By Rock Westfall
In 1960, the American Football League was formed to challenge the National Football League. The AFL never would have emerged had the greedy NFL simply sold AFL founder Lamar Hunt an expansion franchise in Dallas. The new league was given no chance to succeed with the owners labeled “The Foolish Club.” Yet within ten years, thanks to an exciting brand of quality football, the AFL achieved full parity with the NFL, with all ten of its clubs surviving to gain a merger. The AFL beat the NFL in the final two pre-merger Super Bowls to gain a 2-2 split with the “superior league” and was renowned for being more entertaining in the process.
The Big 12 Conference, in its current configuration, was also born out of greed and a superiority complex of the SEC and Big Ten . Like the AFL, the Big 12 is being ranked as a second-class outfit of castoff programs and players. But the conference has the potential to grow and perhaps one day achieve parity with the two superpower conferences. The Big 12 will likely be the most exciting league in college football, with an entertainment factor, quality coaches, and dynamic quarterbacks that will foster its growth.
New Blood, New Look, Increased Excitement
For 2024, the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns are off to the SEC. But the Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, Colorado Buffaloes, and Utah Utes arrive as new Big 12 members.
Whether Colorado is good or not, it will draw eyeballs for every game if Deion Sanders is on the sidelines as head coach and his son Shedeur Sanders is under center. With a revolving door roster, it’s impossible to project Colorado’s ability on the gridiron . But there is no doubt the Buffs will be a box office bonanza and a program that constantly keeps the Big 12 in the headlines.
The Utah Utes bring substance, with recent Pac-12 championships in 2021 and 2022 and the most complete roster in the league. QB Cameron Rising leads an offense that averaged 38.6 points per game in 2023. Utah is complemented with a stout defense that will frustrate opponents and make them a favorite to take the league crown. Head coach Kyle Whittingham is in the elite class to complete a championship program.
Arizona boasts a young and improving roster led by quarterbacking sensation Noah Fifita . New head coach Brent Brennan inherits an offense that should become one of the best in the country. Few programs will offer a greater entertainment value than Fifita and the Cats.
Sunflower State Sensations
Two established Big 12 programs are among the preseason favorites to contend for the Big 12 championship. The Kansas State Wildcats won the 2022 Big 12 title and play a brand of complementary football that is conducive to success. Meanwhile, head coach Lance Leipold has quickly transformed the Kansas Jayhawks into a contender after years of misery as the worst program in the sport.
K-State is led by new starting quarterback Avery Johnson , who flashed his dual-threat brilliance in limited playing time. Johnson is so good that Will Howard , the 2022 championship quarterback, was encouraged to transfer to Ohio State. Head coach Chris Klieman has established himself in the elite class yet has rejected other opportunities to stay in “The Little Apple.”
Kansas can match K-State in the quarterback room with the dynamic Jalon Daniels , who returns after missing most of last season due to injury. KU has such an appealing culture and future that Daniels rejected transfer portal offers to stay in Lawrence, which was an unthinkable scenario not that long ago.
Pistols Firing and Guns Up
Oklahoma State recovered from a 2-2 start to end up in the 2023 Big 12 championship game. The Pokes are led by Ollie Gordon II , arguably the best running back in college football. Head coach Mike Gundy , an OSU alum and former QB, is firmly ensconced as the program's GOAT. Okie State is perennially one of the most exciting teams in college football.
Texas Tech hired head coach Joey McGuire because of his recruiting connections in the Lone Star State. McGuire will lead a talented offense led by quarterback Behren Morton and All-American running back Tahj Brooks . The Red Raiders will be involved in plenty of mesmerizing shootouts this season.
Quality Depth Will Make for Unpredictable Show
In addition to the teams mentioned above, the Big 12 will be the best show on turf because of its depth. West Virginia rallied to save coach Neal Brown ’s job by going 9-4 last year. The Mounties have plenty of experience, led by QB Garrett Greene and a deep backfield. West Virginia is a serious threat to make the Big 12 championship game.
Head coach Matt Campbell has made the Iowa State Cyclones one of the most dangerous teams and toughest outs in the Big 12, especially at Jack Trice Stadium. QB Rocco Becht will lead an offense that will put points on the board.
The TCU Horned Frogs are just two years removed from playing in the national championship game. Head coach Sonny Dykes saw his program take a step back last year, but QB Josh Hoover is expected to reignite the attack.
UCF is the sleeper of the league. With offensive wizard head coach Gus Malzahn and Arkansas transfer quarterback KJ Jefferson , UCF has the potential to be a scoring machine that could turn the Big 12 race upside down.
Showtime With Prime Time
If you seek entertaining football with plenty of offense, the Big 12 Conference is one-stop shopping. The Big 12 offers elite quarterbacking, innovative coaching, underrated players, and the potential to become a fan favorite because of its fireworks. It’s games will consistently offer superior excitement and unpredictability.
The league has a brassy commissioner , Brett Yormark , who vows to make the Big 12 the number one conference in America. He may even someday poach Florida State, Clemson, and Miami-FL from the ACC, where those schools are unfulfilled and want out but have nowhere to go. At least not yet.
If the AFL could reach parity and full partnership with the NFL within a decade, the Big 12 would stand an even better chance against the SEC and Big Ten. Starting in 2024, exciting, thrill-a-minute football would be its ticket to growth and success.
One thing is certain: those who turn into Big 12 games will not regret it and will get full value for their time investment.
Without question, the Big 12 Fan Club will not be of the foolish variety.
Most Popular
Comments / 0