FAVORITE TEAMS

The Big 12 is wide open. In the past few years since Texas A&M and Missouri departed for the SEC, the power shifted completely to Oklahoma, dominating in 2012 and between 2015 and 2020. Once Lincoln Riley suddenly bolted for Southern California, there may be another power shift after Oklahoma and Texas depart for the SEC in 2025 (or earlier). Despite Oklahoma dominating the Big 12 and Texas and Oklahoma State coloring the line orange to mark their territory in competition, other teams like Iowa State, Baylor, TCU, West Virginia, and Kansas State are showing competitive fire and no fear against the likes of the Big 3.

Can Oklahoma bounce back after a November fallout?

The exodus of players and staff at Oklahoma left Norman and OU fans in shock. Heck, the college football nation felt it too. But key additions like quarterback Dillon Gabriel, new coach Brent Venables, and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby might hold the team together for a bounce back season. The offense will be ready since Gabriel and Lebby know each other from UCF in 2019. Lebby also had success as an offensive guy in other places. Can this defense continue their progression that defensive coordinator Alex Grinch left behind? It’s possible with Venables, but OU has a history of sus defense. But if they were able to make progress for the past two seasons, it’s possible that it’ll continue and they will return for the conference title game.

Is Texas primed for a Big 12 conference title return?

Texas will always be in that conversation despite the programs ebb-and-flow after Mack Brown’s brief retirement and the Big 12’s conference realignment. They have some amazing talent across the board, and Arch Manning’s commitment could jump start the program before the SEC (maybe). But, Texas hasn’t been great for a decade (yeah, yeah hate, but the records don’t lie). Something must be done to revive their elite status. Quarterback Quinn Ewers returns to Texas after changing his commitment from them to play for Ohio State last season. He could spark this offense and then some, but the offensive line and the entire defense must help in order to challenge OU and everyone else for the Big 12 crown.

What about Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, and Kansas State?

Matt Campbell’s name is cemented in Ames and choosing to stay bolsters their chances, but how they replace Brock Purdy and how he maintains the defensive consistency remains to be seen.

Baylor revived their competition under the new leadership of Dave Aranda. After a slow start in his debut during COVID in 2020, Baylor challenged and triumphed last season to earn the outright title for the first time since 2013. They could likely return if the skill players on offense and defense comes through.

Kansas State’s head coach Chris Klieman showed consistency in two of his 3 seasons with 8 wins, 2 bowl appearances, and a bowl win over LSU. The Wildcats could challenge for Big 12 supremacy with his winning background from North Dakota State.

Could the rest find their way in the middle of the pack?

TCU dipped a bit and decided to part ways with Gary Patterson after 21 years of coaching. They brought in a new, but familiar face in Sonny Dykes, who was an offensive analyst at TCU, and also went toe-to-toe with TCU as an SMU coach for three seasons (2-1). Don’t count out the Horned Frogs just yet.

Texas Tech went through a coaching change, but they bring in offensive coordinator Zach Kittley (offensive genius from Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky who coordinated quarterback Bailey Zappe) and Tim DeRuyter (who improves defenses everywhere he goes). They could surprise if their defense progresses this season.

West Virginia had spurts of success in the past, but quarterback JT Daniels’ health is critical to the Mountaineers’ chances of Big 12 success. It’s time to see what this Bishop Gorman quarterback is made of with his third program.

Kansas is not there…yet. I love head coach Lance Leipold and what he’s doing for the program. He progressively made Buffalo a good program in 6 seasons, so it’s high time that Kansas shows some patience and let this man do his work.

Who wins the Big 12???

It’s a tough call. The obvious should be Oklahoma. Then again, it depends if the players are completely bought in by Venables. The other option would be Baylor because of the culture and foundation that’s being set by Aranda. They have a shot but the target’s on their back now. Texas has an opportunity but the offensive line and defense must improve at all costs. The time is now, Longhorns! Oklahoma State…maybe…it’s tough to say… The offense should be good, but Spencer Sanders is turnover prone and the defense lost their leaders and Jim Knowles moves on to Ohio State. The others that may have a shot are Kansas State and Iowa State if things fall in place for them. For now, it should be the Sooners and just let the Big 12 season play itself out.