College Football: One Reason for Optimism for Every Big 12 Team for the 2024 Season

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The 2024 college football season is still several months away, but optimism and hope are building for all 134 teams with every record sitting at 0-0. The Big 12 will expand to 16 teams next year with the arrival of Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah, which will add another layer to a conference that already has a track record of unpredictability.

With little separation among the teams at the top, the ’24 season could see several programs emerge as contenders for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. Arizona, Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, or West Virginia could all garner preseason top 25 consideration.

Although next year is still a long ways away, it’s never too early to start thinking about the ’24 season. Why should every Big 12 team be optimistic next fall? Athlon Sports breaks down a reason for every team to get excited (or be optimistic) about next year:

College Football: One Reason for Optimism for Every Big 12 Team for the 2024 Season

ArizonaNew coach Brent Brennan has a chance for a special season in his debut, especially since the Wildcats were able to retain quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan in Tucson. That duo leads a team coming off a 10-win season and is clearly a program on the rise.

Arizona StateWith a revamped roster and injuries hindering the team throughout ’23, the Sun Devils should be poised to improve in coach Kenny Dillingham’s second year. The development of quarterback Jaden Rashada and a solid transfer haul is a reason to believe in improvement next fall.

BaylorIt’s no secret the ’24 season is a critical one for coach Dave Aranda. A revamped staff provide optimism and hope for improvement. Also, the Bears have a solid transfer class coming to Waco, including former Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn.

BYU

The Cougars received good news at the draft deadline when defensive lineman Tyler Batty (nine TFL) opted to return for ’24. Also, receiver Chase Roberts (42 catches) is back to give the offense a top playmaker on the outside.

Cincinnati

The Bearcats were a team in transition under new coach Scott Satterfield last year. With a full offseason for the roster to develop under Satterfield, as well as a deep haul of transfers, Cincinnati should show improvement in the Big 12. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt running back Corey Kiner, offensive lineman Luke Kandra, and defensive lineman Dontay Corleone passed on the NFL for another year in college.

Colorado

The Buffaloes took a step forward in Deion Sanders’ debut with a 4-8 mark and should push for a winning record in ’24. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter are two of the Big 12’s top players next fall. Also, Coach Prime hit the portal hard for help along the offensive line, which was easily the team’s biggest weakness last year.

Houston

The Cougars made one of the best hires of the ’23-24 coaching carousel with Willie Fritz taking over as head coach. Fritz needs time to fully get this program on track, but Houston should show progress this year.

Iowa StateDespite a couple of key players lost to suspension before the season started, the Cyclones improved their win total from ’22 and are set to contend for a spot in the Big 12 title game in ’24. The offense returns one of the top trios in the conference with quarterback Rocco Becht, running back Abu Sama III, and receiver Jayden Higgins. Expect coordinator Jon Heacock to plug the gaps and keep the defense among the best in the Big 12.

Kansas

The return of quarterback Jalon Daniels from injury is a big reason why Kansas can push for the Big 12 title in ’24. Daniels also has a loaded group of skill players in place around him, including running back Devin Neal. Coach Lance Leipold has this program trending in the right direction going into spring practice.

Kansas State

The Wildcats have one of college football’s biggest rising stars at quarterback in Avery Johnson. Combine Johnson’s emergence with coach Chris Klieman’s ability to reload at key positions, and it’s easy to see why K-State will be back in the Big 12 title hunt in ’24.

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys rallied from a 2-2 start to play in the Big 12 Championship in ’23. The bulk of that team is returning, including star running back Ollie Gordon II (1,732 yards), quarterback Alan Bowman, and receiver Brennan Presley. Coach Mike Gundy’s team might be the preseason favorite to win the Big 12.

TCU

The Horned Frogs went from the national championship game in ’22 to 5-7 last fall. Although a rebound back to the CFB Playoff is unlikely, this roster has too much talent to finish with a losing record once again. Coach Sonny Dykes added a solid haul of transfers to fill gaps on both sides of the ball, while a potentially explosive offense returns quarterback Josh Hoover and receiver Savion Williams.

Texas TechRunning back Tahj Brooks opted to pass on the NFL for another season in Lubbock after recording 1,538 yards and 10 touchdowns in ’23. Quarterback Behren Morton is a player on the rise and capable of carrying this team to an improved record after a 7-6 mark in ’23.

UCF

Of the Big 12’s four newcomers for the ’23 season, the Knights had the best debut at 6-7. Coach Gus Malzahn’s squad reloaded the roster with a solid haul of transfers, including KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) at quarterback to go with standout returners in running back RJ Harvey and receiver Javon Baker.

Utah

The Utes had to navigate several big-time injuries last year, but quarterback Cameron Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe are back for ’24. And even with a few losses on defense, Utah’s group isn’t going anywhere as it looks to play for the Big 12 title in its first season in the conference.

West VirginiaThe Mountaineers were picked to finish last in the Big 12 in ’23 but easily exceeded that prediction with a 9-4 record. With quarterback Garrett Greene and running backs CJ Donaldson and Jahiem White in place, West Virginia could be a top-25 team this fall.