A Conference on the Cusp
As fall camp kicks off across the Big 12, the buzz is unmistakable: the conference could very well be the most competitive in the nation next year.
Analysts still list the Texas Tech Red Raiders as the preseason favorites, even after the departure of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, because of a strong returning core and a favorable schedule.
Close behind, the BYU Cougars and Utah Utes are projected to battle for the second spot, with both programs emphasizing recruiting gains and tactical refinements.
Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita is already being mentioned in Heisman conversations, provided he can build on a breakout season that saw him throw for over 3,500 yards.
Utah’s projected win total of eight to nine games reflects both the loss of head coach Kyle Whittingham and the belief that the team’s depth will keep them competitive.
TCU Horned Frogs are banking on Jaden Craig, a quarterback recruited from the FCS ranks, to bring a new dynamic to their offense.
Oklahoma State Cowboys, facing a near‑complete roster turnover, are expected to improve sharply, with fresh talent expected to fill the void left by departing stars.
Meanwhile, Arizona State and Kansas State are viewed as potential sleepers, while Cincinnati hovers around a 6‑6 to 5‑7 record, and Colorado is slated for a 6‑6 finish with a ceiling of eight wins.
Baylor’s success may hinge on the development of quarterback DJ Lagway and the steady hand of coach Dave Aranda, who is entering his second year.
UCF, after a 4‑8 season, is projected to add one or two wins, a modest but meaningful step forward for the Knights.
West Virginia remains a work in progress, likely to finish in the 3‑9 to 4‑8 range, while the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas Jayhawks find themselves at the bottom of the standings, though Kansas is not expected to tumble to a 1‑11 record under coach Lance Leipold.
Looking Ahead
If the early projections hold, the Big 12 will offer a season full of surprise upsets and tightly contested games, making it one of the most unpredictable conferences in recent memory.