Big 12 Football Preseason Rankings 2023

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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26-11-2024

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The 2023 college football season is fast approaching, and the Big 12 Conference is poised for another exciting year. With a shifting landscape and several teams vying for the top spot, predicting the pecking order is a challenging but compelling task. This preseason ranking considers returning talent, coaching changes, and overall team strength to provide an informed projection of how the Big 12 might unfold.

Preseason Top 5:

1. Texas: The Longhorns enter the season with high expectations, boasting a potent offense and a strengthened defense under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian. Their recruiting prowess and returning key players position them as the favorites to claim the Big 12 crown.

2. Oklahoma: Despite a coaching change, Oklahoma’s consistent recruiting and established program give them a strong base. Brent Venables' second year will be crucial, and their success hinges on offensive consistency and defensive solidity.

3. Kansas State: The Wildcats' surprise success in 2022 can't be ignored. Their experienced roster and proven coaching staff make them a serious contender once again, though replacing key players will be a significant test.

4. TCU: While losing key players from their incredible 2022 run, TCU still possesses the coaching talent and system to compete for a top spot in the conference. Their ability to reload quickly will determine their ultimate placement.

5. Baylor: The Bears, under Dave Aranda, remain a consistent program known for strong defense and disciplined play. Their success will depend on developing offensive firepower to complement their defensive strengths.

The Contenders:

Several other teams are capable of making significant noise and upsetting the established order: Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and West Virginia all possess the talent and coaching to win games and potentially challenge the top teams. Their performance will hinge on key players stepping up and consistently executing their game plans.

Factors to Consider:

The Big 12's competitiveness ensures an unpredictable season. Several factors beyond pure talent will play a key role:

• Coaching Changes: The impact of new coaching staffs at Oklahoma and elsewhere will be a major storyline.
• Quarterback Play: Strong quarterback play remains paramount. The success of several teams will depend heavily on the performance of their signal-callers.
• Offensive and Defensive Lines: Domination in the trenches will be a significant factor in determining winners and losers.

The Bottom Line:

The 2023 Big 12 season promises to be a thrilling race to the finish. While Texas starts as the favorite, the conference's depth and competitiveness mean that the final standings could look vastly different come November. This preseason ranking provides a snapshot in time, but expect plenty of shakeups and surprises throughout the season.