FAVORITE TEAMS

The Big 12 welcomes UCF, BYU, Houston, and Cincinnati into the Power 5.

Dana Holgorsen is in his second stint in the Big 12 after formerly coaching West Virginia. BYU is no stranger to Big 12 competition nor Power 5 competition. UCF is ready for the challenge and coach Gus Malzahn will be sure to get them competing quickly. Cincinnati faces challenges from their new coach Scott Satterfield as Luke Fickell moves on to the Big Ten (Wisconsin).

As for the current Big 12, TCU tries running it back without Max Duggan, Kendre Miller, Quentin Johnston, and other key players from the National Championship while Kansas State looks for their first back-to-back title in program history. Texas has the pieces to compete for their first Big 12 title since 2009 and their first CFP appearance. Oklahoma could bounce back, and their defense has names to hopefully ensure their bounce back. Texas Tech is a dark horse if transfers and defense works out. Kansas coach Lance Leipold could bring more surprises against his Big 12 foes. However, struggles could come from Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia.

TEXAS LONGHORNS

Is Texas back? It’s still too early to say. Coach Steve Sarkisian recruited well, and the big names attracted other big-time recruits and transfers. However, it doesn’t mean Sark’s safe. Coaching at Texas is a big job and he must have results on the field. He does have an experienced offense with Quinn Ewers, Xavier Worthy, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and four returning offensive line. Defense could be better too. They made some improvements last year, and key additions like Trill Carter (Minnesota), Gavin Holmes (Wake Forest), and Jalen Catalon (Arkansas) could help further improve their defense to becoming one of the best in the conference and more. Texas is the Big 12 favorites and could contend for the playoffs. They play some very tough matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas State, and even their in-state rivals. If they can handle the hype this time, this could finally be their year.

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

Kansas State’s probably the forgotten Big 12 champs after TCU made the National Championship. The Wildcats have the roster to return and remind everyone who won it last year. Coach Chris Klieman could cement himself as another Kansas State coach of all-time sooner rather than later after his presence was felt post-Bill Snyder era. Quarterback Will Howard was a seamless transition as the starter well and is ready for a big year alongside starting receiver Phillip Brooks, tight end Ben Sinnott, and the entire offensive line. Kansas State is usually consistent as a “bend but don’t break” defense. Well, this defense undergoes changes at the front four and the secondary. However, they added three key transfers to shore up those areas. The Wildcats could repeat, but the loss of Deuce Vaughn and Malik Knowles as playmakers could hurt the offense’s production just a bit. The good thing is that they don’t face Oklahoma and could win the tiebreaker against them at the end of the season if they defeat Missouri.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS

Oklahoma’s expecting a bounce back (God I hope so). Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is the key cog of this offense along with running back depth led by Javontae Barnes. The receiver room should be good, but the team’s very grateful for tight end Austin Stogner return after playing a year at South Carolina. Defense (once again) was the offseason conversation. Apparently, they could be much better than last year via coach Brent Venables’ presence. But I can’t believe it until I see results. I do like the names on defense, including Rondell Bothroyd, Ethan Downs, Danny Stutsman, Jaren Kanak (my dude!), Dasan McCullough, Billy Bowman, and Woodi Washington along with true freshmen talent Peyton Bowen. If this defense slightly improves, those names will hold true! First, they can’t struggle at quarterback if Dillon Gabriel gets hurt again. The offense was horrible without Gabriel and the embarrassing shutout loss against Texas was the example. Second, Oklahoma must turn around their 0-4 record against Big 12 Texas teams. Finally, if they can win early before the Red River Rivalry, there’s hope for a potential Big 12 title return. Boomer Sooner!!!

TCU HORNED FROGS

TCU lost three key offensive players that helped the team to the National Championship: Max Duggan, Kendre Miller, and Quentin Johnston. But coach Sonny Dykes did a great job adding transfers to address the offense quickly. The positive is quarterback Chandler Morris’s return from injury after Week 1 last season. He was the starter before the injury replaced him for Max Duggan. Morris was the better player, but Duggan’s impact will be sorely missed. TCU’s defense wasn’t great, but the hope is that some of their returns improve the production against Big 12 competition. Linebackers Johnny Hodges and Jamoi Hodge will lead by example. The only way TCU repeats is keeping Chandler Morris healthy because they have no reliable backup. Also, TCU’s defense will for sure determine their 2023 season.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

The hype, the confidence, and the optimism swirls around Lubbock. The last time that happened was in 2008. The offense could be lethal with successful offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. If quarterback Tyler Shough stays healthy, he could be an impact player. However, the offensive line must address their pass protection after allowing 41 sacks to three different quarterbacks combined. Defense wasn’t bad last year, but they weren’t good either. They could surprise with significant improvement under defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. Despite losing Tyree Wilson and Krishon Merriweather, they add Syracuse linebacker Steve Linton and Josiah Pierre becomes the lead middle linebacker. San Diego State safety transfer CJ Baskerville could fit right into DeRuyter’s defense. If Texas Tech upsets Oregon, they could start the season 5-0 before traveling to Waco. Then the back end of their schedule becomes difficult. However, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas is not on their schedule. More optimism in Lubbock and the essence of Mike Leach could help them..

UCF KNIGHTS

Of the four new Big 12 teams, UCF may have the best chance at prospering. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee returns along with Javon Baker, Kobe Hudson, Alec Holler, Tylan Grable, Josh Celiscar, Tre’mon Morris-Brash, and Quadric Bullard. They’ve also added transfers Corey Gammage (Marshall), Marcellus Marshall (Kent State), Bula Schmidt (Fresno State), Amari Kight (Alabama), Jireh Wilson (ECU) and Decorian Patterson (Mid Tenn). It’s safe to say that coach Gus Malzahn made smart moves in the portal and sees improvement as they enter Big 12 play. The offense will prosper against Big 12 competition and if their defense gets up to speed against consistent conference competition, they can prosper too. UCF could be the newcomer to compete for the Big 12 title. They don’t have Texas nor TCU on their schedule, but they face Kansas State, Kansas, and Oklahoma all on the road. Can they prosper on the road in a Big 12 environment???

KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Kansas ties for the most returns on the roster next to Texas with 16, and this Kansas team was fun to watch. The offense returns quarterback Jalon Daniels, running back Devin Neal, receiver Luke Grimm and company, and three of their offensive line led by Mike Novitsky with an additional transfer. Defense must make overall improvement, especially on the defensive line. They held only three teams under 20 points while allowing 42.4 points per game against the rest, including three for over 50. The back seven returns everyone and could improve if the front four finds resolution to stopping the run and rushing the passer. Last season’s schedule was a toss-up that worked in their favor. This season’s schedule tests an experienced roster in a middling program. The offense showed capability to compete against good competition, and Lance Leipold usually takes his team to a winning record after some progress. Let’s hope the Jayhawk defense eventually follows.

BYU COUGARS

BYU finally arrives at the Big 12 after talks over a decade ago. They’re no stranger to competition and recently played Baylor last season and won. The team returns plenty of key starters to help prosper in the Power 5, but they dug into the transfer portal to fill in key spots at quarterback, kicker, and offensive line. Pitt transfer Kedon Slovis arrives still with plenty to prove but he’s familiar with Power 5 competition. The offensive line has questions after losing three, but acquiring three transfers should address those issues. I want to assume the defense prospers with players like nose tackle Caden Haws, linebacker Max Tooley, and safety Malik Moore, but adapting against the Big 12’s offense weekly could be challenging. Six games are probably the highest BYU can win this season. It comes down to the adaptation of transfers and to Power 5 competition from September 16th to the end of the regular season.

BAYLOR BEARS

The Bears have an interesting schedule setup, but let’s explain their roster first. They return quarterback Blake Shapen, but he must Shape up if he wants to hold his starting spot or Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson threatens his job. The other pieces like the running back position and receiver position should be fine. The offensive line could be an issue again, but they brought in BYU brothers Campbell and Clark Barrington to address it. Defense must bounce back after their poor performance in Big 12 play and the bowl game. They fire defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and bring in Matt Powledge from Oregon to help improve that side. Liberty transfer linebacker Mike Smith should help other linebacker Matt Jones and defensive linemen Gabe Hall and TJ Franklin better the rest of the defense. As for their schedule, it starts out rough with Utah, Texas, and UCF. But after the bye, four of their last six puts them in favorable position for bowl eligibility.

OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

Oklahoma State’s currently an enigma in the Big 12. Is it due to Oklahoma and Texas leaving and State’s shadow is fading away for good to where the program doesn’t exist? Who knows. However, they quickly addressed the offense with key transfers including quarterback Alan Bowman (Michigan/Texas Tech) and receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (Washington State) to keep the production going. Defense only returns three with either starting experience or reps. Depth could be an issue, which new defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo is tasked to resolve. Oklahoma State could regress with replacements and inexperience, but hopefully transfers speed up the process so Oklahoma State continues their bowl streak. Don’t be surprised if they jump out to 4-0 before hosting Kansas State in a revenge matchup.

HOUSTON COUGARS

Houston faces some adversity in the Power 5. They’re no stranger to Big 12 competition, but now they face them weekly as long as the conference exists. Coach Dana Holgorsen receives a welcome back to the Big 12 and Power 5 competition. Despite losing quarterback Clay Tune, they receive Donovan Smith (Texas Tech) at the perfect time since he’s also familiar with Big 12 competition. The offense should prosper, but the defense could immediately struggle against Big 12 offenses. Defensive linemen Chidozie Nwankwo and Nelson Ceaser, and nickelback Jalen Emery have a plate of responsibility, so transfers must help. Houston’s schedule will be painful from start to finish. The only bright spot is that they don’t leave the state of Texas until the end of October, and they leave Texas only twice this season (Kansas State and UCF). What a lucky break for the Cougars!

CINCINNATI BEARCATS

The Bearcats upgrade to Power 5 competition, but it’s unclear if they moved at the right time. Coach Luke Fickell’s gone to Wisconsin and a few Cincy players either followed or left for the NFL. As for new coach Scott Satterfield, he arrives at Cincinnati after coaching their rival Louisville for four seasons. His arrival is questionable after a par run with the Cardinals. The roster undergoes new players on both side, but Satterfield brings in plenty of transfers to fill some spots, including Emory Jones (Arizona State), Dee Wiggins (Louisville), Jordan Young (Florida), and Dorian Jones (Louisville). Cincinnati has a rough schedule ahead, and even Miami (OH) will compete with their rival. The Bearcats are likely in survival mode this season.

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS

The Mountaineers will either have a fascinating season or a horrible season. They lost players on defense from the NFL, transfer portal, and injuries. The offense took a hit too, but quarterback Garrett Greene seems alright as their starter after winning two of the last three games against the state of Oklahoma. Running back Tony Mathis should provide some help along with the offensive line, but can the new offensive coordinator get things going? Coach Neal Brown’s on his fourth coordinator, but this could be it with Brown on the hot seat. The Mountaineer defense looked like a mess in the Big 12. They allowed around 38 points per game in conference play. However, they won three, but two of them were against the state of Oklahoma allowing 20 (Oklahoma) and 19 (Oklahoma State). This season won’t look pretty, and their defense could be worse with the lack of depth on the defensive line without Dante Stills (NFL) and Jordan Jefferson (LSU).

IOWA STATE CYCLONES

Iowa State went from a middling team to potentially finishing last this season. Four starters or potential starters including running back Jirehl Brock, quarterback Hunter Dekkers, tight end Deshawn Hanika, and defensive tackle Isaiah Lee are not on the roster due to gambling charges, and there’s more that were accused of it too. So where does this team go? Defense looked like they should be fine and probably formidable, but now they could face plenty of punishment on the field due to their offense’s lack of production without in Brock and Dekkers as starters. Quarterback Rocco Becht (former NFL tight end Anthony Becht’s son) is in line to start, and the running back position could go by committee. There’s too much unknown for the Cyclones, and the schedule’s not favorable. Even Northern Illinois could earn themselves a win against the Cyclones in Week 1.