No Big 12 preseason football poll this year, so we did our own
The Big 12 preseason rankings have been the basis for what the projected season is supposed to look like, but it has its flaws.
They are a prediction, but in recent years they've been way off. Last year, Arizona State was projected as a bottom team in the conference, and the Sun Devils managed to win the Big 12 conference. It wasn't a good look for the poll.
However, it did provide bulletin board material for those bottom teams. There will still be polls from other media outlets to add extra motivation.
Here are the Dominion Post's Big 12 preseason rankings:
Kansas State is one of the many Big 12 teams that returns its quarterback, Avery Johnson, who had a strong 2024. With a year under his belt, it looks to be only up. On the defensive side of the ball, this defensive line unit might be the best in the conference led by Tobi Osunsanmi. With more experience, the Wildcats should be in the running for the top spot at the end of the season.
The Sun Devils were the surprise team of 2024, winning the conference. There are a lot of last year's players back on this year's team. However, the squad might struggle without star running back Cam Skattebo, who was the focal point of the offense.
Texas Tech had one of the best transfer portals this offseason. The Red Raiders have fully taken advantage of NIL and have rumors of one of the most expensive rosters in college football. Will the money translate to the field is the question. It worked for Ohio State a year ago.
It was a big bounce-back year for Baylor, who found its quarterback in Sawyer Robertson. Most of the 8-5 offense is back, too. Some new pieces on defense will patch up a low-ranked defense. This team is full of veterans who could put Baylor in contention for the Big 12 Title.
The Cyclones are always competitive in the conference, and despite a boatload of injuries, managed to make the Big 12 Championship game. With a lot of starters back, Iowa State has a real shot at being back in the title game.
Utah had a disappointing 2024 and was not up to experienced coach Kyle Whittingham's standards. He overhauled the offense, bringing in a new quarterback to potentially bring the Utes back into contention. But it could be a transition year with new faces, setting up the following season.
One of the best quarterbacks, Jalon Daniels, struggled at the start of the season after losing his offensive coordinator to Penn State. There are a couple of key pieces back on the offense and if everything is clicking, it should make for one of the best in the conference. The defense could hinder the success with a lot of new players, though.
The Cougars were in contention to win the conference until early in late June and early July when BYU suspended starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff for violating the university's code, forcing them into a quarterback competition just two months before the start of the season. The defense will still be solid, but without a veteran quarterback, they'll struggle.
The Horned Frogs had a strong 2024. Quarterback Josh Hoover is back, so the air attack won't be an issue. But, the rushing attack was insufficient and might not improve in 2025. The defense should improve with a couple of big names returning. TCU could have a shot in the Big 12 Championship if all areas click.
Colorado was pried of a lot of talent to the NFL this offseason. Most importantly, no Heisman Trophy two-way star Travis Hunter or quarterback Shedeur Sanders. This is a restock year for coach Deion Sanders and company, but Sanders did make some moves that could make them competitive this year.
The Bearcats added a lot of help for returning quarterback Brendan Sorsby to help him take the next step in 2025. The secondary did take a significant blow from the NFL Draft, so it could hold them back in 2025. There's optimism if Sorsby and the secondary perform, Cincinnati could exceed expectations.
There's a lot of work to be done for second-year coach Willie Fritz, especially on the offense. The offense ranked at the bottom of the Big 12. Fritz brought in a familiar coordinator to improve the attack. The defense has a lot of question marks that could keep the Cougars out of bowl contention.
After a disappointing season, Mike Gundy completely overhauled the team through the transfer portal. It won't be an immediate turnaround but it could be a step in the right direction to get the Cowboys competitive again.
The Mountaineers received a complete makeover this year with the arrival of head coach Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez brought in the second-most transfers, so it'll be an almost new team. WVU is another team that doesn't have a starting quarterback yet, so it'll be a season of the unknown. If any coach can make the Mountaineers competitive, it's Rodriguez, who's done it before.
Arizona's underperforming offense lost its biggest stars for 2025, shaping up for another rough season. The Wildcats do get a couple of pieces back from injury, but it won't be enough to be a threat in the conference.
The Golden Knights are one of the few teams this year with a new coach. Scott Frost is back for UCF, hoping to improve a two-win conference team last year. However, its quarterback situation remains an unknown and there weren't enough pieces added surrounding to strengthen the position. The defense could help keep UCF from the bottom of the conference.
Offensive Player of the Year: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State, RS-So.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech, Sr.
Newcomer of the Year: Devon Dampier, QB, Utah, Jr.
Preseason all-Big 12 offense
QB: Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
RB: Bryson Washington, Baylor
RB: Jahiem White, West Virginia.
FB/H-Back: Will Swanson, Kansas State
WR: Eric McAlister, TCU
WR: Chase Roberts, BYU
WR: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
TE: Joe Royer, Cincinnati
OL: Ben Coleman, Arizona State
OL: Spencer Fano, Utah
OL: Bryce Foster, Kansas
OL: Caleb Lomu, Utah
OL: Jordan Seaton, Colorado
PK: Will Ferrin, BYU
PR/KR: Josh Cameron, Baylor
Preseason all-Big 12 defense
DL: David Bailey, Texas Tech
DL: Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
DL: C.J. Fite, Arizona State
DL: Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
DL: Domonique Orange, Iowa State
LB: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
LB: Austin Romaine, Kansas State
LB: Keaton Thomas, Baylor
DB: Xavion Alford, Arizona State
DB: Bud Clark, TCU
DB: Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State
DB: DJ McKinney, Colorado
DB: Jontez Williams, Iowa State
P: Palmer Williams, Baylor
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