In a highly anticipated season for the Big 12 Conference, the Texas Longhorns have emerged as the team to beat, according to the preseason media poll. With their combination of incoming talent and returning star players, the Longhorns are the early favorites to win the conference title.
The preseason media poll, conducted ahead of the upcoming Big 12 Media Days in Arlington, Texas, saw Texas receive 41 first-place votes out of a possible 67. This places a significant spotlight on the Longhorns, who are looking to make their mark before their departure to the SEC next summer.
After an impressive season last year, which saw them secure their first conference title since 2012, the Kansas State Wildcats landed at the second spot in the preseason poll. Despite the departure of key players like Deuce Vaughn and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the Wildcats have a talented squad under the guidance of head coach Chris Klieman and are known for their tenacity.
In a surprise turn of events, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves ranked third in the preseason poll. The Sooners, who have dominated the conference in recent years, had a disappointing season last year. However, they have made significant additions to their roster through the transfer portal and high school recruits, particularly bolstering their defense. With these improvements, they are primed to compete for the conference title once again.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, known for their Air Raid offensive scheme, are expected to cause chaos for opposing defenses. However, this year they will not be able to catch anyone off guard, as their reputation precedes them.
TCU, coming off one of their best seasons in history, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff, faces a challenging season after losing key players like quarterback Max Duggan and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. While they still possess talent, replicating last year’s success might be a tall order.
Baylor, who stunned Oklahoma State two years ago to win the Big 12 title, is another team to watch. While they had a lackluster season last year, their style of football and resilience make them a tough matchup for any opponent.
Oklahoma State, which was expected to perform better last season, has faced significant challenges, including over 15 players leaving the team via the transfer portal. Moreover, they have lost their starting quarterback, Spencer Sanders, who is now in the SEC competing for a starting role at Ole Miss.
UCF, making their debut in the Big 12, enters as the highest-rated newcomer in the preseason poll. Having come from the AAC, they are looking to shake things up and create chaos in their first season in the conference.
Kansas, despite shocking the college football world with a strong start last season, faces an uphill battle. However, with talented quarterback Jalon Daniels leading the team, they have the potential to upset some opponents.
Iowa State, coming off a disappointing season, is looking to bounce back. Despite low expectations in the preseason poll, head coach Matt Campbell has shown his ability to lead an underdog squad to success, making the Cyclones an interesting team to watch.
BYU joins the Big 12 for their first season, having had a solid record last year. With a new quarterback in Donovan Smith, replacing the production of Clayton Tune, and potential defensive struggles, BYU will face new challenges in the conference.
Cincinnati, known for their up-and-coming coach Luke Fickell, enters the Big 12 without their star coach, who moved on to lead Wisconsin in the Big Ten. They have a talented defense and an important factor to watch will be the performance of their new offensive line.
Finally, West Virginia finds themselves predicted to finish last, leaving head coach Neal Brown potentially fighting for his job. With several departures this offseason, the Mountaineers face an uphill battle to prove themselves.
In conclusion, the upcoming Big 12 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With the Texas Longhorns leading the preseason polls, teams like Kansas State, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech are hot on their heels. Each team brings its own strengths and challenges to the table, setting the stage for an exciting season of Big 12 football. Fans can expect intense competition and unpredictability as these teams battle it out for conference supremacy.
