As we gear up for the 2024 college football season, the Big 12 is set for a dramatic transformation.
With powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC and new contenders like Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah joining the fray, the competition is heating up.
Plus, last year’s additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF have shaken things up even further.
So, who are the early frontrunners for the coveted Big 12 Championship? Let’s see who FanDuel college football odds favor and who has the potential to surprise us.
Kansas State
Kansas State has shown they can rise to the occasion, and as we look toward the 2024 season, they’re definitely a team to watch in the reshaped Big 12 landscape. The departure of Texas and Oklahoma opens the door for a new champion, and KSU has both the talent and tenacity to seize that opportunity. Their impressive 9-4 finish last season, coupled with a solid 6-3 conference record, demonstrates their competitiveness even amid change.
Although the Wildcats will have to adapt to some significant roster shifts, particularly in the passing game with the loss of top receivers Ben Sinnott and Phillip Brooks, hope springs eternal with promising young players stepping into the spotlight. Avery Johnson, with his quick rise during his freshman season, showcased his skills by taking home the MVP award at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. His dual-threat capabilities, paired with returning running back DJ Giddens—who racked up over 1,226 rushing yards last season—promise an exciting offensive strategy.
Coach Chris Kleiman has a knack for developing talent, and with the right adjustments, Kansas State could very well come out on top in the new-look Big 12. This could be the start of a new era for the Wildcats as they aim for another shot at championship glory.
Utah
As the newest addition to the Big 12, the Utah Utes bring with them a wealth of experience and the hope of returning to their previous glory. After winning back-to-back Pac-12 championships in 2021 and 2022, their 2023 season was a frustrating turnaround, finishing with an 8-5 record largely due to injuries that plagued the roster.
The focal point for Utah in 2024 will undoubtedly be quarterback Cam Rising, who is back for his fifth season after missing the previous year with a knee injury. Rising’s impressive track record includes over 3,000 passing yards in his last full season, making him a critical piece in lifting the Utes’ performance. He’ll be reunited with a familiar face in tight end Brant Kuithe, who also missed all of 2023 due to injury. Kuithe was generating NFL Draft buzz before his torn ACL sidelined him, and his return promises to enrich Utah’s offensive play.
Additionally, running back Micah Bernard is expected to make a healthy comeback after an injury hampered his 2023 campaign; he logged over 500 yards in the seasons prior. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s teams are known for their toughness and defensive acumen, so if health can be maintained, the Utes could be real contenders once again, poised to reclaim their championship status in the Big 12.
Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks are definitely a team to keep an eye on as we head into the 2024 season. Under the guidance of Coach Lance Leipold, this program has experienced a remarkable resurgence, progressing from a dismal 2-10 record in 2021 to an impressive 9-4 finish last season, marking their best record since 2007. While Kansas has historically struggled in college football, the current trajectory suggests that they could finally be poised to make some noise in the Big 12.
Key to their potential success will be the health and performance of star quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has shown flashes of brilliance but was sidelined for much of last season. If he can stay healthy, his dual-threat ability will be complemented by standout running back Devin Neal, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year and is a pivotal part of the offense.
The defense also has a strong asset in First-Team All-Conference cornerback Cobee Bryant, who will be crucial in shutting down opposing pass games. With the landscape of the conference shifting and the opportunity for a new champion, Kansas could very well make history in 2024 by claiming its first Big 12 title.
Other Teams
In addition to the frontrunners, the expanded Big 12 features teams like Arizona that merit attention. Coming off a solid 10-3 season, the Wildcats were on the rise until they faced a coaching shakeup after Jedd Fisch’s departure for Washington. Now under Brent Brennan, formerly of San Jose State, Arizona might be a wildcard. They boast a powerful pairing in quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who could form one of the most explosive duos in college football. However, the key question remains: can they maintain their momentum without continuity in coaching?
Turning to the familiar faces in the conference, Texas Tech and Iowa State offer intriguing narratives. Both teams are listed at +1000 odds, but Iowa State could be the sleeper pick. With an impressive 86% returning production, they’re armed with the best defense in the league, featuring standout players like safety Jeremiah Cooper and linebacker Beau Freyler.
Offensively, quarterback Rocco Becht is expected to take a leap in his performance, supported by a stable offensive line and key receiving corps. With the competitiveness of the Big 12 in flux, expect plenty of surprises as these teams battle for supremacy.
