The Big 12 has long had a reputation for chaos, but Oklahoma has stifled that over the last four years. The Sooners have been the model of consistency in the conference with four straight titles and it doesn’t look like that will change. But even if we know what Oklahoma will be, there is still a free-for-all below them.
Big 12 Championship Game Lock
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners could potentially take a small step back on offense with Jalen Hurts, but should more than make up for it with a leap forward on defense. Regardless, they are more talented and a straight up better team than anyone else in this conference. It would take some big upsets to keep Oklahoma from going three for three in Big 12 Championship Game appearances.
Potential Contenders
Texas Longhorns
TCU Horned Frogs
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Iowa State Cyclones
There isn’t a clear second place team in the Big 12. Texas is receiving the most hype, but they lose almost the entire defense and some key pieces on offense. TCU and Oklahoma State have the supporting cast necessary to make a run, but both need to find a capable starting quarterback. Iowa State returns their entire offensive line and starting QB Brock Purdy… but still only has Iowa State level talent.
Crazy stuff happens in the Big 12 Tier
West Virginia Mountaineers
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Baylor Bears
All three of these teams should be right around six wins and challenging for a bowl. Baylor is in the most stable situation as they return head coach Matt Rhule and both coordinators – something that neither West Virginia or Texas Tech can say. Both the Mountaineers and Red Raiders are resetting with entirely new coaching staffs and not many returning starters. However, all three have either the talent or experience to possibly pull off an upset against one of the potential contenders if they catch them at the right time.
Who Knows Tier
Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas Jayhawks
While the middle of the Big 12 is unknown, the bottom is very clear. Both of the Kansas schools are starting over, but from very different places. Kansas State is finally moving on from Bill Snyder (again) and made a good hire in Chris Klieman. The former North Dakota State head coach has experience in low talent level areas, but it could take a while for him to develop the culture he wants in order to succeed in Manhattan. The Jayhawks tried to save the program by hiring Les Miles. That is definitely an improvement over the last few Kansas coaches, but we have no idea what a Les Miles team will look like in 2019, especially one with minimal talent. All of that adds up to “who knows” what these two teams will look like this coming season.