The Big 12 has undergone some significant changes with the departure of long-time members Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC. However, the conference’s new look brings a fresh and exciting dynamic. The 2024 season promises to showcase great talent, and the Big 12 is set to be as entertaining as ever. With that in mind, here are my predictions for the 2024 Big 12 season.
The New Big 12 Teams
Arizona Wildcats (8-4)
The Arizona Wildcats have some momentum coming into 2024. Last season was their first winning season since 2017 and tied for the most wins that they have had since the 1980’s. With Jedd Fisch leaving to be the new head coach of the Washington Huskies. Arizona went out and brought in Brent Brennan who was the San Jose State head coach last season. Brennan brings a great offensive style that will benefit their star quarterback/wide receiver duo in Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan. I expect this offense to put up similar numbers in 2024.
Defensively, is where the team could struggle. The entire defensive line was made up through the transfer portal. Good news is that they are bringing back some talent from last year’s squad throughout the secondary. They also bring back the Pac-12’s leading tackler in Jacob Manu at linebacker who is huge for the Wildcats defense. Arizona’s first Big 12 schedule looks to be fun to watch and I have them getting to eight wins in their first Big 12 season.
Arizona State Sun Devils (4-8)
The Arizona State Sun Devils struggled last year. However, this season they have some good bright spots if they can stay healthy. They brought in Sam Leavitt (Michigan State) and Jaden Rashada (Georiga) to compete for the starting quarterback job. A wide out to keep an eye on is Troy Omeire. At 6’4 he is a big play threat and could end his collegiate career with a bang. The Sun Devils added talent in the transfer portal and should have more options of guys who can play offensively.
This Sun Devils defense is going through a great makeover. Their secondary looks like it is going to be their strong spot led by Shamari Simmons. Linebacker core brought in some additions to make the linebacker room relatively deep. At defensive line, Prince Dorbah is a good pass rusher and they have some quality options to be able to rotate and keep guys fresh throughout the game. Look for the Sun Devils to take a step forward, but I think they are a year away from being a potential contender in the Big 12.
Colorado Buffaloes (5-7)
This is the team that everyone is excited about joining the Big 12. Deion Sanders’ Colorado squad is going to look to shock the college football world. Led by star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, this Buffaloes offense is looking to keep Sanders off the ground. Their offensive line was the worst among the Power Five teams last year in sacks allowed. With a combo of Sanders and Travis Hunter, this Colroado offense should give teams problems in the Big 12 this year.
This Colorado defense were bottom 10 nationally in yards allowed per game and points per game a season ago. They are changing to a 4-2-5 scheme that should make the defense flow a lot better in 2024. New defensive coordinator Robert Livingston has a challenge ahead of him. This group has talent and have improved, however their chemistry is going to be the big concern all season long. Look for Colorado to put up a fight in their first season back in the Big 12.
Utah Utes (9-3)
The Utah Utes were a contender in the Pac-12, and in their first season in the Big 12 they are a contender as well. However, this Utes offense will strive as long as Cameron Rising is healthy. We saw how they looked like a shell of themselves offensively last year when he missed the year due to blowing his knee out in the Rose Bowl the season prior. Wittingham went out and got Rising a big threat in Dorian Singer (USC). If Rising is healthy they are one of the better offenses in the Big 12.
Defensively, we know how talented they are. They return eight starters from a season ago, but they need to make up for Jonah Elliss’ 12 sacks from a season ago. Even with this loss, they still have talented guys like Lander Barton and Logan Fano. At the end of the day, this is one of if not the best defensive unit in the Big 12. The Big 12 offenses should be put on notice when the Utes of Utah come to town.
The Don’s Win Total Bets
Baylor Bears Over 5.5 -105
This is a bowl eligible team and I am beyond excited about the Bears from Baylor in 2024. Their head coach Dave Aranda is definitely on the hot seat after last season. This team struggled offensively and defensively last season. On the defensive side of the football, Aranda is now calling plays and the last time he was calling plays on defense, LSU won the national title in 2019. He is going to put this unit back on the map in my opinion for the 2024 season.
With the offensive struggles, Aranda went out and got Jake Spavital the former Texas State head coach and made him his offensive coordinator. He is going to unlock the keys of this offense and with Dequan Finn coming in from Toledo, this offense is going to shine in 2024. Another big name they have is Dominic Richardson at running back. This offense turns a leaf and helps get this team over the 5.5 win total that is set for 2024.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Over 7.5 -115
The Red Raiders are going to be a threat in the Big 12 in 2024. Offensively, they still have their top five running back in the country in Tahj Brooks. Texas Tech also has a five star freshman Micah Hudson who is going to make an impact from the beginning. Their offensive line took a big step forward as they brought in some talent in the transfer portal.
Defensively, the Red Raiders will look to build off the momentum that they had last season. Their linebacker duo of Jacob Rodriguez and Ben Roberts are arguably the most impactful defenders in the conference. With the way that their schedule lines up, this team can easily win over eight games in 2024.
UCF Golden Knights Over 7.5 -105
I am in love with this UCF team in 2024. Led by their new quarterback KJ Jefferson, this UCF offense is going to take a big step forward. I think Jefferson was a home run acquisition for Gus Malzahn and company. This offense also has RJ Harvey who rushed for 1,416 rushing yards last year for UCF. The Golden Knights are going to be a top three offense in the Big 12 this season.
Defensively, was UCF’s biggest issue last year. They brought in some proven starters through the transfer portal and have put together a good group on the defensive side of the football. With their schedule, I think UCF can get over the win total here in their second year of the Big 12.
Conference Champions Pick
My Big 12 conference championship pick is Oklahoma State +650. The Cowboys are going to be led by Ollie Gordon who helped lead the Cowboys to the Big 12 title game last season. I think this time, Gundy’s squad gets the job done. They have a favorable schedule especially getting Utah and Texas Tech at home this season. Oklahoma State has to go to Kansas State, but I think they have a good chance to win that game. The Cowboys are going to win the Big 12 and head to the College Football Playoff this season. Ride the Cowboys to win the Big 12 conference championship game.
