Who Will Take Control of the New Big 12?

July 12, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

After Oklahoma and Texas shocked the college football world by deciding to join the SEC, the college football landscape changed forever. Now the Big 12 boasts some mid-level programs that can take advantage of a guaranteed playoff spot.

10. Colorado

The Buffaloes started strong last season under head coach Deion Sanders. However, they faltered down the stretch, losing their last six games. This year, projected first-round draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter look to lead Colorado to a bowl game.

Projected Record: 5-7

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 7, at Nebraska

9. Baylor

Baylor struggled last season, finishing tied for last in the Big 12. This year, they retained many starters and should improve upon their three wins from last season. Coach Dave Aranda will try to revamp the Baylor Bears in his third season as their leader.

Projected Record: 6-6

Game to Watch: Saturday, Nov. 2, vs. TCU

8. Texas Tech

Texas Tech finished strong last year, winning four of their last five games, including a victory over California in the Independence Bowl. Texas Tech had the best recruiting class in their conference and looks to continue to improve under third-year head coach Joey McGuire.

Projected Record: 6-6

Game to Watch: Saturday, Oct. 19, vs. Baylor

7. Arizona

Coach Jedd Fisch left to coach Washington after leading the Wildcats to a double-digit win season in 2023. This year, quarterback Noah Fifita hopes to continue the Wildcats' success in their new conference.

Projected Record: 7-5

Game to Watch: Saturday, Nov. 30, vs. Arizona State

6. Iowa State

The Cyclones are led by ninth-year head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell will attempt to bring the Cyclones to their seventh bowl game during his tenure. The offense retained quarterback Rocco Becht and running back Abu Sama, which will help Iowa State put up points in the high-scoring Big 12.

Projected Record: 7-5

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 7, at Iowa

5. Kansas

Despite being known as a basketball school, the Kansas football team has made great strides under head coach Lance Leipold. Kansas, once the laughingstock of the Big 12, now looks to be one of the more complete teams in the conference. Kansas won nine games a year ago, and this year they may regress a little, but the Jayhawks are no joke anymore.

Projected Record: 7-5

Game to Watch: Saturday, Oct. 26, at Kansas State

4. West Virginia

West Virginia opens with a tough game against Penn State, but expect them to bounce back from that opening loss and make some noise in the Big 12. Garrett Greene will quarterback the Mountaineer offense after leading them to a bowl game victory over UNC last winter.

Projected Record: 8-4

Game to Watch: Saturday, Aug. 31, vs. Penn State

3. Kansas State

The other Wildcats in the new Big 12 lost quarterback Will Howard to Ohio State but still have a strong team. Avery Johnson led Kansas State to a bowl game victory over NC State and has two strong running backs to lead a potent rushing attack.

Projected Record: 9-3

Game to Watch: Saturday, Oct. 26, vs. Kansas

2. Utah

Utah’s first year in the Big 12 will be interesting. Known for their defense, Kyle Whittingham will have to buckle down against some high-flying offenses in this new conference. Cam Rising returns to lead the Utes, perhaps to the College Football Playoff. The Oklahoma State game will be a good early test to see what the Utes are made of.

Projected Record: 10-2

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 21, at Oklahoma State

1. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys, led by Mike Gundy, have been a great program in the Big 12 for years. This year is no different. Oklahoma State is coming off a Big 12 championship game appearance and another double-digit win season. Expect quarterback Alan Bowman to have the Cowboys in the College Football Playoff conversation this season.

Projected Record: 11-1

Game to Watch: Saturday, Sept. 21, vs. Utah