Big 12 Football: Preseason Power Rankings After Transfer Portal Activity
Unexpected shifts in the Big 12
Preseason expectations in the Big 12 Conference were upended last season, with teams like Utah and oklahoma State falling short of projections while Arizona State, BYU, and Colorado emerged as contenders. This volatility makes ranking teams challenging,but analyzing the landscape after the spring transfer portal window provides valuable insight into potential frontrunners for the upcoming season.
Top Spot: Arizona State Sun Devils
Despite a modest transfer portal ranking (14th in the Big 12, 55th nationally according to 247 Sports), Arizona State is positioned to lead the conference. The Sun Devils will feel the absence of running back Cam Skattebo, but the return of quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson provides a solid foundation for the offense.
Key Players and New Additions
leavitt is expected to improve after gaining experience as a starter and Tyson is a proven threat at receiver. The addition of running back Kanye Udoh from Army aims to bolster the running game. Although Arizona State didn’t acquire any four-star transfers, they also avoided losing any, maintaining their roster strength.
With a strong defensive core returning, including 10 starters, the reigning Big 12 champion remains the team to beat in the upcoming season.
Iowa State Cyclones Aim High After Stellar Season
247 sports transfer portal rankings: 15th in Big 12, 59th nationally
Iowa State strategically utilized the transfer portal, bringing in a league-low eight transfers. However, their transfer class boasts the second-highest average rating among Big 12 programs at 86.75, according to 247 Sports.
The Cyclones’ key transfer acquisition is former East Carolina wide receiver Chase Sowell, a four-star talent. He, along with UCF’s Xavier Townsend, are expected to fill the void left by NFL draft picks Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins.
With quarterback Rocco Becht returning, expectations are high for the Cyclones after a record-setting 11-win season last year.
BYU Cougars Navigate Roster Changes, Eyeing Big 12 Contention
247 Sports transfer portal rankings: 16th in Big 12, 83rd nationally
After a 5-7 season, BYU prioritized roster continuity last year, a strategy that paid off with an impressive 11-win season, narrowly missing the Big 12 championship game.
This year, the Cougars saw departures through the transfer portal, including All-American Keelan Marion and linebacker Harrison Taggart. They’ve added transfers such as former Michigan offensive tackle Andrew Gentry, Utah defensive tackle keanu Tanuvasa, and the Bachmeier brothers, Hank and Tiger, from Stanford.
Former Oklahoma State defensive tackle Justin Kirkland joins Tanuvasa to reinforce the defensive line after meaningful attrition.
While integrating these new players presents a challenge, BYU hopes its transfer class will address key needs.The Cougars are expected to be in the mix for the Big 12 race, but the newcomers’ integration and quarterback Jake retzlaff’s advancement will determine their contender status.
Big 12 Football: Red Raiders Aim High with Transfer Portal Haul, Wildcats Seek Continued Dominance, Bears Building Momentum
The Big 12 Conference is poised for another exciting football season, with several teams making significant moves to improve their rosters and compete for the championship. Texas Tech has grabbed headlines by going all-in on the transfer portal, while kansas State looks to maintain its consistent success. Baylor hopes to build on a strong end to the previous season.
Texas Tech’s Transfer Portal Overhaul
Texas Tech has aggressively utilized the transfer portal, securing the No. 2 class nationally according to 247 Sports. The Red Raiders’ influx of talent includes 13 four-star transfers, more than the rest of the big 12 combined. Former Stanford edge David Bailey headlines the incoming class, which focuses on bolstering a defense that struggled last season, allowing 34.8 points per game (122nd in FBS).
Kansas State’s Consistent Contender Status
Kansas State has been a model of consistency in the Big 12, achieving nine or more wins in each of the past three seasons and eight or more in five of the past six years. Quarterback Avery Johnson returns for his second year as a starter, now under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Matt wells. Running back Dylan Edwards also returns, poised to form a dynamic duo with Johnson.
Baylor Building on Late-Season Surge
Baylor finished the 2024 season strong, winning six straight games.Quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s leadership of a potent offense, combined with defensive improvements, suggests the Bears are trending upwards. baylor’s transfer portal class, while ranked ninth in the Big 12, boasts a high average player ranking, including four-star quarterback Walker White, adding depth to the position.
Big 12 Football: Utah Utes and TCU Horned Frogs Eye Contender Status After Transfer Portal Moves
SALT LAKE CITY — After a year of rebuilding, the Utah Utes and TCU Horned Frogs are looking to make waves in the Big 12 conference in 2025, fueled by strategic transfer portal acquisitions. Both teams are banking on their new additions to address key weaknesses and elevate their performance on both sides of the ball.
Utah Utes Aim for Offensive Resurgence
Following a disappointing 5-7 season, the utah Utes are generating significant buzz with the arrival of New Mexico transfer quarterback Devon Dampier and new offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Dampier, a dynamic dual-threat QB, is projected to be a key player in the league. The Utes also added four-star running back Wayshawn Parker, who is expected to lead the rushing attack behind what could be one of the nation’s top offensive lines.
Utah’s defense, a consistent strength, kept the team competitive in numerous games last year. The question now is whether the offense can catch up. Utah’s transfer class ranks seventh in the Big 12 and 39th nationally, with an average player ranking of 86.25, placing them fifth in the conference. If the new offensive pieces gel,the Utes have the potential to contend for the Big 12 title,building on the program’s foundation and culture from their back-to-back Pac-12 championships.
TCU Horned Frogs Build on Late-Season momentum
The TCU Horned Frogs, led by Sonny Dykes, aim to build on the momentum from the latter half of the 2024 season, where they won six of their final seven games. TCU’s transfer class is smaller, with 12 additions, but boasts an impressive average player ranking of 86.08, sixth-best in the Big 12.
A key addition is Jordan Dwyer, a four-star wide receiver transfer from Idaho.Dwyer, who recorded 78 receptions for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, is expected to be a major target for quarterback Josh Hoover.
While TCU’s transfer portal ranking sits at 12th in the Big 12 and 52nd nationally,the quality of their additions positions them as a team to watch as they strive to improve their standing in the conference.
Big 12 Football: Power Rankings Shift After Spring Transfer Portal Frenzy
The Big 12 is bracing for a perhaps volatile 2025 football season, with significant roster changes driven by the transfer portal. Several teams are undergoing major transformations, impacting their projected performance and raising questions about their ability to compete.
Colorado’s Roster Overhaul: Can the Buffaloes Repeat Success?
colorado Buffaloes, coming off a strong 9-4 season in 2024, face significant changes.Ranked 20th nationally and 2nd in the big 12 in the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings, the team has welcomed 26 transfers. This influx of new talent is crucial after losing key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders to the NFL.
Kaidon Salter, formerly of liberty, is stepping in as quarterback, while noah King, a four-star safety from Kansas State, aims to bolster the defense. Under coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes appear to be embracing roster turnover through the portal. While the potential is there, realistic expectations are advised as the team integrates numerous new faces.
Kansas Seeks Consistency Amidst Uncertainty
The Kansas Jayhawks present a perplexing outlook for 2025.Their 2024 season was marked by inconsistency: a disappointing 1-5 start followed by significant upsets against top-25 opponents, ultimately finishing 5-7. Kansas ranks 38th nationally and 6th in the Big 12 according to the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels returns after a challenging season, but he’ll be without star running back Devin Neal. The transfer portal has brought in defensive reinforcements, including former South Carolina linebacker Bangally Kamara, a four-star transfer with four seasons of experience at Pitt. Whether Daniels can regain his prior form will be critical to the Jayhawks’ success.
oklahoma State Navigates Transfer Turnover
Oklahoma State’s transfer activity warrants attention.The Cowboys are grappling with significant roster adjustments. (Further details about Oklahoma State are not available in the provided search results.)
Big 12 Football Programs Under Scrutiny After Massive Transfer Portal Activity
Significant roster turnover via the transfer portal has cast a shadow of uncertainty over several Big 12 football programs as they head into the 2025 season. Oklahoma State, West Virginia, and Arizona are grappling with integrating a large number of new players, raising questions about team chemistry and overall competitiveness.
oklahoma State Faces Rebuild After Dismal 2024 Season
Oklahoma State is looking to rebound from a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2024. Head coach Mike Gundy, a program mainstay, faces the challenge of incorporating 38 transfers into the Cowboys’ roster.According to 247Sports, Oklahoma State’s transfer portal class ranks 5th in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally. Among the new faces are former BYU signee Carson Suesue, a linebacker, and former Lehi High tight end Grayson Brousseau, who previously played at Utah State.
West Virginia Navigates Unprecedented roster Overhaul
West virginia has experienced the most dramatic roster change in the Big 12, with a league-high 51 players transferring into the program. The return of Rich rodriguez as head coach brings a spark of optimism, but the sheer volume of new players raises concerns about the team’s ability to gel. 247Sports ranks West Virginia’s transfer portal class 4th in the Big 12 and 31st nationally. Though, their average transfer player rating of 85.45 is among the lowest in the conference, raising questions about the overall talent level of the incoming group.
arizona Embarks on Rebuilding Project Amidst Transfer Influx
Arizona is also undergoing a significant transition, with 26 incoming transfers. after a challenging first year under head coach Brent Brennan, the Wildcats face an uphill battle to become competitive in the Big 12. while quarterback Noah Fifita’s return provides a foundation, 247Sports metrics indicate that Arizona’s incoming transfer class has an average player rating of 85.50, placing them near the bottom of the conference. The Wildcats’ transfer portal class ranks 10th in the Big 12 and 50th nationally.
Big 12 Football: Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF Face Rebuilding Challenges After Transfer Portal Activity
The ever-evolving landscape of college football, fueled by the transfer portal, has left Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF with significant rebuilding tasks heading into the 2025 season. While some teams have successfully reloaded, these three big 12 programs face unique challenges in the wake of key departures and coaching changes.
Houston Cougars aim to Revitalize Offense After Portal Losses
Despite a transfer portal class ranked third in the Big 12 and 28th nationally by 247 Sports, the Houston Cougars (3rd in Big 12, 28th nationally) have experienced notable setbacks. The secondary was particularly hard-hit, losing four-star transfers AJ Haulcy (LSU) and Jeremiah Wilson (Florida State). However, the arrival of former Texas A&M quarterback Conner weigman offers a glimmer of hope for an offense that struggled in 2024. The Cougars’ transfer class boasts an average player rating of 86.00, placing them seventh in the Big 12.
Cincinnati Bearcats Striving for Bowl Eligibility amidst Transition
The Cincinnati Bearcats (11th in Big 12, 51st nationally) are navigating a difficult transition to the power conference level. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby and defensive tackle Dontay Corleone return to provide a solid foundation. The addition of four-star offensive tackle Joe Cotton aims to bolster the offensive line. After a disappointing end to 2024, where they lost five straight games to finish 5-7, the Bearcats are focused on achieving bowl eligibility for the first time as a Big 12 member.
UCF Knights Undergo overhaul with New Coach and Transfers
The UCF Knights (8th in Big 12, 42nd nationally) are set for a significant transformation in 2025. The departure of head coach Guz Malzahn to Florida State has ushered in a rebuilding era under new head coach Scott Frost. With 40 transfers joining the program, the second-most in the Big 12, the Knights are undergoing a complete overhaul on both sides of the ball.While an unexpected surge is possible, UCF is currently projected to be near the bottom of the conference.
UCF Knights Land in Big 12, Poised for Powerhouse Status
ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights are set to officially join the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023, marking a monumental shift poised to elevate the university’s athletic and academic profile. This move positions UCF on a national stage, promising increased revenue, enhanced recruiting opportunities, and fiercer competition.
From Cinderella Story to conference Contender: UCF’s Ascent
UCF’s journey to the Big 12 is a story of rapid growth and ambition. Founded in 1963, the university has transformed from a regional commuter school into a major research institution with a thriving athletic program. the football team, in particular, captured national attention with an undefeated season in 2017, though it was controversially omitted from the College Football Playoff. This success, coupled with a rapidly growing student body exceeding 70,000, made UCF an attractive candidate for conference realignment.
Big 12 expansion: A Strategic Move for the conference
The big 12’s decision to expand, adding UCF along with Brigham Young University (BYU), the university of Cincinnati, and the University of Houston, was driven by the departures of traditional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The additions are aimed to maintain the conference’s competitive edge and media market presence. UCF, located in the growing orlando television market, offers the Big 12 a valuable foothold in Florida.
Financial implications and Future Prospects
Joining the Big 12 is expected to bring a significant financial windfall to UCF. Increased television revenue,ticket sales,and merchandise sales will provide the athletic department with the resources to invest in facilities,coaching staff,and student-athlete support. The move is also anticipated to boost university enrollment and alumni engagement.Furthermore, being part of a Power Five conference enhances the university’s academic reputation, attracting top faculty and researchers.
Challenges Ahead: Maintaining Momentum in a new Landscape
While the future looks bright, UCF faces challenges in its transition to the Big 12.The competition will be significantly tougher, requiring the Knights to elevate their performance across all sports. Maintaining a competitive football program will be crucial to sustaining the initial excitement and momentum. Success in the Big 12 demands continued investment and strategic planning to ensure that UCF can not only compete but also thrive in its new conference home.
How might Colorado’s reliance on the transfer portal, while addressing immediate needs after key player departures, impact the long-term development of team cohesion and a consistent program identity?
Colorado’s Roster Overhaul: Can the Buffaloes Repeat Success?
Colorado’s Roster Overhaul: Can the Buffaloes Repeat Success?
Colorado Buffaloes, coming off a strong 9-4 season in 2024, face critically important changes. Ranked 20th nationally and 2nd in the big 12 in the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings, the team has welcomed 26 transfers. This influx of new talent is crucial after losing key players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders to the NFL.
Kaidon Salter, formerly of liberty, is stepping in as quarterback, while noah King, a four-star safety from Kansas State, aims to bolster the defense. Under coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes appear to be embracing roster turnover through the portal. While the potential is there, realistic expectations are advised as the team integrates numerous new faces.
Kansas Seeks Consistency Amidst Uncertainty
The Kansas Jayhawks present a perplexing outlook for 2025. Their 2024 season was marked by inconsistency: a disappointing 1-5 start followed by significant upsets against top-25 opponents,ultimately finishing 5-7. Kansas ranks 38th nationally and 6th in the Big 12 according to the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels returns after a challenging season, but he’ll be without star running back Devin Neal. The transfer portal has brought in defensive reinforcements, including former South Carolina linebacker Bangally Kamara, a four-star transfer with four seasons of experience at Pitt. Whether Daniels can regain his prior form will be critical to the Jayhawks’ success.
Oklahoma State Navigates Transfer Turnover
Oklahoma State’s transfer activity warrants attention. The Cowboys are grappling with significant roster adjustments. (Further details about Oklahoma State are not available in the provided search results.)
Big 12 football Programs Under Scrutiny After Massive Transfer Portal Activity
Significant roster turnover via the transfer portal has cast a shadow of uncertainty over several Big 12 football programs as they head into the 2025 season. Oklahoma State, West virginia, and Arizona are grappling with integrating a large number of new players, raising questions about team chemistry and overall competitiveness.
Oklahoma State Faces Rebuild After Dismal 2024 Season
Oklahoma State is looking to rebound from a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2024. Head coach Mike Gundy, a program mainstay, faces the challenge of incorporating 38 transfers into the Cowboys’ roster. According to 247Sports, Oklahoma State’s transfer portal class ranks 5th in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally. among the new faces are former BYU signee Carson Suesue, a linebacker, and former Lehi High tight end Grayson Brousseau, who previously played at Utah State.
West Virginia Navigates Unprecedented Roster Overhaul
west Virginia has experienced the most dramatic roster change in the Big 12, with a league-high 51 players transferring into the program. The return of Rich Rodriguez as head coach brings a spark of optimism, but the sheer volume of new players raises concerns about the team’s ability to gel. 247Sports ranks West Virginia’s transfer portal class 4th in the Big 12 and 31st nationally. Though, their average transfer player rating of 85.45 is among the lowest in the conference, raising questions about the overall talent level of the incoming group.
arizona Embarks on Rebuilding Project Amidst Transfer Influx
Arizona is also undergoing a significant transition, with 26 incoming transfers. after a challenging first year under head coach Brent Brennan, the Wildcats face an uphill battle to become competitive in the Big 12. while quarterback Noah Fifita’s return provides a foundation, 247Sports metrics indicate that Arizona’s incoming transfer class has an average player rating of 85.50, placing them near the bottom of the conference. The Wildcats’ transfer portal class ranks 10th in the Big 12 and 50th nationally.
Big 12 Football: Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF Face Rebuilding Challenges After Transfer Portal Activity
The ever-evolving landscape of college football, fueled by the transfer portal, has left Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF with significant rebuilding tasks heading into the 2025 season. While some teams have successfully reloaded, these three big 12 programs face unique challenges in the wake of key departures and coaching changes.
Houston Cougars aim to Revitalize Offense After Portal losses
Despite a transfer portal class ranked third in the Big 12 and 28th nationally by 247 Sports, the Houston Cougars (3rd in Big 12, 28th nationally) have experienced notable setbacks. The secondary was particularly hard-hit, losing four-star transfers AJ Haulcy (LSU) and Jeremiah Wilson (Florida State). However, the arrival of former Texas A&M quarterback Conner weigman offers a glimmer of hope for an offense that struggled in 2024. The Cougars’ transfer class boasts an average player rating of 86.00, placing them seventh in the Big 12.
Cincinnati Bearcats Striving for Bowl Eligibility amidst Transition
The Cincinnati Bearcats (11th in Big 12, 51st nationally) are navigating a tough transition to the power conference level. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby and defensive tackle Dontay Corleone return to provide a solid foundation. The addition of four-star offensive tackle Joe Cotton aims to bolster the offensive line. After a disappointing end to 2024, where they lost five straight games to finish 5-7, the Bearcats are focused on achieving bowl eligibility for the first time as a Big 12 member.
UCF Knights Undergo overhaul with New Coach and Transfers
The UCF knights (8th in big 12, 42nd nationally) are set for a significant conversion in 2025. The departure of head coach Guz Malzahn to Florida State has ushered in a rebuilding era under new head coach Scott Frost. With 40 transfers joining the program, the second-most in the Big 12, the Knights are undergoing a complete overhaul on both sides of the ball.While an unexpected surge is absolutely possible, UCF is currently projected to be near the bottom of the conference.
UCF Knights Land in Big 12, Poised for Powerhouse Status
ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights are set to officially join the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023, marking a monumental shift poised to elevate the university’s athletic and academic profile. This move positions UCF on a national stage, promising increased revenue, enhanced recruiting opportunities, and fiercer competition.
From Cinderella story to conference Contender: UCF’s Ascent
UCF’s journey to the Big 12 is a story of rapid growth and ambition. founded in 1963, the university has transformed from a regional commuter school into a major research institution with a thriving athletic program.the football team, in particular, captured national attention with an undefeated season in 2017, though it was controversially omitted from the College Football Playoff.This success, coupled with a rapidly growing student body exceeding 70,000, made UCF an attractive candidate for conference realignment.
Big 12 expansion: A Strategic Move for the conference
The big 12’s decision to expand, adding UCF along with Brigham Young University (BYU), the university of Cincinnati, and the University of Houston, was driven by the departures of conventional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The additions are aimed to maintain the conference’s competitive edge and media market presence. UCF, located in the growing orlando television market, offers the Big 12 a valuable foothold in Florida.
Financial implications and Future Prospects
Joining the Big 12 is expected to bring a significant financial windfall to UCF. Increased television revenue, ticket sales,and merchandise sales will provide the athletic department with the resources to invest in facilities,coaching staff,and student-athlete support. The move is also anticipated to boost university enrollment and alumni engagement.Furthermore, being part of a Power Five conference enhances the university’s academic reputation, attracting top faculty and researchers.
Challenges ahead: Maintaining Momentum in a new Landscape
While the future looks bright, UCF faces challenges in its transition to the Big 12. The competition will be significantly tougher, requiring the Knights to elevate their performance across all sports. Maintaining a competitive football program will be crucial to sustaining the initial excitement and momentum. success in the big 12 demands continued investment and strategic planning to ensure that UCF can not only compete but also thrive in its new conference home.
Big 12 Football Q&A
what’s the biggest challenge facing Colorado this season?
Integrating a large number of new players, especially at key positions like quarterback, will be vital. Building team chemistry quickly will be key to overcoming this challenge.
Which team is most likely to surprise in the Big 12?
Keep an eye on Iowa State. They are strategically using the transfer portal and have a strong returning quarterback.
What’s the importance of UCF joining the Big 12?
UCF’s move is a strategic play to enhance the conference’s reach in a new market and offset the loss of traditional powerhouses. This will boost the program’s revenue, recruiting, and academic standing, though, UCF must prove themselves against tougher competition.
What’s the key factor for the success of the Kansas Jayhawks?
Quarterback Jalon Daniels’ ability to return to his previous form. if he can, Kansas has a shot to do well, as they are getting defensive reinforcements.
With the transfer portal playing a huge role in setting up the 2025 Big 12 football season,expect some surprise performances and plenty of excitement. Stay tuned to see how these programs adapt and thrive in the new landscape.
