite, until the Brendan Sorsby dilemma happened. If you need to know who can hang with Tech, start reading below!
Arizona
This is a squad looking to contend for a Big 12 title. The offense centers on star fifth year quarterback Noah Fifita, returning for his last year under head coach Brent Brennan. A large focus of this offseason has been sorting out the offensive line, including attempting to limit penalties on the left side. The Wildcats also retained many key coaching pieces, giving them a massive operational advantage. After last year’s 9-4 campaign, they look to jump to the very top of the conference.
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 8-4
Arizona State
This is a massive transition year for the Sun Devils, relying heavily on transfer portal additions, such as junior quarterback Cutter Boley. The offensive line is undergoing a massive revamp. Another key offensive addition is senior wide receiver Omarion Miller from the University of Colorado. Miller is extremely skilled and will be the WR1. Overall, this season may not be up to Kenny Dillingham’s standards he set by making the CFP. However, this is a great year to develop and build a solid core for next year.
Ceiling: 9-3
Floor: 5-7
Baylor
The headliner of this Baylor team is transfer junior quarterback DJ Lagway; he brings immense talent and high expectations to Waco. Under the Bears’ new defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman, they are going through a completely new defensive scheme. There is heavy pressure on head coach Dave Aranda to deliver this year and bounce back from a 5-7 season. Unfortunately, Aranda may be in trouble if Baylor plays how we project.
Ceiling: 7-5
Floor: 3-9
BYU
The Cougars are back for vengeance after narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last year. They are headlined by star sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier. He will be throwing to his brother, Tiger. Defensively, Kelly Poppinga takes over, aiming to elevate the unit to a top level. Their roster lists a lot of safeties, hinting at heavy nickel package usage. Their room is led by junior strong safety Faletau Satuala. This is a top contender in the Big 12.
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 8-4
UCF
The Knights are undergoing a notable transition period under head coach Scott Frost. They are looking to bounce back from recent losing seasons with a balance of transfer additions and talented returning guys. Redshirt senior Alonza Barnett II steps in as the clear offensive leader, bringing a winning pedigree to the team. The secondary is considered the strongest unit on this squad, headlined by the cornerback duo of redshirt senior Jayden Bellamy and senior Braeden Marshall.
Ceiling: 8-5
Floor: 6-6
Colorado
Head coach Deion Sanders’ squad underwent a complete overhaul with dozens of new transfers and major coordinator changes. The Buffaloes brought in roughly 66 players this offseason. They are leaning heavily into proven college veterans over young talent. This team faces a lot of question marks and a lot of things are unknown. However, second year quarterback Julian Lewis is solidified as the leader of this offense.
Ceiling: 6-6
Floor: 1-11
Houston
This is an experienced lineup looking to contend at the top of the conference. The team currently holds 116 players, going over the 105 man limit due to grandfathering rules. They are currently awaiting court rulings on a few former players’ eligibility. The Cougars OL was bolstered through the portal, adding key starters. Bench players and underclassmen such as junior wide receiver Koby Young step into a bigger role this year. This is a squad with CFP potential.
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 8-4
Iowa State
The Cyclones are completely rebuilt under new head coach Jimmy Rogers. They have zero returning starters and brought in a massive wave of new guys after former HC Matt Campbell’s departure. Rogers looks to install a tough and competitive culture this offseason. A massive bright spot on this squad is redshirt sophomore running back Cameron Pettaway, landing on early award watchlists. The national media does not have high expectations for this squad. However, Rogers picked the Cyclones to win the Big 12 in a preseason coaches poll.
Ceiling: 7-5
Floor: 4-8
Kansas
The Jayhawks added nearly 30 transfers this offseason. The main headline is replacing star quarterback Jalon Daniels. There is currently a fight for the spot between redshirt sophomore Isaiah Marshall and redshirt junior Cole Ballard, we chose to give the edge to Marshall. Defensively, the linebacker duo of redshirt seniors Trey Lathan and Bam Crouch will lead the defense. Redshirt senior Tre’von McAlpine will lead the defensive line. This is certainly a middle of the pack team.
Ceiling: 7-5
Floor: 4-8
Kansas State
This is a roster headlined by veteran leadership under head coach Collin Klein. Senior quarterback Avery Johnson returns as a known leader, bringing the talent and experience KSU’s offense needs. Klein and his staff are intense and tough on their players, building a team that is ready to compete in the Big 12. The WR room is very crowded right now, with a lot of uncertainty on who the main pass catchers will be. Klein has also stated that he wants to make Kansas State a “developmental program.” This is a serious squad this year and they will only be getting better.
Ceiling: 10-2
Floor: 7-5
Cincinnati
The Bearcats roster is filled with uncertainty, featuring 22 transfers and 24 freshmen. Head coach Scott Satterfield is on a massive hot seat this year, he must make a bowl game to stay another year. For more on the Bearcats, check out our Bearcats Football page on our site:
Ceiling: 6-6
Floor: 4-8
Oklahoma State
New head coach Eric Morris started a complete overhaul of the Cowboys, bringing in roughly 85 new players. 60 of those players were brought in through the portal. A strong contingent of that class followed Morris from North Texas, where he coached last season. He refers to his squad as the “Band of Misfits” treating it as a chip-on-their-shoulder. Starting QB, redshirt sophomore Drew Mestemaker will be a star, as he led the nation in passing yards at North Texas last year.
Ceiling: 8-4
Floor: 4-8
TCU
The Horned Frogs roster features strong continuity with returning core starters. These players include star redshirt senior wideout Jordan Dwyer, graduate student left guard Cade Bennett, redshirt junior tight end Ka’Morreun Pimpton, senior safety Jamel Johnson and senior defensive tackle Ansel Din-Mbuh. Graduate student quarterback Jaden Craig has emerged as the main candidate to take over for Josh Hoover this year. Head coach Sonny Dykes used a selective approach to the transfer portal rather than loading up at all positions.
Ceiling: 8-4
Floor: 5-7
Texas Tech
These guys are the villains of the Big 12 after the Sorsby dilemma. Despite Sorsby missing this season, the Red Raiders are still the favorite to win this conference. Head coach Joey McGuire has fully embraced the villain persona, putting a chip on Tech’s shoulder. This team is a heavily experienced group, adding veteran transfers. Senior linebacker Austin Romaine transferred in from Kansas State and will anchor the linebacker corps for Tech. Junior Will Hammond will take Sorsby’s place and is a capable QB.
Ceiling: 12-0
Floor: 11-1
Utah
After head coach Kyle Wittingham’s departure, the Utes turned to Morgan Scalley as their new HC. Scalley went to work immediately, notably replacing all five starters on the OL. Senior quarterback Devon Dampier is a star and is fit to lead this offense. Junior runningback Wayshawn Parker will use his explosiveness and elusiveness to rack up massive yardage this season. The Utes will aim to maintain their physical culture and compete for a Big 12 title.
Ceiling: 11-1
Floor: 9-3
West Virginia
Head coach Rich Rodriguez is reshaping the WVU roster, adding 31 players from the transfer portal this offseason. This may not be the ideal season from the Mountaineers, but they are developing talent for the long-run. Senior running back Cam Cook is a bright spot. transferring from Jacksonville State and had a dominant season in Conference USA. There are some concerns on WVU’s defensive pressure on the DL. QBs will have all day in the pocket without improved press.
Ceiling: 6-6
Floor: 3-9
There you have it, the whole Big 12 has been looked at! Who do you think will take the title this year?
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