The results of the preseason media football rankings are out, and five teams received first-place votes in the newly expanded Big 12. Two of those teams are new to the conference: Utah and Arizona. Below, we review and give predictions on those Big 12 Top 5 teams for this upcoming season.
No. 5 Arizona Wildcats (over/under 8)
The Wildcats are one of the new teams in the top 5. They won 10 games last season for only the fourth time in their history. Unfortunately, head coach Jedd Fisch left the team for Washington. At least he left the top quarterback, Noah Fifita, and wideout Tetairoa McMillan, the best passing duo in the Big 12. They combined for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. It all comes down to how well new coach Brent Brennan can keep this team humming.
No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks (over/under 8)
The Jayhawks have a few variables to contend with, including having no home stadium, losing offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki to Penn State, and quarterback Jalen Daniels’ back. Daniels missed 14 games due to a nagging back injury. If he can have a healthy season, this team will do well because he is surrounded by loads of talent.
No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys (over/under 8)
The Pokes expect 20 starters to return to the lineup this fall, including star running back Ollie Gordon. He led the nation in rushing last season and is supported by a solid offensive line and veteran quarterback Alan Bowman.
They last won the Big 12 title in 2011, but they’re closer than they’ve been in a while. Last season, they won five out of six battles that were decided by eight or less points.
No. 2 Kansas State Wildcats (over/under 9.5)
The Wildcats lost several veterans, including quarterback Will Howard and players from the offensive line. Rising star quarterback Avery Johnson will take over with two of the best running backs in the nation: Dylan Edwards and DJ Giddens.
Their defense finished near the top in 2023 and can be expected to bring an excellent performance in 2024. They will give the No. 1 team a run for their money.
No. 1 Utah Utes (over/under 9.5)
The Utes moved from the Pac-12 and went straight to the top of the Big 12 in votes. Quarterback Cameron Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe are back from injury and should save this team from a disappointing 2023. They’ve also added wideout Dorian Singer from the transfer portal. Rising hasn’t played since January 2023, which is a concern, but we’ll know quickly if he’s lost his mojo. Transfer Sam Huard is ready if Rising isn’t.
This team will be a contender to win the Big 12, receiving the most first-place votes (20). However, Kansas State is too close behind with 19 votes for the Utes to be the clear winners.
Votes and Win Totals
The Big 12 lost two of its top teams to the SEC, Oklahoma and Texas, but gained four from the Pac-12: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah. Arizona State is projected to be at the bottom of the conference, but Colorado might get up to six wins. It’s difficult to say with the large number of players coming and going through the portal. At least coach Prime’s son Shedeur Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter are staying.
| Team | Votes | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 906 | 9.5 |
| Kansas State | 889 | 9.5 |
| Oklahoma State | 829 | 8 |
| Kansas | 772 | 8 |
| Arizona | 762 | 8 |
| Iowa State | 661 | 7.5 |
| West Virginia | 581 | 6.5 |
| UCF | 551 | 7.5 |
| Texas Tech | 532 | 7.5 |
| TCU | 436 | 7.5 |
| Colorado | 400 | 5.5 |
| Baylor | 268 | 5.5 |
| BYU | 215 | 4.5 |
| Cincinnati | 196 | 5 |
| Houston | 157 | 3.5 |
| Arizona State | 141 | 4.5 |
The league has changed half of its teams in the last two years. Although it may have lost two of its top schools, it has gained a competitiveness that will make this season more exciting.
Bet on a battle for the Big 12 title between heavyweights Utah and Kansas State. The team to win the title will be guaranteed a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff, but it is quite possible that a second team will also get a place in the 12-team field.
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