Big 12 Predictions

Who Will Emerge from the Big 12?

In my view, there are five serious contenders:

• Utah Utes

• Arizona Wildcats

• Oklahoma State Cowboys

• Kansas State Wildcats

• Kansas Jayhawks

And for the fun of it, let's toss in the West Virginia Mountaineers.

With the Big 12 title determined by conference win percentage, let's examine which of these six teams has the most favorable path to Arlington.

Conference Schedules Breakdown:

Utah Utes
Utah faces an early gauntlet with trips to Oklahoma State and a home game against Arizona. Things ease up after that, with only @Colorado and @UCF looking like potential traps. Their conference schedule suggests an 88.8% win rate (8-1). But I’m not convinced—Cam Rising's health is a big question mark. If he’s not 100%, I’m snoozing on the Utes.

Arizona Wildcats
If you read my last post, you know I’m fully on board the Wildcats bandwagon. And after seeing their schedule, I’m even more confident. They open Big 12 play at Utah, a tough start no doubt—Rice-Eccles Stadium is no joke on a Saturday night. But if they win that game, I’m calling it: Arizona runs the table. Punch their ticket to Arlington.

Oklahoma State Cowboys
Kicking off with Utah, @Kansas State, and West Virginia isn’t exactly a dream start. I think it’s too much for the Cowboys. Ollie Gordon will shine, but I see them dropping 2-3 conference games, landing at a 66.6% win rate (6-3). Get ready for the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl, Cowboys.

Kansas State Wildcats
I’ll be honest, I’m not too sure about K-State this year. Their schedule looks favorable, though, with their toughest opponents being home games against Oklahoma State and Kansas. But with a first-year QB, I expect them to stumble once or twice. Let’s pencil them in for a 77.7% win rate (7-2).

Kansas Jayhawks
As I looked through the other schedules, one thing stood out: I didn’t see Kansas pop up much. Their slate might just be the easiest in the Big 12. If they can knock off Kansas State on the road, they could finish with an 88.8% win rate (8-1). Depending on Cam Rising’s health and the tiebreaker rules, this could very well put them in the Big 12 Championship.

West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia has a brutal schedule, facing nearly every top team in the conference. Unless Garrett Greene pulls off a miracle, I see the Mountaineers dropping at least three conference games. My prediction: a 55.5% win rate (5-4). Maybe next year, Mountaineers.

Big 12 Championship Prediction:

Arizona vs. Kansas

Winner goes on to snag a top 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, with a first-round bye.