Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 1
Four programs are entering their first year in the Big 12 Conference. Meanwhile, Oklahoma and Texas are entering their final year in the league before bolting to the SEC. Will one of them go out as champs?
Here's how I see the Big 12 entering the 2023 season.
14. Cincinnati
The Bearcats are going to heavily rely on transfers and they'll feel the effects of a lack of depth once they get into the thick of Big 12 play. Cincy is going to be a problem down the road, but not in 2023.
Week 1 game: vs. Eastern Kentucky, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
13. Houston
Dana lost some key veteran players at key spots. I have no doubt that he'll figure things out offensively, but the defense is a big concern. The Cougars allowed 32.2 points per game and return just a handful of starters. Defensive coordinator Doug Belk has his work cut out for him.
Week 1 game: vs. UTSA, 7 p.m. on FS1.
12. Iowa State
The Cyclones are going through quite a lot right now. If you haven't seen, several players have been caught gambling on games and could be facing suspension. This includes last year's starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers. Mix that in with their inability to run the ball and you've got one of the worst offenses in the Big 12.
Week 1 game: vs. Northern Iowa, 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
11. BYU
BYU's defense was an utter mess a year ago. Sitake made several changes to the defensive staff and rightfully so. Can they see better results right away? Maybe, but highly unlikely. They're going to have to win games by outscoring people and that just doesn't work in this conference anymore.
Week 1 game: vs. Sam Houston, 10:15 p.m. on FS1.
10. West Virginia
It's a critical year for Neal Brown. He has to figure out the quarterback position and hope for someone to emerge at receiver after losing the top four producers at the position from '22. So much change on both sides of the ball and they're going to be counting on several transfers to play big roles.
Week 1 game: at Penn State, 7:30 p.m. on NBC.
9. Oklahoma State
Honestly, Oklahoma State could be lower on this list. This just speaks to the level of how good a coach Mike Gundy is. Every time they appear to be in line for a "down" year, he pulls out eight or nine wins. I don't see it with this group though. No explosiveness at receiver and some question marks in the backfield.
Week 1 game: vs. Central Arkansas, 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
8. UCF
The Knights remind me a heck of a lot of that West Virginia team when they made the transition to the Big 12. Elite offense that has the ability to win shootouts. The defense has some playmakers in the back end, but they're not very deep. Don't be surprised if they get out to a hot start but fizzle out down the stretch.
Week 1 game: vs. Kent State, 7 p.m. (Thurs.) on FS1.
7. Baylor
I'm not really sure what to expect from the Bears this fall. It feels like a group that's going to win games they shouldn't while also lose games they have no business losing. Not to sound cliche, but this team will ride/die with the level of success from QB Blake Shapen.
Week 1 game: vs. Texas State, 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
6. Kansas
I would have loved to see Jalon Daniels finish the season healthy last year, as KU fans could agree with. After getting out to a surprising 5-0 start and jumping into the top 25, the Jayhawks dropped six of their final seven games. With Daniels healthy and a solid one, two punch of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr., the Jayhawks will finish in the top half of the Big 12. Too talented of a roster not to.
Week 1 game: vs. Missouri State, 8 p.m. (Fri.) on ESPN+.
5. TCU
TCU lost a ton, and I mean a TON from its national championship team a year ago. Along with the graduation of QB Max Duggan, they lost RB Kendre Miller who rushed for 1,400 yards, and their top three leading receivers Quentin Johnston, Taye Barber, and Derius Davis. That said, Chandler Morris beat out Duggan for the job last year before getting hurt. He's got what it takes to keep TCU's offense in a good spot.
Week 1 game: vs. Colorado, 12 p.m. on FOX.
4. Texas Tech
Tech is one of the most experienced teams in the Big 12 and because of it, a lot of folks, including myself, believe they can be in the mix for a spot in the conference championship game. If QB Tyler Shough can stay healthy, Tech will certainly be in that conversation.
Week 1 game: at Wyoming, 7:30 p.m. on CBS.
3. Oklahoma
The Sooners lost several one score games last season in year one of the Brent Venables era. The defense wasn't nearly good enough and I expect that to change this fall. They may not be a top of the league unit, but it'll suffice with what should be a high-powered offense.
Week 1 game: vs. Arkansas State, 12 p.m. on ESPN.
2. Kansas State
Kansas State is going to have a special season. I can feel it. They were my pick to win the Big 12 a year ago and I'm picking them again this season. Yes, I know I have them second on this list, but this is a power rankings list, not a prediction.
Week 1 game: vs. Southeast Missouri, 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
1. Texas
The Horns may have lost the best running back in the country in Bijan Robinson, but they return just about everyone else, including QB Quinn Ewers and WR Xavier Worthy. Typically, I don't buy into the preseason hype around Texas, but they clearly have the best roster in the league.
Week 1 game: vs. Rice, 3:30 p.m. on FOX.
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