ESPN Analyst Names Overlooked Big 12 Program As Contender For Conference Title

The Big 12 added the Utah Utes, Colorado Buffaloes, Arizona Wildcats, and Arizona State Sun Devils this offseason. However, one team that was already a member was named a conference title contender.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg recently appeared with radio station KSL Sports in Salt Lake City, Utah, to discuss the upcoming Big 12 season. Rittenberg named the Kansas State Wildcats one of his conference title contenders.

The Texas Longhorns won the Big 12 title last season after beating the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the championship game. Texas and the Oklahoma Sooners are now in the SEC.

"You start off with certainly teams like Utah, Kansas State, and perhaps Arizona," Rittenberg said. "Oklahoma State made the league title game last year, and they're one of the oldest teams in the country. They bring back practically everyone."

The program is no stranger to competing for a Big 12 title. Kansas State beat the TCU Horned Frogs in overtime to claim the conference title in 2022.

This offseason, the program lost starting quarterback Will Howard to the transfer portal. Howard is now with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Avery Johnson is the expected starter at QB for Kansas State. Another critical loss for Kansas State was cornerback Will Lee to the Texas A&M Aggies.

The team also added players like former Colorado running back Dylan Edwards, former New Mexico Lobos linebacker Alec Marenco, and former BYU Cougars CB Quenton Rice from the portal.

This season, critical returners for Kansas State include safety VJ Payne, RB DJ Giddens, CB Jacob Parrish, and defensive back Marques Sigle.

The Wildcats face the UT Martin Skyhawks to open the season on Aug. 31.

Related: Greg McElroy Names Big 12 College Football Playoff Contender For 2024