Big 12 power rankings: OSU tops the list with returning starters
- Aug 25, 2024 Updated 2 hrs ago
Tyler Waldrep
OSU Sports WriterPower poll
1. Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy can become the new unquestioned power of the conference over the next two or three seasons, but the run has to start this year. If the Cowboys can’t get it done this year with so many returning players when can they?
2. Utah: Has the coach, the quarterback and the tradition to come in and become the new face of the Big 12. A little less depth than OSU and a trip to Stillwater this fall is the difference.
3. Iowa State: The Cyclones return more starters than most and don’t play another team in the top half of the Big 12 until Oct. 12.
4. Kansas State: Talented enough to win the conference, but sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson faces Oklahoma State, Arizona and a road trip to Tulane in the first five weeks.
5. Kansas: Improved its win total all three seasons under Lance Leipold. They went 9-4 despite losing quarterback Jalon Daniels three games into 2023. Now he’s back.
6. Arizona: Despite the coaching change and the roster turnover that goes with it, Arizona returns enough key guys to hang with anyone in the conference.
7. UCF: Former Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson could be the newcomer of the year, and Gus Malzahn’s squad handled the first Big 12 season better than the others.
8. West Virginia: Returning most of the offensive line and the quarterback is rare these days. This team could still push for a conference championship spot.
9. Texas Tech: Not enough continuity to compete with the top eight.
10. Colorado: Similar to last year, this team will be must-watch TV. Just don’t expect championships in what goes down as a successful season for the Buffaloes.
11. TCU: Last season wasn’t so bad, considering TCU lost one-possession games against Texas, West Virginia, Colorado and Texas Tech.
12. BYU: Might need one more offseason to close the gap with the Big 12 regarding top-end talent and depth as the cracks still show up on the margins this fall.
13. Baylor: Bears haven’t missed bowl games in back-to-back seasons since 2008 and 2009. Keeping that streak alive will require quite the rollercoaster ride.
14. Cincinnati: Bearcats are still adjusting to life in a power conference and a tough final stretch does them no favors.
15. Houston: Quarterback Donovan Smith doesn’t have much returning talent around him, but he can help the Cougars shock a few teams this season.
16. Arizona State: Lost three one-possession games (at Washington, vs Colorado, at Cal) in 2023. Not sure if there’s enough back to flip the script.
