The Big 12 has been a conference defined by parity and unpredictability, with six consecutive unique champions and a new team appearing in the title game in eight of the last nine years. Two seasons ago, Arizona State flipped from 3-9 to conference champions—proof that anything is possible. As spring practices wrap up and hope fills the air across all 16 programs, here are the overreactions that will shape the conversation heading into another pivotal season.
BYU ready to take the next step – With Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby potentially sidelined, the Cougars have a clear path to the top. BYU has gone 23-4 over the last two seasons and looks poised to become the new Big 12 favorite. The offense is clicking, the defense is stingy, and Provo is buzzing with championship aspirations.
Oklahoma State due for an upgrade – The Cowboys have been consistent but not elite in recent years. This spring, however, there's a sense that the talent gap is closing. With key transfers and a renewed focus on physical play, Oklahoma State has the pieces to finally break through and claim a spot in the title hunt.
Arizona can win the Big 12 – After a brief dip, Brent Brennan has the Wildcats back on track. Senior quarterback Noah Fifita leads what could be the conference's best passing attack. If a strong defensive transfer class fills the gaps, Arizona's ceiling is higher than ever.
Omarion Miller could be the Big 12's best receiver – Arizona State lost Jordyn Tyson to the NFL, but the Colorado transfer Miller brings serious intrigue. Despite poor quarterback play in Boulder, Miller posted 45 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he has the size and shiftiness to build on Tyson's legendary career in Tempe.
DJ Lagway can save Baylor – The Bears made a huge splash by adding Lagway, a Baylor legacy and former No. 1 quarterback recruit. He flashed brilliance at Florida but was derailed by injuries and offensive struggles. Now in a quarterback-friendly system, Lagway is poised to take the Bears' offense to the next level.
From Provo to Stillwater, the Big 12 is wide open. Spring optimism is just the beginning—but for these programs, the foundation for something special is already in place.