BIG12 ROSTER BREAKDOWNS

The BIG12 has to certainly be one of if not the most entertaining conference in football. It's always difficult to rank the BIG12 teams as well as compare them to other conferences because they just beat each other up time and time again. With the departure of Texas and Oklahoma the BIG12 is wide open, mainly because the departure of Oklahoma but we'll save the Texas jokes for the SEC now.

The BIG12 has a national title contender this year in Utah and some star power with guys like Ollie Gordon, Noah Fifita, Tetairoa McMillan and a few others. While the BIG12 tends to feel like the odd man out in these SEC/BIG10 talks of super conference, Brett Yormark is working around the clock to continue to improve its standing and I'm here for it. Let's dive in and find out how things are lining up for this season...

*The following list is in no particular order. These summaries are to give you a peek into roster changes for upcoming year and a preview at how they may fare against their schedule. If you don’t like it… leave a comment why!

ARIZONA

Arizona has been one of the more intriguing situations across the country. They finished 10-3 under HC Jedd Fisch last season after a combined 10-31 in the previous four. Fisch then makes a late exit for Washington and in an unexpected turn stars Fifita (QB) and McMillan (WR) chose to stay, providing some roster retention for new HC Brent Brennan. Even though he got off to a late start compared to some other coaches changing scenery, he'll have some bright spots on this roster to work with in year 1. Fifita returns as one of the best QBs in the conference and will look to improve with the help of stud WR Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan went for 1400+ yards last season making him one of the best WRs in the country. They'll have an entirely new RB room but return 4 starters for a solid OL. They'll need to remain healthy though as they don't have a lot of depth up front. On defense the Wildcats return 7 guys with a rotating cast at DL. The LB unit is led by 3 year starter Jacob Manu along with Oregon transfer Justin Flowe. They also return a great S duo in Maldonado and Johnson. Brennan doesn't have a ton of holes on this roster but will need to continue to develop talent and accrue depth. Luckily, they avoid OK State and Iowa State but will have to travel to both Kansas State and Utah. I don't foresee another 10 win season for Arizona, but I am more than excited to watch Fifita and Mcmillan light up as Brennan tries to build up this program.

KANSAS STATE

Chris Klieman and the Wildcats are back to compete for another BIG12 title. Will Howard left for OSU and Avery Johnson steps in backed by a ton of excitement after last year's performance. Johnson played in 8 games and even rushed for 5 TDs against Texas Tech last season. He is a true sophomore that shows a ton of promise. Even though they lose two of their top pass catchers, they return 3 WRs with starting experience. The OL loses 4 starters but are still expected to be talented. If the OL can live up to expectation, the K-State offense should at least be on par with last year. The DL returns 3 of the top 4 and has strong depth. Kleiman will look to lean on his DL as he believes they're the strength of this defense. 3 LBs return with starting experience but the depth is very young. The secondary also returns both starting safeties and all conference CB Jacob Parrish. K-State will run the BIG12 gauntlet facing off against Arizona and Oklahoma State at home early, with a trip to WVU followed by a visit from Kansas. If they're able to survive that gauntlet they'll have a great match up against Iowa St for the final regular season game. Kansas State as usual will be contending for that BIG12 title, this time with a shot at the playoff.

BAYLOR

Dave Aranda is going back to his roots and is taking over the defensive play calling duties this season. This is a huge plus for Baylor and should help significantly improve their defense. Last year Baylor was a very young team who relied on a lot of underclassmen in starting roles. This year they’re back with a bit more experience and are ready to make a difference. New OC Jake Spavital will speed up the offensive tempo and move to a spread offense. This should really benefit the offense considering some of their weapons. DeQuann Finn comes over from Toledo to show the P4 schools what they missed out on. He is a playmaker and had a 22-9 TD/INT ratio last year. All 5 RBs return and will fit a bit better in the new offensive scheme. The Bears also return their #1 and #3 WRs in Baldwin and Jackson while scooping up Ole Miss TE Michael Trigg from the portal. Last years OL was a bit of a disappointment but return this year only losing one of the Barrington brothers. They’ll be more experienced and add a few transfers, this unit should turn around. Aranda has 9 starters returning on defense as they look to return to form after a down year last year. They lose both starting DEs but expect Marshall and Tezino to step up this year. The LB unit is veteran and returns #1 tackler Matt Jones. All 4 starters in the secondary return as well. Baylor does play Utah, Iowa State and WVU on the road but get Oklahoma State and Kansas at home. All signs are pointing up for this Baylor team, but they’re not ready to compete for a conference title yet in my opinion. They will be a dangerous team that could pick off anyone in the conference, even on the road. 

TCU

Sonny Dykes and TCU had a rough hangover after their run in ‘22. Last year they took a big step back to 5-7 but I don’t foresee that being a trend. Young QB Josh Hoover will take over after throwing for 2200 15-9 in 6 starts last season. As he continues to gain experience turnovers should become less of a problem. Dykes feels he has a strong RB room that could be 5 deep but will most likely be led by Cam Cook and Trey Sanders. At WR they return some starters, gain some depth and will look to improve. The OL has 77 career starts but only 16 at TCU, meaning this new OL of transfers will need to gel as a unit if they want to be successful. On the defensive side of the ball they lose NT Williams but return solid talent upfront. The LB unit will be the bright spot on the defense with the return of a healthy Johnny Hodges (#1 tackler in ‘22, suffered injury in ‘23) and Namdi Obiazor. The DB room also adds some transfers and should be solid. They’ll take trips to Kansas and Utah but face Oklahoma State and Arizona at home. I don’t see 10 wins in this season but should be much improved from last years 5-7 record.

UTAH

As we’ve mentioned before, conference realignment doesn’t treat everyone equally. I think Utah landed in a great spot in the BIG12 with an opportunity for Kyle Whittingham in year 20 for the Utes to really become the big fish in the pond. Utah enters the BIG12 as the favorite to win the conference! That’s not just in my book, you can go ahead and check FanDuel. Cam Rising returns this year and if he remains healthy could receive an invite to New York at the end of the season. He’ll have a strong cast around him with veteran RBs, TEs, and maybe his best WR room yet. On the defensive side of the ball, Utah has always been above average. Since 1994 they’ve sent 19 DL to the NFL. This year they return 7 of their top 8 DL along with a great LB core led by Lander Barton and Karene Reid. Their defense has had 20 straight seasons with a pick 6 and I wouldn’t be surprised if that streak continued with the group of DBs they have now. Utah will also play a favorable schedule avoiding K-State, Kansas, and WVU. They will be tested early on with a trip to Oklahoma State in WK4 followed by a visit from Arizona. Utah will not only contend for the BIG12 title but could even find themselves playing for a chance at the National Championship this year.

TEXAS TECH

Joey McGuire has turned a lot of heads toward Lubbock in the past 2 years. In his first two years as a P5 HC he took Tech to two bowl games and defeated both Texas and Oklahoma in the same season! With a young team McGuire will look to continue to develop talent. QB Behren Morton returns and McGuire hopes he can stay healthy as they’ve been plagued with QB injuries. Luckily, RB Tahj Brooks returns after finishing 4th in FBS last year with 1538 rush yards. The Red Raiders also land the #5 WR out of high school, Micah Hudson, who McGuire is expecting big things from. 5 OL depart but they add 3 transfers who were full time starters elsewhere. Even though they return 125 career starts on the OL, they have a new OL coach and the unit will need to mesh quickly. The defense only returns 5 starters after losing 7 of their top 10 tacklers. The DL has depth at DT but no true stars. Rodriguez and Roberts will anchor the defense from the LB unit as Roberts is returning after leading the team in tackles last season. They also lose 2 CBs and a FS in the secondary. The defense is expected to take a step back but DC Tim DeRuyter will look to change that. The Red Raiders will take road trips to Arizona, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State followed by a visit from WVU. Expectations are not very high for Texas Tech, but that’s not going to stop Joey McGuire from continuing to build this program in Lubbock.

KANSAS

Lance Leipold enters year 4 with Jayhawks on an upward trajectory. Leipold deserves a ton of credit for what he has done for this Kansas program in just 3 years. He will need electric QB Jalon Daniels to stay healthy. When healthy, Daniels has proven he could be one of the best playmakers in the country! Fortunately after suffering from injuries last year, experienced back up Jason Bean was able to step in and perform. This year Bean is gone and the back up spot will be a battle between Cole Ballard (redshirt FR) and Isaiah Marshall (dual-threat true frosh). Outstanding RB Devin Neal also returns with a chance to set the rush yards and TDs records at Kansas. The only receiver to depart is TE Mason Fairchild, giving Daniels plenty of weapons to work with. The big question will be upfront as each the OL and DL only return two starters and the DL lacks a major pass rusher. Leipold will need to lean on his athletic LB unit and all conference CBs Bryant and Dotson. The Jayhawks do play a non con against Illinois but their toughest conference games come with trips to WVU and K-State while they’ll face Iowa State at home. Kansas’ stadium is under renovation so they will be playing home games at Arrowhead this year. Leipold and the Jayhawks have a chance to do something special this year but it will require Jalon Daniels to remain healthy.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Mike Gundy and the Pokes are off to a hot start with BIG12 media days this off season. However, Gundy’s focus is on getting back to the BIG12 title game again with what may be the best offense in the conference. Alan Bowman will return at QB and will need to improve his TD/INT ratio if he wants to hold the job. Rangel (JR) and Flores (redshirt FR) will compete for the backup, but we may see them at some point this year. Luckily, the Cowboys have 2023 Doak Walker Award Winner Ollie Gordon back at RB after rushing for 1700+ last season. He’ll look to top those numbers behind a veteran OL of 5 returning starters with a combined 214 career starts. After Knowles fled to Ohio State, Gundy has been looking to get this defense right again. They return 9 starters with a solid DL and Gundy’s best LB corps yet. They return 1st team All Conf Nick Martin and 4th team All Conf Kendal Daniels, while S Cameron Epps beefs up and moves down to a true LB position. They also return 4 starters in the secondary and will look to significantly improve on last years numbers. The Pokes will have a tough run with a trip to K State sandwiched between visits from Utah and WVU. The rest of their schedule is very favorable and 2 of their 3 toughest games are at home. I think I’ll be betting on Gundy and the Pokes to make it back to the conference title game this year, but who amongst us hasn’t thought that at least 1000 times?!

COLORADO

As I’ve mentioned multiple times not all conference alignment is created equally, well apparently neither are wins according to Deion Sanders. Deion has shaken up the CFB world with his two-way stud Hunter, QB son Shedeur and just sheer volume of transfer portal both in and out. After a strong start last year the Buffs fizzled out finishing 1-8 in the last 9 to end the season at 4-8. Shedeur returns as one of the top QBs in the country after throwing for 3K+ with a 69% completion and 27-3 TD/INT ratio. Even though Edwards and the top 3 RBs depart, Dallan Hayden from Ohio State comes over to be their work horse. The stud WR room returns #2 Travis Hunter and #3 WR Jimmy Horn while adding FAU and Vandy’s #1 WRs. The glaring issue for the team last year was the big guys up front. Deion brings in a new OL coach for a new OL after 4 starters depart. The new OL has 100 FBS starts from a few transfers and features #1 OL out of HS, Jordan Seaton. If this OL can get it together, this offense will be extremely dangerous. On the defensive side of the line they lose 2 starters but add transfers from Pitt, Ariz St, Alabama, LSU and Arkansas in efforts to improve on last years performance. The LB unit was a rotating cast of characters last year but looks to be more stable with the return of #2 tackler Bentley who’s joined by transfers from FAU, Kentucky, and Charlotte. In the secondary, Cormani McClain leaves but is quickly replaced by Preston Hodge and DJ McKinney while Shiloh Sanders and Travis Hunter lead this DB unit. As Deion said his wins are different and this year they’ll have to be if they want to go bowling. The Buffs open against FCS powerhouse NDSU, followed by a trip to Nebraska. They’ll also face off against K-State, Utah and Oklahoma State while having to take trips to Arizona and Kansas. It’s going to be a tough road for Colorado but Deion holds himself and his program to a higher standard so don’t expect them to just lay down.

WEST VIRGINIA

Neal Brown has secured his extension and is off the hot seat after last year's 9 win season. He’ll be looking to build on that success with 8 returning starters on offense. Garrett Greene returns at QB as a dual threat and is accompanied by thunder and lightning combo CJ Donaldson and Jaheim White. Donaldson is about 6’2” 238lbs while White is 5’7” 185 and they combined for 1500+ yds last year. If they manage to avoid injury, that number will increase. Kole Taylor returns at TE looking to be the top TE in the conference this year. They also return 6 of top 7 WRs and expect production from their young guys Ray and Gallagher. They’ll be supported by an OL with 113 career starts that only lost 2 starters after being a top 5 OL last season. On defense they’ll look to Sean Martin to lead the DL in front of a talented LB unit. The biggest question mark for the Mountaineers on defense will be at Safety with Burks moving up to LB. Unfortunately for Brown, WVU will face maybe the toughest conference schedule in the B12. They’ll take trips to Oklahoma State and Arizona but will face Penn State, Kansas, Iowa State, and K-State at home. This WVU team could be feisty and pick someone off at home for a chance to compete for the conference.

ARIZONA STATE

Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils are battling luck after an injury riddled season last year. They suffered from numerous QB injuries as well as OL (having 8 OL injured at one time!!). This year they add QB Sam Leavitt from Mich St as well as Jeff Sims from Nebraska. They return their 3 RBs and add Raleek Brown from USC. The WR room loses the top 2 pass catchers but returns 4 of the top 6. The OL added 7 transfers and now totals 9 OL with starting experience, if they can remain healthy they will surely improve. On the defensive side of the ball, they lose 2 starting DL and add 4 P4 transfers. This unit is top heavy and will need to remain healthy to produce. They add a couple starting LBs in the portal and 7 DBs. Fortunately, they also return #1 tackler S Shamari Simmons. The Sun Devils face a tough schedule and will need to hit the ground running if they want to make a bowl this year.

HOUSTON

Willie Fritz takes over for Dana Holgerson in what looks to be year 1 of a massive rebuild. Houston being a new comer to the BIG12 will also need to adjust to the conference but Fritz has shown he can develop a program with time. Donovan Smith returns at QB but will have Louisiana transfer Zeon Chriss nipping at his heels for a chance to play. All 3 RBs return after a sub par year but add highly ranked recruit J’Marion Burnette. Fritz always has a strong offense and I expect this unit will improve under him. They lose the #1, #3, #5 WRs and starting TE but add 4 transfers. The WR room is unproven and will be a question mark heading into the season as will the OL. The OL lost 4 starters but retained 7th year RG Tank Jenkins. They add some transfers so the career starts jump to 118 but with only 30 coming from Houston they will need to gel asap. The DL loses 4 including 2 all conference players but Fritz adds 4 transfers and likes the depth there. They lose 2 starting LBs but add 6 transfers and will improve thanks to the portal and same goes for the DBs. Houston will have a tough schedule running into Oklahoma, Iowa State, Kansas, Utah, K-State, and Arizona. This is year 1 of a major rebuild for Houston, but Fritz is not afraid of the challenge.

IOWA STATE

Matt Campbell and the Cyclones are looking to shock the world this year and compete for a conference title when not many are expecting them to. He might have the Jimmys and Joes to do it, with 10 starters returning on the offense. QB Rocco Becht set a school record for TD passes by freshman and is only the 5 ISU QB to top 3K yards. Campbell will expect an even bigger year from the redshirt soph who’s accompanied by a solid RB room led by Abu Sama. Keep an eye out for true freshman Dylan Lee as he peaked some interest in the spring. Their top 4 receivers return along with 4 starters on the OL and addition of Princeton LT Jalen Travis. If Becht plays to form this offense will be productive. They return 9 starters on defense including all of the starting DL. The LB corps led by 2nd team all conf Beau Freyler, also returns almost all the starters and adds serious depth. The secondary led by AA honorable mention and 1st team all conf S Jeremiah Cooper returns 3 starters. Campbell and crew avoid Oklahoma State and Arizona but will travel to Iowa, WVU, Kansas, and Utah. They’ll also get a shot at K-State at home. I’m not expecting a conference title from the Cyclones but you definitely can't count them out.

UCF

Gus Malzahn and the Knights are trying to return UCF back to National Championship* status! Emphasis on the asterisk there. Malzahn gets his hands on great transfer QB weapons in KJ Jefferson and Jacurri Brown. Jefferson comes over after being a 3YR starter at Arkansas proving he can also get it done with his legs. Malzahn made a point to bring Jacurri Brown from Miami as the backup in case Jefferson suffers any injury, the offense won’t skip a beat. The Knights will also have a strong RB room led by returning rushers RJ Harvey and Johnny Richardson. Harvey topped 100 yards 5 games in a row last season and looks to be even more productive this year. It will be interesting behind an OL that loses 4 starters. Luckily last years depth allowed for some of the non-starters to get some real experience making Malzahn a bit more comfortable with his returning lineup. They also lose their #1 WR Baker but return their 2nd team all conference WR Kobe Hudson along with a couple transfers. 8 starters return on defense including the #2 sack leader on the DL. The DL will most likely take a step back with the loss of a 1st team all conference DE but Malzahn hopes with the transfer portal additions to the LBs and secondary they can perform better than last years defense. UCF will face Florida, Iowa State, Arizona, WVU, and Utah not exactly the easiest schedule. However, they’ll look to be competitive and go bowling again this year.

BYU

Kalani Sitake and the Cougars are doing their best to adjust to BIG12 play in the new P4. Last year they were plagued with injury and didn’t make a bowl game. They’ll look to turn things around this year with transfer QB Gerry Bohanon. While BYU adds more than a couple QBs to the roster, Bohanon is an experienced vet and will probably start. LJ Martin returns at RB as he tries to kick things up a notch in his second year. Almost all the WRs return and Keanu Hill moves in to TE. They’ll need both depth and experience at WR to improve on last years numbers. The OL was sub par last year but returns some veterans and can really only improve. Last year the Cougars had only 11 sacks ranking last in the FBS. They lose two interior DL but are replaced by highly rated JUCO guys, while Tyler Batty returns at DE. The Cougars need a pass rusher to emerge and that’s why they added Jack Kelly from Weber St. Kelly was 1st Team Big Sky LY and had 10.5 sacks. He’ll join Ben Bywater who was the leading tackler until he suffered injury and missed most of the season. The secondary returns 5 full time starters including transfer Marque Collins from Weber St. While BYU is still adjusting to this BIG12 schedule they’ll play a non con against SMU while matching up against K-State, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Utah. It’s still a year of rebuilding and development in Provo.

CINCINNATI

I don’t know how close the airport is to Cincinatti’s campus but I’m sure Scott Satterfield does. Satterfield looks to improve on last years 3-9 season for the Bearcats. QB Brendan Sorsby comes over from Indiana and will compete with Lichtenberg and Samaj Jones for a mobile QB position in the offense. 1K yard rusher Corey Kiner returns along with additions of Evan Pryor from Ohio State and Chance Williams from Grambling, adding some depth to what should be an improved RB room. The #2, #3 (TE), and #4 receivers depart but #1 WR Henderson returns. They also add a few transfers including Tyrin Smith who topped 1K yards at UTEP last season. The TE room is beefed up by Joe Royer (Ohio ST transfer) and true freshman Gavin Grover who both look to play a lot this year. The #5 OL in the FBS returns in tact led by an AA RG and NFL prospect LG. 7 starters return on defense including Dontay “Godfather” Corleone at NT. They add 5 transfers to the DL and expect it to be one of their stronger units. As they move to a 3-3-5 defense they’ll benefit from WVU transfer Jared Bartlett. They lose most of the secondary but are replenished by transfers with starting experience so they may even improve! Cinci will have a fitting schedule besides the tough run at the end of the season against WVU followed by trips to Iowa State and K-State. I’m not super high on Satterfield but I believe he has this team trending in the right direction as they look to make a bowl game this year.